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The David Rockefeller Fund Inc

Annual Giving
$4.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.3M

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The David Rockefeller Fund Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.5 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $500 - $250,000 (median $25,000)
  • Geographic Focus: United States (24 states)

Contact Details

Overview

The David Rockefeller Fund Inc, established in 1989 by David and Peggy Rockefeller, is a private family foundation with approximately $63.3 million in assets. The foundation is dedicated to advancing more just, creative, and flourishing communities by investing in catalytic ideas, people, efforts, and institutions. With annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4.5 million, the fund focuses on three primary areas: ecological regeneration, justice system transformation, and art for social impact. The foundation prides itself on its willingness to tackle difficult social issues that other funders often avoid, maintaining a nimble and collaborative approach to philanthropy that honours the Rockefeller family's charitable legacy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The fund provides grants to U.S.-based, tax-exempt non-profit organisations in three core programme areas:

  • Arts Programme: Cultivating and showcasing innovative art for social change, with emphasis on work that centres marginalised communities and advances social justice
  • Climate Programme: Supporting bold, science-based U.S. leadership on climate solutions, particularly focusing on communities of colour most affected by the climate crisis
  • Justice Programme: Transforming U.S. detention and incarceration policy through support for grassroots organising and decarceration policies

Priority Areas

  • Early-stage ideas and innovative approaches
  • Projects that can leverage additional funding through collaboration
  • Initiatives with potential to achieve scale or sustainability
  • Organisations mobilising communities directly impacted by issues (60% of grantees)
  • Arts organisations advancing social justice and civic engagement
  • Climate justice organising efforts
  • Criminal justice reform and decarceration initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation focuses exclusively on U.S.-based, tax-exempt non-profit organisations and does not fund individuals, scholarships, international programmes, or for-profit entities.

Governance and Leadership

  • CEO: Lourdes J. Rodríguez, DrPH (compensation: $234,000)
  • Secretary/COO: Lexi Fisher (compensation: $176,392)
  • Board Chair: Clay Rockefeller

The foundation involves multiple generations of the Rockefeller family in philanthropic work, providing a learning environment for family members to engage in grant-making.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The David Rockefeller Fund does not accept letters of inquiry. The foundation is currently prioritising sustained support for ongoing grant partners as they engage in a multi-year strategy development process. The fund works primarily through invitation and pre-existing relationships, identifying potential grantees through their network and strategic priorities.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on available information, organisations interested in funding should:

  • Contact the fund via email at info@drfund.org or by phone at (212) 812-4300 to introduce their work
  • Demonstrate clear alignment with one of the three programme areas
  • Show how their work directly impacts affected communities
  • Present innovative, early-stage ideas with potential for scale

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

The foundation supports a limited number of grants annually, though specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly stated

Application Success Factors

According to the foundation's stated philosophy, successful partnerships are characterised by:

  • Treating the foundation as "equal partners" rather than simply funders
  • Willingness to tackle difficult social issues that other funders avoid
  • Quick responsiveness and collaborative approach
  • Focus on addressing root causes of problems
  • Work that tests bold ideas and reaches new audiences
  • Clear potential to leverage additional funding
  • Direct mobilisation of impacted communities

The foundation values organisations that can utilise their network and advocacy support beyond just financial resources.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The David Rockefeller Fund operates primarily as an invitation-only funder and does not accept letters of inquiry
  • The fund is currently prioritising sustained support for ongoing grant partners during a multi-year strategy development process
  • Focus areas are highly specific: arts for social change, climate justice, and criminal justice reform
  • The foundation values innovative, early-stage ideas over established programmes
  • Geographic scope includes 24 states, with 40% of grantees doing statewide work
  • Grants range from $500 to $250,000, with a median grant size of approximately $25,000
  • Strong emphasis on organisations directly serving and mobilising impacted communities
  • Building a relationship through direct contact via email or phone may be the first step to potential funding

References

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