← Back to US Funders Directory

Lanza Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
$4K - $1.0M
00

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,320,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Average grant size $11,100, median $3,800
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Westchester and Putnam Counties, NY

Contact Details

Address: 500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 Phone: (914) 381-8900 Administrative Contact: C/o PKF O'Connor Davies

Note: The foundation does not have a public website or published contact information for grant applications.

Overview

The Lanza Family Foundation was established in 1996 by Frank and Patricia Lanza, following Frank's success as co-founder of L-3 Communications Holdings, a defense contractor. After Patricia Lanza's death in 2014, the foundation came under the leadership of her son, Louis Lanza (President), with brothers Anthony Lanza (Treasurer) and James Lanza (Secretary). With assets of approximately $28.3 million, the foundation distributed $1.32 million across 112 grants in 2024. The foundation's mission centers on helping minorities overcome financial impediments in order to have equal opportunities, while also supporting first responders, veterans, children, and under-represented voices in society. Under Louis Lanza's leadership, the foundation has adopted a more focused geographic approach, concentrating on Westchester and Putnam Counties where the foundation can directly observe the impact of its giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation without formally structured grant programs. Recent data shows:

  • Average grant size: $11,100
  • Median grant size: $3,800
  • Annual grants: Approximately 112-118 grants per year
  • Application method: No public application process; grants appear to be made through trustee discretion

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's mission statement and leadership guidance, priority areas include:

Under Louis Lanza's leadership (2014-present):

  • Veterans' groups and programs supporting those who serve
  • Police and fire organizations (first responders)
  • Arts organizations
  • Children's services and youth development
  • Organizations serving minorities and under-represented communities
  • Health and social services in Westchester and Putnam Counties

Historical funding under Patricia Lanza (1996-2014):

  • Women's issues and empowerment
  • Legal services for underserved communities
  • Hispanic community organizations
  • Youth services and child welfare
  • Church missions and religious organizations

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has narrowed its geographic focus since 2014. Under current leadership:

  • Organizations outside Westchester and Putnam Counties are less likely to receive funding
  • Large-scale infrastructure projects appear less common than under previous leadership
  • The foundation seeks sustainable organizations rather than those requiring ongoing large commitments

Governance and Leadership

Louis "Louie" Lanza - President Louis Lanza is a founding partner of Hudson Realty Investors, Hudson Hospitality Group, and Westchester Agricultural Partners. He is described as a leader in business and civic affairs who continues his family's philanthropic tradition. He took over foundation leadership following his mother's death in 2014.

Key Quote: When asked about the foundation's evolution, Louis Lanza stated: "People thought the money was coming forever. It wasn't." He has emphasized that he wants to concentrate giving on "Westchester and Putnam counties, where he works and lives and where he can see where the money is going."

On his approach to philanthropy, Lanza has stated his "favorites include police and fire organizations, arts groups and, especially, veterans' groups, 'to help the people who fight for our country.'"

Anthony Lanza - Treasurer

James Lanza - Secretary

All officers serve without compensation according to IRS filings. The foundation is administered through PKF O'Connor Davies, a professional accounting and advisory firm.

Foundation History

Patricia Lanza (deceased 2014) was the driving force behind the foundation's extensive philanthropic work from 1996-2014. During her final three years (2011-2014), she donated $7.5 million to 53 organizations, with major grants including:

  • Women's Research and Education Fund (Rye): $778,750
  • El Centro Hispano Inc. (White Plains): $690,000
  • Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (White Plains): $600,000
  • Youth Voices Center: $600,000
  • The Children's Village: $1,000,000 (for the Lanza Activities Center)

Patricia Lanza was particularly interested in helping older youth achieve goals such as finding permanent families, completing high school, pursuing post-secondary education, and obtaining employment.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Lanza Family Foundation operates as a private family foundation that makes grants through trustee discretion. There is no published application portal, guidelines, or formal submission process.

Grants appear to be awarded to organizations that:

  • Come to the attention of the trustees through personal connections
  • Are known to the foundation through existing relationships in Westchester/Putnam Counties
  • Align with the trustees' philanthropic interests in first responders, veterans, arts, and children's services

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

While there is no public application process, the foundation's documented giving patterns suggest the following factors are valued:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations based in or primarily serving Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York are strongly preferred. Louis Lanza has explicitly stated his desire to fund locally where he can see the impact.

Mission Alignment: The foundation's stated mission is to "help minorities overcome financial impediments in order to have equal opportunities." Organizations working on equity, access, and opportunity for underserved communities align with this core mission.

Priority Populations: Current leadership has expressed particular interest in:

  • Veterans and military service members
  • First responders (police and firefighters)
  • Children and youth (continuing Patricia Lanza's legacy)
  • Arts organizations
  • Under-represented and minority communities

Organizational Sustainability: Louis Lanza has indicated he wants to "help organizations run fundraising events and become self-sufficient" rather than creating long-term dependencies on foundation funding. Organizations that demonstrate plans for sustainability may be viewed more favorably.

Demonstrable Impact: The foundation values being able to see where the money is going and the direct impact of grants. Organizations that can clearly demonstrate outcomes and impact in the local community align with this priority.

Historical Examples: Major grants have supported capital projects (Lanza Activities Center at The Children's Village), legal services for underserved communities, women's empowerment programs, and Hispanic community organizations. These provide models of the types of projects that have received funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This is a private family foundation that makes grants through trustee discretion, not through solicited applications. Traditional grant application strategies will not work.

  • Geographic focus is critical: The foundation has explicitly narrowed its focus to Westchester and Putnam Counties since 2014. Organizations outside this region are unlikely to receive funding.

  • Relationship-based grantmaking: Given the lack of a public process, grants likely flow from personal relationships, board member connections, and organizations already known to the trustees.

  • Priority on veterans and first responders: Under Louis Lanza's leadership, the foundation has emphasized support for veterans' groups, police, and fire organizations as top priorities.

  • Sustainability matters: The foundation prefers to help organizations become self-sufficient rather than provide ongoing support, suggesting one-time or capacity-building grants may be preferred.

  • Legacy of children's services: Patricia Lanza's focus on children and youth continues to influence the foundation, making children's services organizations potential beneficiaries.

  • Grant sizes are modest: With an average grant of $11,100 and median of $3,800 across 112 annual grants, the foundation distributes many smaller grants rather than a few large ones.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory