← Back to US Funders Directory

Kaye Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.4M
Decision Time
1mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7.4 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Annual selection (Oct 31 - Nov 30)
  • Grant Range: Average $77,770 (based on 2021 data)
  • Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on New York

Contact Details

Overview

The Kaye Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1999 in New York, holding approximately $10 million in assets and distributing over $7 million annually to charitable organizations. Operating as a 501(c)(3) private foundation since 2000, the foundation focuses on addressing critical social issues including homelessness, mental health, human rights, conservation, and youth education. The foundation operates on a trustee-discretion model, proactively selecting and supporting organizations that align with their mission rather than accepting unsolicited applications. They evaluate potential grantees using third-party platforms like Charity Navigator and require all beneficiaries to be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities approved by major Donor Advised Fund platforms.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs but makes trustee-selected grants averaging $77,770 (based on 2021 data when they distributed $1,059,716 across 90 grants).

Priority Areas

  • Homelessness & Youth Support
  • Mental Health & Crisis Support
  • Promoting Human Rights & Combating Anti-Semitism
  • Conservation & Environmental Protection
  • Youth Education & Outdoor Programs
  • Community and Economic Development
  • Religious Organizations (particularly Judaism)

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
  • Organizations not approved by major DAF platforms
  • Direct applications from organizations (all grants are trustee-selected)

Governance and Leadership

According to the foundation website, the current leadership includes:

  • Jonathan Kaye - Founder and Managing Trustee
  • Jennifer Leng, MD, MPH - Founder and Trustee
  • Jordan Kaye - Trustee
  • Jocelyn Kaye - Trustee

The foundation was created in honor of Doris Granoff Kaye. Note: Some tax databases show Charles R. Kaye (CEO of Warburg Pincus) and Sheryl Kaye as trustees, which may reflect older records or a different branch of the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. All grants are selected by trustees during their annual review period. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding. The foundation proactively identifies and selects charitable organizations based on their own research and evaluation criteria.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation uses Charity Navigator and other third-party evaluation platforms to identify potential grantees, organizations should focus on:

  • Maintaining strong ratings on Charity Navigator and similar platforms
  • Ensuring approval by major Donor Advised Fund platforms
  • Building visibility within the New York nonprofit sector where the foundation is based
  • Demonstrating impact in one of their five priority areas

Decision Timeline

Annual selection window: October 31 - November 30 Trustees review and select all grant recipients during this period.

Success Rates

Not applicable as the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as organizations cannot apply directly.

Application Success Factors

Since direct applications are not accepted, organizations seeking support should focus on:

  • Maintaining excellent ratings on third-party evaluation platforms, particularly Charity Navigator, which the foundation specifically uses for assessment
  • Ensuring proper IRS 501(c)(3) recognition and DAF platform approval
  • Demonstrating clear impact and effectiveness in one or more of the foundation's five priority areas
  • Building a strong reputation and visibility within the nonprofit sector, particularly in New York
  • Establishing connections within the philanthropic community that might lead to trustee awareness

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Kaye Family Foundation is a legitimate grant maker distributing over $7 million annually
  • There is no public application process - all grants are trustee-selected
  • Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities approved by major DAF platforms
  • Focus on excellence in third-party evaluations, especially Charity Navigator ratings
  • Align organizational work with their five core priority areas
  • Annual grant selection occurs between October 31 and November 30
  • Building sector visibility and reputation is more important than application materials since direct applications are not accepted

References

← Back to US Funders Directory