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The Lipman Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $2.4M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,497,800 (2024)
  • Grant Range: $500 - $2,378,675
  • Total Assets: $54.3 million (2025)
  • Number of Grants: 65 awards (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: National (primarily CA, NY, DC)
  • Application Process: Invitation only/preselected organizations

Contact Details

Address: New York, NY

Note: The foundation does not have a public website or published contact information. They do not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Overview

The Lipman Family Foundation Inc was established in 1959 and has been tax-exempt since October 1960. As a private family foundation with total assets exceeding $54 million, the foundation distributed approximately $2.5 million in grants in 2024 across 65 organizations. The foundation focuses its support on art museums, scientific research, educational institutions, conservation organizations, human services, and philanthropic initiatives. Led by family members Beverly S. Lipman (President), Peter W. Lipman (Vice President), Timothy E. Lipman (Treasurer), and Benjamin H. Lipman (Secretary), with Susan Shaheen serving as Director, the foundation represents multi-generational commitment to philanthropy. The Lipmans are particularly known for their support of contemporary art, having established the Lipman Acquisitions Endowment at the San Jose Museum of Art to expand the museum's collection of modern and contemporary works.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking with grants ranging from $500 to over $2 million. No fixed deadlines or application cycles—grants are awarded throughout the year to preselected organizations.

Priority Areas

  • Art Museums & Cultural Institutions: Contemporary and modern art museums, acquisitions support
  • Scientific Research: Research institutions and programs
  • Educational Institutions: Universities and educational programs
  • Environmental Conservation: Conservation organizations and environmental initiatives
  • Human Services: Social service organizations
  • Philanthropy & Voluntarism: Grantmaking organizations and philanthropic infrastructure

Geographic Distribution

While headquartered in New York, the foundation makes grants across multiple states including:

  • California (significant focus)
  • New York
  • District of Columbia
  • Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team:

  • Beverly S. Lipman, President - Longtime arts philanthropist who discovered the San Jose Museum of Art in 1995 and has been instrumental in supporting contemporary art acquisition
  • Peter W. Lipman, Vice President - Served as board president of the San Jose Museum of Art (2007-2009) and remains active on its Acquisitions Committee
  • Timothy E. Lipman, Treasurer - Researcher affiliated with UC Berkeley's transportation and energy programs
  • Benjamin H. Lipman, Secretary
  • Susan Shaheen, Director - Professor at UC Berkeley's Civil and Environmental Engineering department and co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center; internationally recognized expert in innovative mobility and sustainable transportation

Foundation Philosophy:

Beverly Lipman has said about their approach to supporting arts institutions: "This museum has a way of being 'out there,' and I think that's terrific." This quote reflects the family's appreciation for organizations that embrace experimentation, exploration, and innovation.

No Officer Compensation: Foundation leadership serves without compensation, with all resources directed toward grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion and existing relationships with organizations that align with the foundation's priorities.

Getting on Their Radar

The Lipman Family Foundation has strong connections to UC Berkeley through board member Susan Shaheen and family member Timothy Lipman, both of whom are affiliated with the university's transportation and sustainability research programs. Organizations working in transportation innovation, sustainable mobility, or environmental research may benefit from connections through Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies or Transportation Sustainability Research Center.

Peter and Beverly Lipman have a documented history with the San Jose Museum of Art, where Peter served on the board and acquisitions committee. Cultural institutions in the Bay Area, particularly those focused on contemporary art and experimental programming, may align with their demonstrated interests.

The foundation's leadership has shown particular interest in organizations that demonstrate innovation and are willing to be "out there" in their approach, as evidenced by Beverly Lipman's comments about supporting bold, experimental work.

Decision Timeline

No published timeline. Grants are awarded throughout the year at trustees' discretion.

Success Rates

Not applicable—no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable—grants are made by invitation only to preselected organizations.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates exclusively through trustee-directed grantmaking, success depends on alignment with the foundation's priorities and existing relationships with leadership. Key factors include:

1. Geographic Connection: The foundation shows particular concentration in California and New York. Organizations in these states, especially the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metro areas, appear most frequently in their grantmaking.

2. Contemporary Art Focus: The Lipmans have demonstrated deep commitment to modern and contemporary art through their establishment of the Lipman Acquisitions Endowment at the San Jose Museum of Art. Museums and cultural institutions focused on contemporary work align with documented interests.

3. Innovation and Experimentation: Beverly Lipman's statement praising organizations that are "'out there'" suggests preference for institutions willing to take creative risks and push boundaries rather than traditional approaches.

4. Scientific Research & Education: With board connections to UC Berkeley and emphasis on scientific research and educational institutions, organizations in higher education research, particularly in sustainability, transportation, and environmental fields, align with foundation priorities.

5. Environmental Conservation: Listed as a primary funding area, conservation organizations—particularly those with scientific or research components—fit the foundation's mission.

6. Multi-Year Support: The foundation has shown willingness to provide substantial grants (up to $2+ million), suggesting capacity for significant, potentially transformational gifts to aligned organizations.

7. Efficiency and Direct Impact: With 83.7% of foundation expenses going directly to charitable disbursements (2025 data), the foundation prioritizes efficient operations. They likely value the same in grantees.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Applications: Do not submit unsolicited proposals. This foundation only funds preselected organizations based on trustee relationships and discretion.
  • California & New York Focus: Despite New York headquarters, significant grantmaking occurs in California, particularly the Bay Area, reflecting the Lipman family's connections there.
  • Arts & Science Emphasis: Strong dual focus on contemporary art museums and scientific research institutions, with particular interest in UC Berkeley-affiliated programs.
  • Wide Grant Range: Flexibility from small grants ($500) to major gifts ($2+ million) suggests trustees evaluate each opportunity individually rather than following rigid guidelines.
  • Innovation Valued: Leadership has explicitly praised organizations willing to be experimental and "out there"—playing it safe may be less appealing than bold, creative approaches.
  • Board Connections Matter: With Susan Shaheen and Timothy Lipman's UC Berkeley affiliations and Peter Lipman's San Jose Museum of Art history, these institutional connections appear influential in grantmaking decisions.
  • No Website or Public Presence: The foundation's complete absence of public-facing communications reinforces that they operate entirely through private, relationship-based grantmaking.

References

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