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Charles H. Revson Foundation

Decision Time
2w
Success Rate
3%

Charles H. Revson Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: <5% (extremely small percentage progress from inquiry)
  • Decision Time: 2+ weeks for initial response
  • Grant Range: Varies by program
  • Geographic Focus: New York City metro area and Israel

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1956 by Charles H. Revson, the Charles H. Revson Foundation operates with the mission of "Expanding knowledge. Advancing democratic values. Pursuing the public good." The foundation focuses its grantmaking primarily in New York City and Israel, supporting organizations that strengthen essential civic institutions and infrastructure. Under the leadership of outgoing President Julie Sandorf (stepping down end of 2025) and incoming President Maria Torres-Springer, the foundation takes an ambitious, aspirational, and pragmatically optimistic approach to philanthropy, seeking sustainable solutions that strengthen the public good across four core program areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Senior Fellowship in Biomedical Science: For 3rd-4th year postdoctoral researchers in NYC metro area
  • Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program: Up to 5 annual awards for biomedical researchers
  • General Program Grants: Varying amounts across four program areas (by invitation)

Priority Areas

  • Biomedical Research: Supporting postdoctoral researchers and promoting diversity in experimental basic research
  • Education: Strengthening educational institutions and civic infrastructure
  • Urban Affairs: Investing in NYC's civic society and urban planning initiatives
  • Jewish Life: Meeting social and spiritual needs of Jewish communities in North America and Israel

What They Don't Fund

  • Endowments
  • Capital or building campaigns
  • Fundraising dinners
  • Films
  • Direct individual support

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership:

  • Julie Sandorf - President (stepping down end of 2025)
  • Maria Torres-Springer - Incoming President

The foundation operates with a board of trustees and professional staff who review grant inquiries and make funding decisions based on alignment with strategic priorities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are by invitation only. Organizations must submit initial inquiries through the online portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=revsonfoundation. There are no fixed deadlines for submissions.

Decision Timeline

  • Initial response to inquiries: Within 2 weeks if interested
  • Note: The foundation cannot guarantee a response to every inquiry
  • Full application review timeline: Not publicly specified

Success Rates

  • "Only a small percentage of inquiries progress to the application stage"
  • "An extremely small percentage of grants originate from these inquiries"
  • Success rate estimated at less than 5%

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Given the invitation-only nature, unsuccessful applicants should carefully review feedback before resubmitting.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated approach, successful applications should:

  • Demonstrate "relentless curiosity" and innovative scientific methods (for biomedical research)
  • Address complex challenges with sustainable solutions
  • Show potential to "reimagine the future of essential civic institutions"
  • Align with the foundation's non-ideological, pragmatically optimistic approach
  • Focus on expanding knowledge and advancing democratic values
  • Present projects that can meet "material, social, and spiritual needs of diverse communities"
  • Be located in or serving the New York City metro area or Israel/North America (for Jewish Life programs)

The foundation specifically seeks "new and diverse pools of talented people" and takes a "long view" by testing new ideas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: Build relationships before submitting inquiries; the foundation has an extremely low success rate for unsolicited inquiries
  • Geographic restrictions: Must primarily serve NYC metro area or Israel (for Jewish Life programs)
  • Strategic alignment crucial: Carefully review "Our Work" and "Our Approach" sections on website before applying
  • Innovation valued: Foundation seeks transformative, forward-thinking solutions rather than incremental improvements
  • Patience required: With less than 5% success rate from inquiries, persistence and relationship-building are essential
  • Clear exclusions: Avoid requesting support for endowments, capital campaigns, fundraising events, films, or individual support
  • Leadership transition: Be aware of upcoming presidential change (Maria Torres-Springer taking over from Julie Sandorf in 2025)

References

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