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The Pinkerton Foundation

Annual Giving
$38.6M
Grant Range
$25K - $0.8M
Decision Time
3mo

The Pinkerton Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $38,626,140 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $850,000
  • Decision Time: 2-6 months (depends on board meeting cycle)
  • Geographic Focus: New York City only
  • Total Assets: $649.1 million
  • Number of Awards: 440 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.thepinkertonfoundation.org
Phone: 212-332-3366
Email: yschonborg@pinkertonfdn.org (Yvonne Schonborg - for registration questions)
Address: 610 5th Ave Rm 316, New York, NY 10020-2403
Grant Portal: Available through their website for Letter of Inquiry submissions

Overview

Established in 1966 by Robert Allan Pinkerton, The Pinkerton Foundation supports community-based programs for children, youth, and families in economically disadvantaged areas of New York City. With assets of $649.1 million and annual giving of approximately $38.6 million, the Foundation has become one of New York City's most respected youth-focused philanthropies. Under the leadership of President & CEO Richard M. Smith (former Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Newsweek), the Foundation continues its half-century commitment to "leveling the playing field" for disadvantaged young people. The Foundation has evolved from favoring small programs with dynamic leaders to increasingly supporting programs with potential to become sustainable and replicable in other cities, while maintaining its commitment to direct-service, community-based approaches.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Pinkerton Foundation does not have named grant programs with fixed amounts, but organizes its funding around four priority areas:

  • After-school and Summer Learning: Supports community programs focused on recreational activities, mentoring, and skills building for children during critical out-of-school hours (after school, weekends, and summer)
  • Career Readiness: Funds internship opportunities, industry certification programs, job-training programs, and programs helping youth attain "soft" career skills and meaningful work experience
  • Education: Supports general education, life-skills programs, and college access and retention efforts, with special focus on single mothers and youth in the foster care system
  • Youth and Family Justice: Funds prisoner reentry programs, employment training, and alternatives to incarceration

Grant amounts vary significantly based on organization size and program scope. Recent examples include $850,000 to Good Shepherd Services, $600,000 to the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School, and $550,000 to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Prisoner Reentry Institute.

Most grants are for one year, though the Foundation also makes two- or three-year grants that require annual board review and confirmation.

Priority Areas

The Foundation actively seeks programs that demonstrate:

  • Capable leadership with high expectations and well-defined, achievable goals
  • Active, engaged participants in hands-on learning environments
  • Caring adult relationships - the consistent presence of supportive mentors
  • Character development focusing on persistence, patience, self-discipline, and resilience
  • High-quality STEM activities with hands-on learning and career pathway connections
  • Cultural enrichment opportunities connecting low-income youth with cultural institutions
  • Intergenerational programming benefiting both youth and adults
  • Programs that can make substantial progress toward their goals in three years or less

The Foundation particularly favors programs offering hands-on learning, creative role models, and career exploration.

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does not fund:

  • Individuals (scholarships or personal grants)
  • Programs outside New York City
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
  • Medical research or direct healthcare provision
  • Religious education
  • Emergency assistance
  • Conferences, publications, or media projects (rarely funded)
  • National organizations (NYC-focused programs only)
  • Fundraising events and benefits
  • Academic research (generally left to others, though may occasionally support community-based research)
  • Capital projects (very limited - only for long-time grantees when directly expanding youth services)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Daniel L. Mosley (Chairman) - Partner at BDT & Company; Retired Partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore
  • Marnie S. Pillsbury (Secretary) - Philanthropic Advisor; Former Executive Director of The David Rockefeller Fund
  • James Piereson (Treasurer) - President of William E. Simon Foundation
  • Heather A. Benjamin - Partner at Cravath Swaine & Moore
  • Robert R. Gould - Vice Chairman of Magnetic Analysis Corp.; Retired Partner at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
  • Fatima Shama - Head of Diversity & Inclusion of the Americas at Bloomberg, LP
  • Richard M. Smith - President & CEO of The Pinkerton Foundation
  • Roy Weathers - Vice Chair of Societal Engagement and Policy Solutions at PwC

Trustee Emeritus

  • Joan Colello - Executive Director Emeritus (served over 40 years, retired 2009, named Trustee Emeritus 2019)
  • George J. Gillespie III - Chairman Emeritus (Deceased)

Key Leadership Perspective

President Richard M. Smith has articulated the Foundation's priorities: "After a half century, we continue to be inspired by the work of so many organizations dedicated to 'leveling the playing field' for disadvantaged young people in New York City. Every young person deserves the chance to reach his or her full potential, and the direct-service, community-based programs we support help make that possible."

Smith has also emphasized evolution in the Foundation's approach: "We still like to bet on small programs with dynamic leaders, but we have an increased appetite to help develop and test programs that have the potential to become sustainable and replicable in other cities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Pinkerton Foundation accepts applications through an online Grant Portal with a rolling submission process.

Step 1: Registration
New applicants must first register through the Grant Portal by clicking "Apply Here" on the Foundation's website. Organizations provide primary contact and organizational information, then receive a username and password via email within two business days.

Step 2: Letter of Inquiry
All applicants must submit a brief Letter of Inquiry through the Grant Portal describing:

  • The grantee organization
  • The proposed project
  • Organization budget
  • Program budget
  • List of board members

Letters of inquiry are welcome at any time - there are no submission deadlines.

Step 3: Staff Review
The Letter of Inquiry provides enough information for the Foundation to determine whether to consider a formal proposal. If the idea seems promising, program staff will:

  • Request additional materials
  • Schedule site visits or meetings with senior staff of the potential grantee

Step 4: Full Proposal
Organizations invited to submit full proposals will receive specific guidance from Foundation staff.

Decision Timeline

  • Board Meetings: The Board of Trustees meets twice per year - in May and December - to review and approve grants
  • Notification: Grant decisions are announced immediately after board meetings
  • Total Timeline: Depending on when a Letter of Inquiry is submitted, the process from initial submission to decision can range from 2-6 months

Success Rates

The Foundation awarded 440 grants in 2023, with annual giving of $38,626,140. However, specific data about how many Letters of Inquiry or full proposals are received is not publicly disclosed, so calculating an exact success rate is not possible. The multi-stage process (Letter of Inquiry → staff review → invited full proposal → board decision) suggests competitive selection.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation favors programs that can make substantial progress in three years or less. While specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly stated, the rolling Letter of Inquiry process suggests applicants can resubmit at any time. Organizations that have received three consecutive years of funding typically need to wait before reapplying, though the exact waiting period is not specified in public materials.

For clarification on reapplication timing, contact Yvonne Schonborg at yschonborg@pinkertonfdn.org or 212-332-3366.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Direct Service Impact
The Foundation consistently emphasizes direct-service, community-based programs. Applications should clearly show how the program directly serves disadvantaged NYC youth with measurable outcomes.

Emphasize Caring Adult Relationships
The Foundation believes "the consistent presence of a caring adult" is often the most vital element in a young person's life. Programs should highlight mentor relationships, well-trained staff, and sustained engagement with youth.

Show Achievable Goals with Clear Timelines
The Foundation favors "programs that can make substantial progress toward their goals in a period of three years or less." Be specific about what will be accomplished and when.

Focus on Out-of-School Hours
The Foundation recognizes that "the hours after school, on weekends and during the summer are critical times for growth, learning and change." Programs operating during these periods align with Foundation priorities.

Highlight Hands-On Learning and Career Exploration
The Foundation particularly values programs offering "hands-on learning, creative role models and career exploration." STEM programs should demonstrate career pathway connections and practical applications.

Character Development Matters
Programs should show how they cultivate "persistence, patience, self-discipline, and resilience"—qualities the Foundation associates with success in school and life.

Engage Site Visits Seriously
Organizations invited to the full proposal stage will receive site visits. This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate program quality, organizational capacity, and the impact of your work on young people.

Recent Funding Examples to Study
The Foundation has recently funded:

  • Good Shepherd Services ($850,000)
  • Center for New York City Affairs at the New School ($600,000)
  • John Jay College of Criminal Justice Prisoner Reentry Institute ($550,000)
  • Madison Square Boys and Girls Club ($425,000)

Review the Foundation's "Grants Authorized" page to understand the types and scale of programs currently receiving support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • NYC-only, youth-focused, direct service: The Foundation has an unwavering geographic focus on New York City and commitment to direct-service programs for disadvantaged youth. Do not apply if your program falls outside these parameters.

  • Rolling submissions reduce deadline pressure: Letters of Inquiry are accepted anytime, but plan backward from the May and December board meetings to align with your funding timeline.

  • The Letter of Inquiry is your audition: This initial submission determines whether you'll be invited to submit a full proposal. Make it compelling, concise, and clearly aligned with Foundation priorities.

  • Relationship-building matters: Site visits and meetings with program staff are standard. The Foundation values getting to know organizations and seeing programs in action before making funding decisions.

  • Think beyond one-year funding: While most grants are one year, the Foundation does make multi-year commitments to strong programs. Demonstrate sustainability and potential for replication to stand out.

  • Emphasize caring adults and character development: These themes run throughout the Foundation's philosophy. Show how your program provides consistent adult mentorship and builds resilience in young people.

  • Scale matters increasingly: Under President Smith's leadership, the Foundation has "an increased appetite to help develop and test programs that have the potential to become sustainable and replicable in other cities" while still supporting small programs with dynamic leaders.

References

All sources accessed December 23, 2025.

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