The Len-Ari Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.1M
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $240,000
• Geographic Focus: National with concentration in Florida, Wyoming, Indiana, and New York

Contact Details

Phone: (260) 432-2233 Address: 5642 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Website: None Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Len-Ari Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2004 in Indiana, named in honor of Leonard I. Rifkin ("Len") and his wife Ariela Rifkin ("Ari"). Leonard Rifkin (1931-2008) was a prominent Fort Wayne business leader who transformed his father's small junkyard into OmniSource Corporation, one of North America's largest scrap metal recycling companies, which was ultimately sold for $1.1 billion. With approximately $16-18 million in assets, the foundation distributes around $1.1 million annually through approximately 34 grants. The foundation's grantmaking reflects the personal interests and values of the Rifkin family, particularly Leonard's lifelong passion for classical music, Jewish causes, and community philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes discretionary grants ranging from $1,000 to $240,000 with a median grant of $10,000. All grants are made at trustee discretion with no formal application process.

Priority Areas

• Jewish/Israel Causes: Support for Israeli organizations and Jewish community initiatives (largest single grant area)
• Classical Music and Performing Arts: Opera companies, music festivals, and performing arts organizations
• Animal Welfare: Animal rescue and welfare organizations
• Conservation and Environment: National parks, land trusts, and conservation efforts
• Health and Community Services: Cancer support and community health initiatives, particularly in Fort Wayne

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on grant patterns the foundation does not appear to fund:

• General education initiatives
• Hospitals or medical research
• Broad social services
• Policy advocacy organizations
• Political causes

Governance and Leadership

Richard Rifkin - Director and Chairman (son of Leonard Rifkin) Ariela Rifkin - President and Secretary (widow of Leonard Rifkin) Jennifer L. Wilson - Treasurer

The foundation is controlled by Leonard's widow Ariela and son Richard, maintaining the family's philanthropic legacy established through Leonard's business success and community involvement.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. All grants are made at trustee discretion based on personal relationships and the trustees' philanthropic interests. The foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach and the specific nature of their giving patterns, organizations that align with their demonstrated interests (Jewish/Israel causes, classical music, animal welfare, conservation in Jackson Hole area, or Fort Wayne community health) may benefit from:

• Building relationships through shared board members or donors in the Palm Beach, Jackson Hole, or Fort Wayne communities
• Connections through the Jewish philanthropic community, particularly those involved with Israel-focused giving
• Participation in classical music and performing arts circles in Palm Beach or Jackson Hole

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion throughout the year

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only foundation

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only foundation, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that receive funding from Len-Ari typically:

• Align closely with the Rifkin family's personal interests and values
• Have established credibility and track records in their fields
• Often operate in geographic areas where the family has connections (Palm Beach, Jackson Hole, Fort Wayne)
• Demonstrate excellence in classical music/arts, Jewish causes, animal welfare, or conservation
• May have board members or leadership with connections to the Rifkin family's philanthropic network

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - the foundation does not accept them
• Focus relationship-building efforts in Palm Beach, Jackson Hole, and Fort Wayne communities
• Organizations in classical music, Jewish/Israel causes, animal welfare, and conservation have the strongest alignment
• The foundation maintains strong ties to Fort Wayne despite geographic diversification of giving
• Median grant of $10,000 suggests they support both major initiatives and smaller programs
• The foundation's giving reflects deeply personal interests tied to Leonard Rifkin's life and legacy

References

• GrantExec Foundation Profile: https://grantexec.com/foundations/201317221 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Len Ari Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/201317221 (Accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ - Len-Ari Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-len-ari-foundation,201317221/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator - The Len-Ari Foundation Inc: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/201317221 (Accessed February 2026)
• KPC News - Leonard Rifkin Obituary: https://www.kpcnews.com/article_9e172a75-c37b-53d4-ad01-bc8f55ef15da.html (Accessed February 2026)
• Grand Teton Music Festival Donor List (2020): https://gtmf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GTMF-Donor-List-Nov-2020.pdf (Accessed February 2026)