Riedman Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,983,940 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $400,000 (based on recent 990-PF records)
• Geographic Focus: Rochester, NY region

Contact Details

No public website or contact information available for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Riedman Foundation is a private foundation established in December 1979 and based in Rochester, New York. With total assets of approximately $40.8 million as of 2023, the foundation distributes approximately $2.0 million annually in grants. The foundation was created by John Riedman, who built a successful insurance brokerage company and methodically set aside 10 per cent of its profits annually to create the charitable foundation. The foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts primarily on the Rochester, New York region. Since 2003, the foundation has provided funding and operational support for the Powder Mills Fish Hatchery, used for public educational purposes and trout conservation. The foundation operates as a private family foundation with no public application process.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation makes discretionary grants at the trustees' discretion with no formal grant programmes or public application process. Recent grants have ranged from $2,000 to $400,000 based on 990-PF records.

Priority Areas

• Healthcare (particularly Rochester Regional Health)
• Youth development and recreation (YMCA)
• Education and museums
• Human services for individuals with disabilities
• Environmental conservation (fish hatchery operations)

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions documented, but giving appears limited to established organisations in the Rochester, NY area.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by four trustees:

• Katherine Griswold
• Susan R Holliday
• David J Riedman
• James Riedman

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organisations they have identified or with which they have established relationships.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation with no public application process, organisations seeking support would need to:

• Be located in or serving the Rochester, NY region
• Align with the foundation's established giving areas
• Have an established track record and reputation in the community
• Focus on healthcare, youth services, education, or disability services

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Riedman Foundation is a private family foundation with no public application process
• All grants are made at trustee discretion to pre-selected organisations
• Focus is heavily concentrated on Rochester, NY area organisations
• Average annual giving is approximately $2.0 million based on recent 990-PF records
• Without a public application process, unsolicited proposals are unlikely to be considered

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Riedman Foundation profile (accessed May 2026)
• Rochester Beacon - "A man of deep values and firm beliefs" obituary of John Riedman (June 2019)
• CauseIQ - Riedman Foundation organisational data and grant recipients (accessed May 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for tax years 2021-2023