Klorfine Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $999,200 (2023); $4,000,000+ (2022)
Average Grant Size: $31,225
Number of Grants: 32 grants (2023)
Assets: $60.5 million
Geographic Focus: Primarily Philadelphia, PA and Seattle, WA; also supports organizations in California, Florida, and Washington
Application Method: Invitation only - no unsolicited applications accepted

Contact Details

Address: 2700 N. Ocean Drive, #A2103, Riviera Beach/Singer Island, FL 33404
Phone: 610-716-2625
Website: www.klorfine.foundation
Alternate Website: www.klorfinefoundation.org

Overview

Established in 1993, the Klorfine Foundation is a family foundation with assets totaling $60.5 million and annual giving that varies significantly year to year (from approximately $1 million to over $4 million). Founded and managed by Leonard Klorfine (a retired real estate investor) and Norma E. Klorfine, the foundation employs a "venture philanthropy" approach to grantmaking. Their mission is to "grow and cultivate the Arts and our Communities, advance Medical Research and preserve our Environment for our and future generations." The foundation prioritizes data-driven organizations with track records of successful program execution, particularly emerging nonprofits creating significant community change. They emphasize long-term relationships with grantees and capacity building rather than creating dependency on annual giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis without fixed deadlines or formal grant programs. In 2022, they distributed over $4 million across their priority areas, while 2023 saw $999,200 distributed across 32 grants (average grant size: $31,225). The variation in annual giving suggests strategic, discretionary grantmaking rather than consistent annual distributions.

Priority Areas

Arts & Culture
Supporting art centers that promote contemporary art and culture while developing emerging artists. Past grantees include Palm Beach Symphony, Pilchuck Glass School, Museum of Glass, Artist Trust, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seattle Symphony, and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Community Support & Education
Educational initiatives aligned with their other interest areas (environment, arts, medical research), including food security, literacy, job training, and youth development. Past grantees include South Florida PBS, WETA PBS News Hour, University of Washington, University of Florida Foundation, Farestart, and Children's Home Society of Florida.

Medical Research
Organizations pursuing cures for serious diseases. Past grantees include Overlake Hospital Foundation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Leonard and Norma Klorfine Endowed Chair for Clinical Research established in 2025), American Red Cross, and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Environmental Conservation
Organizations focused on preserving natural resources (land and animals), controlling pollution (particularly water and air quality), and enforcing environmental laws through litigation and advocacy.

What They Don't Fund

Grants to individuals: The foundation only funds nonprofit organizations
Geographic restrictions: While they primarily focus on Philadelphia, PA and Seattle, WA, they have supported organizations in other states including California, Florida, and Washington

Governance and Leadership

Leonard Klorfine (Trustee): Retired real estate investor who serves on the boards of Pilchuck Glass School and Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia. Serves without compensation, dedicating 10 hours to foundation work.

Norma E. Klorfine (Trustee): Involved with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and elected to the board at Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM). Serves without compensation, dedicating 10 hours to foundation work.

The foundation is managed exclusively by the two trustees, reflecting its family foundation structure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Klorfine Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests. They operate on an invitation-only basis and will initiate contact with organizations they wish to support. According to their public statements, they identify and reach out to organizations whose work aligns with their funding priorities rather than accepting open applications.

However, the foundation is interested in partnering with other organizations in joint ventures. Organizations interested in partnership opportunities can write to them at their Riviera Beach, FL address.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation has indicated specific interest in joint venture partnerships with other organizations. Organizations working in their priority areas (arts & culture, medical research, environmental conservation, and aligned educational initiatives) in the Philadelphia or Seattle regions may consider:

Board connections: Leonard Klorfine serves on boards at Pilchuck Glass School and Woodmere Art Museum; Norma Klorfine is involved with Philadelphia Museum of Art and Bellevue Arts Museum. Organizations connected to these institutions may have relationship-building opportunities.
Geographic presence: Strong presence in Philadelphia, PA or Seattle, WA increases likelihood of being on the foundation's radar, as these are their primary giving regions.
Joint venture partnerships: The foundation has explicitly stated interest in partnering with other organizations on joint ventures, suggesting collaborative projects may be a pathway to engagement.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only funder with trustee-driven decisions, timelines likely vary based on individual circumstances and trustee discretion.

Application Success Factors

Since the Klorfine Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, the following factors align with their stated approach and can help organizations understand what the foundation values:

1. Data-Driven Impact Measurement
The foundation states: "We want to ensure grants help grantees achieve measurable results and rely heavily on data to ensure we're supporting organizations that are successfully fulfilling their mission." Organizations that use data to evaluate program effectiveness and demonstrate tangible outcomes are prioritized.

2. Proven Track Record
The foundation seeks "nonprofits with missions we believe in and that have a track record of successfully executing on their programs." Established credibility and demonstrated success are essential.

3. Emerging but Effective Organizations
Despite wanting proven track records, they "know many great organizations need help to get established and love working with younger organizations that are just starting to create significant change in their community." They balance supporting emerging nonprofits with ensuring effectiveness.

4. Capacity Building Orientation
The foundation "doesn't aim for grantees to become dependent on annual giving" and hopes "to help grantees use their funds to build capacity and find alternative, sustainable ways to fund their programs." Organizations with strategic plans for sustainability rather than grant dependency are favored.

5. Long-Term Mission Alignment
They "establish long-term relationships with grantees to help them serve their mission" and understand that "missions are typically not short term." Organizations willing to partner over multiple years rather than seeking one-time funding may be preferred.

6. Willingness to Take Strategic Risks
Their venture philanthropy approach includes "a willingness to take chances," suggesting they're open to innovative or bold approaches that have measurable potential impact.

7. Geographic Alignment
Primary focus on Philadelphia, PA and Seattle, WA, though they support organizations in other states where strategic opportunities arise.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-only model: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Building relationships through board connections, sector networks, or joint venture opportunities is the pathway to funding.
Data is critical: Demonstrate measurable outcomes and data-driven decision-making in all communications about your work. This is central to their evaluation approach.
Think long-term partnership: The foundation values sustained relationships over transactional giving. If you do get on their radar, emphasize long-term mission alignment and partnership potential.
Capacity building emphasis: Show how funding will help build organizational sustainability rather than create grant dependency. Their goal is to help you become self-sufficient.
Geographic focus matters: Organizations in Philadelphia or Seattle have a significant advantage, though exceptional work in environmental conservation, arts, medical research, or aligned education may attract attention elsewhere.
Venture philanthropy mindset: They're willing to take risks on emerging organizations that show promise and have data to back their approach. Don't assume you need to be large and established—but you do need to be effective and measurable.
Joint ventures welcomed: If seeking engagement, consider proposing collaborative projects or partnerships that align with their mission areas.

References

Accessed: December 22, 2025