Klorfine Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $999,200 (2023)
• 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 organisations 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 totalling $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 prioritises data-driven organisations with track records of successful programme execution, particularly emerging nonprofits creating significant community change. They emphasise long-term relationships with grantees and capacity building rather than creating dependency on annual giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis without fixed deadlines or formal grant programmes. In 2023, they distributed $999,200 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 centres that promote contemporary art and culture whilst developing emerging artists. Past grantees include Palm Beach Symphony, Pilchuck Glass School, Museum of Glass, Artist Trust, Pratt Fine Arts Centre, Seattle Symphony, and Kravis Centre 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
Organisations pursuing cures for serious diseases. Past grantees include Overlake Hospital Foundation, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre (Leonard and Norma Klorfine Endowed Chair for Clinical Research established in 2025), American Red Cross, and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Environmental Conservation
Organisations 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 organisations
• Geographic restrictions: Whilst they primarily focus on Philadelphia, PA and Seattle, WA, they have supported organisations 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 organisations they wish to support. According to their public statements, they identify and reach out to organisations whose work aligns with their funding priorities rather than accepting open applications.

However, the foundation is interested in partnering with other organisations in joint ventures. Organisations 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 organisations. Organisations 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. Organisations 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 organisations that are successfully fulfilling their mission." Organisations that use data to evaluate programme effectiveness and demonstrate tangible outcomes are prioritised.

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

3. Emerging but Effective Organisations
Despite wanting proven track records, they "know many great organisations need help to get established and love working with younger organisations 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 programmes." Organisations with strategic plans for sustainability rather than grant dependency are favoured.

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." Organisations 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 organisations 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, emphasise long-term mission alignment and partnership potential.

• Capacity building emphasis: Show how funding will help build organisational sustainability rather than create grant dependency. Their goal is to help you become self-sufficient.

• Geographic focus matters: Organisations 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 organisations 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

• Klorfine Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica
• Klorfine Foundation Official Website
• Klorfine Foundation - What We Do
• Klorfine Foundation | Foundation Directory | Candid
• Klorfine Foundation | Cause IQ
• Klorfine Foundation | Instrumentl 990 Report
• Leonard and Norma Klorfine Endowed Chair for Clinical Research awarded to Dr. Geoffrey Hill | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre
• Patrons of arts pledge $500,000 to BAM | The Seattle Times

Accessed: December 22, 2025