Albert M Greenfield Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1-1.2 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-4 months (estimate based on board meeting schedule)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Philadelphia metropolitan area only

Contact Details

• Website: https://thealbertmgreenfieldfoundation.org/
• Email: grants@GreenfieldFoundation.com
• Phone: 215-354-6604
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 618, Richboro, PA 18954
• Application Portal: Available on website

Overview

Established in 1953 by prominent Philadelphia businessman Albert M. Greenfield, the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation has distributed over $46 million to more than 300 nonprofit projects in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. With assets of approximately $23 million and annual giving of $1-1.2 million, the Foundation's mission remains constant: "Strengthening the Fabric of Community Life in Philadelphia." Known as "Mr. Philadelphia," Albert Greenfield built one of the largest real estate companies in the U.S. and established this foundation to give back to the city that enabled his success. The Foundation emphasizes innovative approaches to entrenched problems, measurable outcomes, and programs with replication potential.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation does not operate named grant programs but makes general grants of $5,000 - $250,000 (average $101,671) through a rolling application process to support discrete programs with clear objectives.

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture (largest giving area): Performing arts, music, museums, cultural heritage centers, creative expression programs
• Education: K-12 education, higher education, community-based learning, outreach and enrichment activities
• Human Services: Community initiatives serving Philadelphia residents
• Civic Initiatives: Projects strengthening community life and promoting civic engagement
• Youth Programs: Special priority for initiatives involving youth
• Green and Cultural Initiatives: Projects making Philadelphia more environmentally sustainable and culturally vibrant

What They Don't Fund

• General operating support (generally not provided)
• Organizations outside the Philadelphia metropolitan area
• Projects without clear, measurable objectives

Governance and Leadership

President: Rebecca Lawson Secretary: Deborah G. DeLauro, Esq.

Board Members Include: Sarah E. Mark, Edward A. Montgomery Jr., Mathilde Davidson, Jason Greenfield, Gabrielle Quintana Greenfield, Aaron Greenfield

The board meets 2-3 times per year to make award decisions. All board members serve without compensation. The Foundation takes a partnership approach to grantmaking, preferring to collaborate with grantees and monitor progress throughout the grant period.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Philadelphia-area organizations should submit a letter of inquiry via the online application portal on the Foundation's website. No formal application form exists.

Required Materials:

• Letter describing the program seeking funding (signed by Board President/Chairman or School Principal)
• Line item budget for the project
• Three quotations for any equipment/materials requested
• Organization's endowment amount (including affiliated organizations)
• Audit or statement of income/expenses for previous two years
• Most recent 990 (if applicable)
• Current year agency budget
• Copy of 501(c)(3) determination letter
• List of Board of Directors with addresses and occupations

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: Rolling - no formal deadlines
• Review Process: Applications reviewed on rolling basis
• Board Meetings: 2-3 times annually for final decisions
• Notification: All applicants receive final decision
• Grant Duration: Typically 1-2 years, up to 5 years in certain cases

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publish detailed success rate statistics. They make approximately 10-13 grants annually from an undisclosed number of applications. Local organizations have been described as having "a great chance at small grants."

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Contact the Foundation directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's priorities and expert advice, successful applications typically:

• Demonstrate Innovation: Present innovative approaches to entrenched problems rather than traditional programs
• Show Measurable Outcomes: Include clear objectives and specific metrics for measuring success
• Focus on Specific Programs: Request funding for discrete programs rather than general operating support
• Emphasize Replication Potential: Explain how the project could be replicated locally and nationally
• Highlight Youth Involvement: Programs involving youth are currently favored
• Align with Philadelphia Values: Show how the project makes Philadelphia more "green" and "cultured"
• Display Organizational Strength: Document strong track record, board-approved strategic plan, and exceptional leadership

According to grant experts at Inside Philanthropy: "This is an approachable funder that's interested in quantifiable outcomes, so pitch a proposal for a specific program rather than general operating support. Proposals that revolve around the city's youth or make the city more 'green' and 'cultured' are doing very well these days."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute - only Philadelphia metropolitan area organizations are eligible
• Average grants are around $100,000 - be realistic about request size based on project scope
• Innovation matters more than tradition - emphasize novel approaches and potential for replication
• Partnership approach preferred - be prepared for collaboration and progress monitoring throughout the grant
• Rolling deadlines offer flexibility - submit when ready but factor in 2-3 annual board meetings
• Youth and environmental programs have advantage - these align with current Foundation priorities
• Strong organizational capacity required - ensure you can demonstrate exceptional leadership and strategic planning

References

• The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation Official Website - https://thealbertmgreenfieldfoundation.org/ (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/236050816 (990 forms and financial data, accessed February 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/pennsylvania-grants/albert-m-greenfield-foundation (funder profile, accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/236050816 (financial information, accessed February 2026)
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - Foundation profile and grant information (accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl - 990 reports and grant statistics (accessed February 2026)