Reis Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.2 million (2024); $6.3 million (2022)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - invitation only
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $79,000
• Geographic Focus: Northeast (67%), nationwide presence

Contact Details

Address: 10045 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Note: No public website, email, or phone. Invitation-only funder.

Overview

The Reis Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established in 1997 in Florida, now based in Ellicott City, Maryland. With annual giving ranging from $2.2-$6.3 million, the foundation makes 46-58 grants annually to preselected organizations. Operating without a public presence, the foundation focuses on justice for underrepresented communities with particular emphasis on social impact design. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and operates strictly on an invitation-only basis.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion with no formal application process:

• Annual grants: 46-58 awards
• Grant range: $1,000 - $79,000
• Total annual giving: $2-6 million (varies by year)

Priority Areas

• Education (67% of giving)
• Social impact design and innovation
• Justice for underrepresented communities
• Design disciplines advancing social change

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but unlikely to fund organizations outside their preselected network or focus areas.

Governance and Leadership

Pamela P. Reis - President
Perryn K. Reis - Vice President
Blythe G. Reis - Secretary
Additional board members serve in governance roles.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Decisions made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application strategies don't apply. Organizations aligned with their mission of education and social justice may come to their attention through:

• Professional networks in education and social impact
• Existing relationships with board members
• Reputation and visibility in their focus areas
• Connections through other foundations and philanthropic networks

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - This foundation operates strictly by invitation
• Focus on education and social justice - These are their documented priority areas
• Northeast region emphasis - 67% of grants go to this geographic area
• Family foundation structure - Small board of family members making discretionary decisions
• Variable annual giving - Ranges significantly from $2-6 million year to year
• No public presence - No website or public contact information available

References

• Instrumentl - Reis Foundation Inc 990 Report. Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Reis Foundation Inc (EIN: 311486993). Accessed February 2026
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Reis Foundation Inc. Accessed February 2026
• Various nonprofit databases and 990-PF filings. Accessed February 2026