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Edward C And Linda Dresner Levy Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.1M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.3M
00

Edward C And Linda Dresner Levy Foundation

Quick Stats

  • EIN: 38-6091368
  • Annual Giving: $7,075,917 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $17.2 million (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: $139,363
  • Number of Grants: 48 awards (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on Michigan, New York, California, and Texas
  • Founded: 1973

Contact Details

Mailing Address: 12030 Sunrise Valley Dr Ste 450, Reston, VA 20191-3400

Phone: 703-437-9720

Incorporated in: Michigan

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Edward C And Linda Dresner Levy Foundation was established in 1973 in Michigan and currently operates from Reston, Virginia. With total assets of approximately $17.2 million, the foundation distributed over $7 million in grants in 2024, representing 99.3% of its total expenses. Founded by Edward C. Levy Jr., CEO of the Edw. C. Levy Company (a Detroit-based industrial services company established in 1918), and his wife Linda Dresner Levy (married in 2005), the foundation focuses on three primary areas: Jewish organizations, healthcare (particularly cancer research), and higher education. The foundation operates as a private family foundation with all key officers serving on a voluntary basis without compensation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs or open application cycles. All grants are made at the discretion of the trustees to preselected charitable organizations.

Grant Range: Based on an average grant size of $139,363 and 48 awards in 2024, grants likely range from small gifts to substantial six-figure commitments.

Grant Distribution:

  • 48 grants in 2024
  • 63 grants in 2023
  • 71 grants in 2022

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

  • Jewish Organizations: Support for Jewish community organizations, synagogues, and Jewish heritage preservation
  • Healthcare: Particular emphasis on cancer research and treatment, including support for Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit
  • Higher Education: Support for universities and educational programs, including environmental health and safety programs
  • Educational Exchanges: Programs facilitating educational and cultural exchanges

Subject Areas:

  • Judaism and Jewish community development
  • In-patient medical care and specialty hospital care
  • Higher education institutions
  • Disease research and treatment
  • Philanthropic and nonprofit sector support

Geographic Priorities

The foundation supports organizations across the United States, with particular emphasis on:

  • Michigan: Detroit and surrounding areas (foundation's roots)
  • Major metropolitan areas: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco
  • States: California, Michigan, Texas, and other states with significant Jewish communities

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus on preselected organizations suggests they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their established relationships
  • Projects unrelated to their core focus areas (Judaism, healthcare, education)
  • International organizations (focus appears to be domestic U.S.)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Edward C. Levy Jr. - President/Director
CEO of Edw. C. Levy Company, a Detroit-based industrial services company founded in 1918. Born in Detroit in 1931, he graduated from MIT in 1952 and became CEO of the family company in 1969. Member of the board of directors at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Serves without compensation.

Linda Dresner Levy - Treasurer/Director
Married to Edward C. Levy Jr. in 2005. Active philanthropist in Detroit's Jewish community and supporter of cancer research. Member of the Heritage Council of the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan alongside her husband. Serves without compensation.

Patrick T. Duerr - Secretary/Director
Serves without compensation.

All officers work on a voluntary basis, with $0 compensation reported, ensuring that the foundation's resources are dedicated entirely to charitable giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

According to their IRS Form 990-PF filing, the Edward C And Linda Dresner Levy Foundation "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, with grants awarded at the discretion of the trustees (Edward C. Levy Jr., Linda Dresner Levy, and Patrick T. Duerr).

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that align with the foundation's mission and that come to the attention of the trustees through their networks may be considered.

Known Grant Recipients Include:

  • Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (Detroit): The Levys are longtime supporters, with Edward C. Levy Jr. serving on the board of directors.

  • Oakland University (Michigan): Received a $100,000 pledge to the School of Health Sciences' Environmental Health and Safety program to fund curriculum development for working professionals.

  • Jewish community organizations in Michigan and nationally, though specific organizations are not publicly disclosed.

Alignment Factors (for organizations hoping to come to the foundation's attention):

  • Strong ties to Michigan, particularly Detroit area
  • Focus on Jewish community development and preservation
  • Cancer research and treatment programs
  • Higher education institutions with innovative programs
  • Connection to the Levy family's business or philanthropic networks

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Applications: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Organizations cannot submit proposals through an application process.

  • Preselected Organizations Only: Grants are made exclusively to organizations that the trustees have identified and selected, typically through their existing networks and relationships.

  • Personal Connections Matter: Given the foundation's structure, grants are likely awarded to organizations where the Levy family has personal involvement, board membership, or long-standing relationships.

  • Focus on Impact: With 99.3% of expenses dedicated to charitable giving, the foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to maximizing charitable impact rather than administrative overhead.

  • Three Core Areas: Organizations should align with at least one of the foundation's three primary focus areas: Jewish community support, healthcare (especially cancer research), or higher education.

  • Michigan Roots: Despite the Reston, VA address, the foundation maintains strong ties to Michigan and Detroit, where the Levy family business is based and where much of their philanthropy is concentrated.

  • Relationship Building: Organizations in the foundation's areas of interest might benefit from building relationships with board members through sector events, shared board service, or Jewish community activities, though there is no guarantee this will lead to funding.

References

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