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Ruderman Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.3M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.2M

Ruderman Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8.3 million
  • Decision Time: By invitation only
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000 (typical)
  • Geographic Focus: United States and Israel
  • Total Assets: $165 million

Contact Details

Website: https://rudermanfoundation.org
Email: support@rudermanfoundation.org
Phone: 617-599-9919
Social Media:

  • Instagram: @rudermanfamilyfoundation
  • Facebook: RudermanFamilyFoundation
  • Twitter: @RudermanFdn
  • LinkedIn: Ruderman Family Foundation

Overview

Founded in 2002 by successful businessman Morton E. Ruderman and now led by his son Jay Ruderman, the Ruderman Family Foundation manages assets of $165 million and distributes approximately $8.3 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation has evolved from "generous check-writing at the kitchen table" to a strategic philanthropic organization guided by Jewish values. Their mission focuses on ending stigma surrounding mental health, promoting emotional well-being, fostering understanding between American Jewish and Israeli communities, and modeling strategic philanthropy worldwide. The foundation views disability inclusion through a civil rights lens and has become a leading voice in advocating for authentic representation and inclusion across multiple sectors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Grants: $1,000 - $200,000 (typical range for most programs)
  • Major Community Initiatives: Can reach millions for strategic partnerships (e.g., $3 million fund with Combined Jewish Philanthropies for Jewish Day School inclusion)
  • Innovation Competitions: $250,000 Global Innovators in Inclusion Competition
  • Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion: Recognition and funding for exemplary inclusion efforts
  • Ruderman Prize in Inclusion: Awards for disability inclusion excellence

Priority Areas

  • Disability Inclusion: Integration in Jewish institutions, schools, and broader society
  • Mental Health: Research, advocacy, and stigma reduction initiatives
  • Israel-American Jewish Relations: Programs fostering mutual understanding
  • Jewish Education: Inclusive education initiatives and support
  • Human Services: Support for Jewish community organizations
  • Media Representation: Authentic disability representation in entertainment

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct services to individuals
  • Referrals or individual assistance
  • Unsolicited proposals (explicitly stated)

Governance and Leadership

President & Trustee: Jay Seth Ruderman (Compensation: $330,687)

  • Author of "Find Your Fight"
  • Background in civil rights
  • Views disability rights as fundamental civil rights issue

Executive Director: Shira Ruderman (Compensation: $225,738)

Deputy Director: Hanna Shaul Bar Nissim (Compensation: $156,716)

The foundation operates with the fundamental perspective that disability inclusion is "a social justice imperative" and approaches their work through a civil rights framework.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states they "do not accept unsolicited proposals for funding." Organizations must be invited to apply after the foundation conducts thorough analysis of potential partners. They collaborate closely with funded programs and monitor multi-year and pilot programs.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's documented approach:

  • The foundation identifies potential grantees through their existing networks in the Jewish community and disability advocacy sectors
  • They actively seek organizations working at the intersection of their priority areas (disability inclusion, mental health, Jewish education)
  • Organizations making significant innovations in inclusion may come to their attention through sector conferences and disability rights forums
  • Building relationships with Combined Jewish Philanthropies and other major Jewish funders they partner with may lead to introductions

Decision Timeline

Invitation-based process with no public timeline. The foundation conducts thorough analysis before inviting organizations to submit proposals.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only process.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented partnerships and initiatives:

  • Alignment with Jewish values: Programs that explicitly connect to Jewish community needs and values
  • Innovation in inclusion: Novel approaches to disability inclusion, particularly in Jewish institutions
  • Scalable models: Programs that can be replicated across multiple sites or communities (like their synagogue and day school inclusion initiatives)
  • Partnership potential: Organizations willing to collaborate closely with the foundation and accept monitoring
  • Civil rights framework: Approaching disability as a civil rights issue rather than charity
  • Multi-year commitment: Capacity for sustained programming with measurable outcomes
  • Cross-sector impact: Programs bridging disability inclusion with mental health, education, or Israel-US relations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No unsolicited applications: Do not submit proposals unless explicitly invited by the foundation
  • Build sector visibility: Focus on creating innovative inclusion programs that might attract foundation attention
  • Partner strategically: Work with organizations already in the Ruderman network (Hillel, United Synagogue, CJP)
  • Frame as civil rights: Position disability inclusion work through a civil rights and social justice lens
  • Demonstrate Jewish connection: Even for secular programs, show relevance to Jewish community values
  • Focus on systemic change: The foundation prefers strategic initiatives over direct service provision
  • Track record matters: Build credibility in one of their focus areas before expecting invitation

References

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