Kors Lepere Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.2-1.4 million
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (preselected recipients)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $200,000+ (estimated)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily New York City

Contact Details

• Website: Not available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Location: New York, NY

Overview

The Kors Lepere Foundation is a private independent foundation established by fashion designer Michael Kors and his husband Lance Le Pere, receiving IRS tax-exempt status in September 2012. With assets of approximately $17.7 million as of December 2023, the foundation distributes $1.2-1.4 million annually to preselected charitable organizations. The foundation operates as an invitation-only funder, focusing on causes personally meaningful to the founders, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and history, HIV/AIDS services, theatre and performing arts, and health research. Based in New York City, the foundation primarily supports NYC-based organizations or those with significant NYC presence, maintaining long-term partnerships with established institutions rather than making one-time grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs with open applications. All funding is distributed through invitation-only grants to preselected organizations, with estimated ranges of $10,000 - $200,000+ based on annual distributions.

Priority Areas

• LGBTQ+ Rights and History: Supporting museums, advocacy organizations, and community centers
• HIV/AIDS Services: Direct services, medical meal delivery, research, and memorial projects
• Theatre and Performing Arts: Major NYC theatre companies, musical theatre development, arts education
• Health and Medical Research: Breast cancer research, healthcare access, hospital support
• Other Causes: Reproductive rights, environmental conservation, hunger relief

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and only funds preselected organizations. They do not fund individuals or organizations outside their established giving circle.

Governance and Leadership

Michael Kors (President) - World-renowned fashion designer, UN World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador, and board member of God's Love We Deliver and the American LGBTQ+ Museum.

Lance Le Pere (Secretary/Treasurer) - Creative director and philanthropist, co-recipient with Michael Kors of numerous humanitarian awards including the 2023 Evelyn H. Lauder Humanitarian Award from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The foundation operates with no officer compensation, demonstrating full volunteer leadership commitment.

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.

Getting on Their Radar

• Network through confirmed recipients: Build relationships with organizations they already support, including God's Love We Deliver, Roundabout Theatre Company, the LGBT Community Center, and the American LGBTQ+ Museum
• Attend specific events: LGBT Community Center events in NYC, Roundabout Theatre Company galas, God's Love We Deliver functions, Breast Cancer Research Foundation events, fashion industry charity events where the founders are honored
• Board connections: Both founders serve on the American LGBTQ+ Museum board of trustees; Michael Kors serves on God's Love We Deliver board

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - recipients are preselected

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, organizations within their sphere of interest should focus on:

• Geographic alignment: Strong NYC presence or focus is essential
• Mission alignment: Clear connection to LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS services, theatre/arts, or health causes
• Established reputation: The foundation supports proven organizations with track records
• Network connections: Relationships with board members or leadership of organizations they already fund
• Long-term partnership potential: They prefer sustained relationships over one-time support
• Leadership involvement opportunities: They favor organizations where they can have meaningful board or volunteer involvement

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - they will not be considered
• Focus efforts on relationship-building if your organization aligns perfectly with their priorities
• NYC-based or NYC-focused organizations have highest likelihood of consideration
• The foundation makes substantial annual distributions ($1.2-1.4M) to a select group of causes
• Long-term partnerships are preferred over one-time grants
• Personal connections to Michael Kors, Lance Le Pere, or their network are essential
• Unless you operate in their exact focus areas in NYC with existing connections, pursuing this foundation is unlikely to be productive

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Kors Lepere Foundation Form 990-PF filings (2021-2024), accessed February 13, 2026
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Kors Lepere Foundation, accessed February 13, 2026
• "Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere Named to the American LGBTQ+ Museum Board of Trustees," WWD, June 2025
• "Kors Cares," Michael Kors corporate website, accessed February 13, 2026
• The American LGBTQ+ Museum - Lance Le Pere profile, accessed February 13, 2026
• God's Love We Deliver - major supporters page, accessed February 13, 2026
• Roundabout Theatre Company - donor recognition, accessed February 13, 2026
• Charity Navigator - Kors Lepere Foundation profile, accessed February 13, 2026