Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,965,460 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Up to 3 months
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $500,000+ (average $78,618)
• Geographic Focus: Greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area

Contact Details

Website: https://pfriemfoundation.org
Phone: 914-872-4000
Email: info@pfriemfoundation.org
Address: 800 Westchester Avenue, Suite N-641, Rye Brook, NY 10573

Overview

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation was established to honor the legacy of Elizabeth M. Pfriem, a prominent Bridgeport philanthropist and the last member of the Pfriem family to lead the Connecticut Post as publisher. The daughter of a Polish immigrant coal miner who moved to Bridgeport after World War II, Elizabeth Pfriem dedicated her life to supporting her community. She made history in 1986 as the first and only female Barnum Festival ringmaster. Pfriem passed away in 2017 at age 92, leaving a foundation with approximately $36.9 million in assets (2024). The foundation is dedicated to improving the human condition through facilitating provisions of education, health, food, and safe, affordable housing to those in need, with a primary focus on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Major Multi-Year Grants: $1.5 million over five years (e.g., Camp HOPE program)
• Significant One-Time Grants: $250,000-$500,000 (capital projects, challenge grants)
• Average Grant Size: $78,618
• Application method: Invitation-only via Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

Priority Areas

• Healthcare: Community health centers, hospitals, cancer care, pediatric emergency services
• Education: Public education, higher education (Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, Housatonic Community College)
• Child Advocacy: Programs for children experiencing trauma, domestic violence, or in need
• Housing: Safe, affordable housing initiatives
• Food Security: Programs addressing hunger and food access
• Arts and Culture: Barnum Museum, Barnum Festival, Greater Bridgeport Symphony
• Social Services: RYASAP, Center for Family Justice, Visiting Nurse Service

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation
• Lobbying or political activities
• Major research projects
• Commercial businesses
• Litigation
• Endowments
• Building campaigns (unless strategic)
• Special events
• Annual funds
• Direct grants to individuals

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Anthony V. Montalto - Executive Director and Trustee
• S. Earl Shook - Trustee
• James B. Stewart - Trustee

Tony Montalto on a $1.5 million grant to Camp HOPE: "This gift reflects all the things Mrs. Pfriem cared about" - emphasizing the foundation's commitment to child advocacy, education, and supporting vulnerable populations.

Elizabeth Pfriem was known for working "quietly behind the scenes without seeking personal recognition," focusing on meaningful impact rather than public accolades.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. Organizations may submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to introduce their organization and proposed project. The foundation reviews all LOIs to determine alignment with funding criteria.

Decision Timeline

• LOI Review Period: Up to 3 months
• No Response Policy: If no response within 3 months, assume the inquiry was not approved
• The foundation does not send declination letters

Success Rates

• 2023: 25 grants awarded totaling $1,965,460
• Specific success rate percentages not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in public materials. Organizations may submit new inquiries for different projects.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate Deep Bridgeport Connections: Strongly prioritizes organizations serving greater Bridgeport. Even if based elsewhere, clearly articulate direct service to Bridgeport residents.
• Align with Elizabeth Pfriem's Values: Programs serving economically challenged populations, immigrants, children, and women align closely with her legacy.
• Focus on Fiscal Responsibility and Innovation: Explicitly seeks "fiscally responsible organizations" with "innovative programs with growth potential."
• Show Leverage Potential: Demonstrate how their grant could catalyze additional funding or broader community impact (e.g., $250,000 Challenge Grant to Bridgeport Hospital).
• Think Multi-Year Impact: Recent major grants suggest willingness to make sustained commitments to programs demonstrating long-term value.
• Serve Vulnerable Children: Major grants support programs for children experiencing trauma, medical needs, or poverty.
• Address Multiple Priority Areas: Most successful grants touch multiple foundation priorities (e.g., Camp HOPE combines child advocacy, education, and mental health).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only process requires compelling Letter of Inquiry focused on Bridgeport connection and innovative approach
• Wide grant range from tens of thousands to multi-million dollars over multiple years
• Geographic focus on greater Bridgeport, Connecticut is critical
• Children and healthcare are top priority areas based on recent grant patterns
• Three-month response window - no response means not approved
• Emphasize fiscal responsibility, innovation, and how foundation resources can catalyze broader impact
• Honor Elizabeth Pfriem's legacy of quiet, impactful philanthropy in your approach

References

1. Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation Official Website. https://pfriemfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
2. Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation - Funding Guidelines. https://pfriemfoundation.org/funding-guidelines/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Elizabeth M Pfriem Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/465418223 (Accessed February 4, 2026)
4. Center for Family Justice. "Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation Announces Major Camp HOPE Grant." https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/updates/elizabeth-m-pfriem-foundation-announces-major-camp-hope-grant/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
5. Bridgeport Hospital Foundation. "Elizabeth M. Pfriem." https://foundation.bridgeporthospital.org/elizabeth-pfriem/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
6. Connecticut Post. "Elizabeth M. Pfriem, philanthropist and former Post publisher." https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Elizabeth-M-Pfriem-philanthropist-and-former-11046921.php (Accessed February 4, 2026)