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The Pixley Hill Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.5M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,502,005 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $29.5 million (2023)
  • Grant Range: $2,500 - $260,000
  • Median Grant: $15,000
  • Number of Grants: 37 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: National (22 states), primarily New York
  • Application Process: No unsolicited applications accepted

Contact Details

The Pixley Hill Foundation Inc

  • Location: Lynbrook, NY
  • EIN: 47-2936801
  • Important: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests

Overview

The Pixley Hill Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established and led by Robert and Lenore Davis. With assets totaling approximately $29.5 million as of 2023, the foundation distributed $1,502,005 in grants that year. The foundation has shown significant growth, with assets increasing substantially from minimal amounts in 2014 to over $38 million in 2024, and charitable disbursements exceeding $4 million in 2024.

The foundation supports a diverse range of organizations across 22 states, with a particular focus on New York-based organizations. While the foundation has historical ties to the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, recent grantmaking reveals a broader portfolio spanning performing arts, social services, humanitarian relief, reproductive rights, and community organizations. The foundation operates as a family foundation under the leadership of Robert and Lenore Davis and their family members.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with trustee discretion. Recent grants in 2023 included:

  • Major Grants ($100,000 - $260,000): Largest awards to established institutions
  • Mid-Level Grants ($25,000 - $99,000): Core operational support for established organizations
  • Smaller Grants ($2,500 - $24,999): Support for smaller nonprofits and specific projects

Priority Areas

Based on 2023 grantmaking patterns, the foundation supports:

  • Performing Arts: Symphony Space Inc ($200,000), and support for the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts
  • Parks and Conservation: Central Park Conservancy Inc ($225,000)
  • Humanitarian Relief: International Rescue Committee ($260,000)
  • Reproductive Rights and Access: The Brigid Alliance Inc ($100,000)
  • Social Justice Organizations: Various community-based organizations
  • General Support: Most grants are provided for general operating support rather than specific projects

Geographic Focus

While the foundation funds initiatives across 22 states including California, Texas, and New York, there is a clear concentration on New York City-based organizations, particularly those serving major cultural and social service needs.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's policy clearly states they only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations. This indicates:

  • No unsolicited proposals accepted
  • No first-time applicants outside of trustee networks
  • Organizations outside their established portfolio of interests

Governance and Leadership

The Pixley Hill Foundation is governed by the Davis family:

  • Robert Davis: President, Treasurer, and Trustee
  • Lenore Davis: Vice President, Secretary, and Trustee (compensated at $18,000 annually, the only compensated board member)
  • Additional family members serve in governance roles, including Isaac, Anastasia, and Aaron Davis

The foundation operates as a tightly-held family foundation with decision-making authority resting with the Davis family trustees. This structure explains their invitation-only approach to grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Pixley Hill Foundation has explicitly stated that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded through trustee discretion, typically to organizations that:

  • Have existing relationships with the Davis family or foundation trustees
  • Are identified through the trustees' networks and philanthropic circles
  • Align with the family's values and areas of interest

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a discretionary basis throughout the year rather than through formal application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable given the invitation-only nature of the foundation. In 2023, the foundation made 37 grants, compared to 36 in 2022, showing relatively consistent grantmaking activity year-over-year.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply or reapply as there is no application process. Repeat funding appears to depend on the foundation's continued interest and the organization's performance.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, the typical concept of "application success factors" does not apply. However, organizations that have received funding share certain characteristics:

Characteristics of Funded Organizations:

  • Established, reputable organizations with proven track records
  • Organizations addressing significant social needs or cultural enrichment
  • New York-based organizations or those with strong New York connections
  • Organizations in performing arts, humanitarian relief, social justice, and environmental conservation
  • Organizations providing general community benefit or serving vulnerable populations

Grant Patterns:

  • Most grants are for "General Support" rather than specific projects
  • Grant amounts vary widely ($2,500 to $260,000) based on organization size and need
  • The foundation shows loyalty to organizations, potentially funding them across multiple years
  • Larger grants go to well-known institutions (International Rescue Committee, Central Park Conservancy, Symphony Space)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Do not attempt to submit proposals unless specifically invited by trustees.
  • Family Foundation: Decision-making is centralized within the Davis family, making personal connections and relationships paramount.
  • Diverse Interests: While historically associated with performing arts, recent grantmaking shows broader interests including social justice, humanitarian relief, and reproductive rights.
  • General Support Focus: The foundation predominantly provides unrestricted general operating support rather than project-specific funding.
  • New York Focus: Despite funding in 22 states, there is a strong preference for New York-based organizations and institutions.
  • Wide Grant Range: Awards range from $2,500 to $260,000, with a median of $15,000, suggesting flexibility in supporting organizations of different sizes.
  • Growing Resources: The foundation's assets have grown dramatically in recent years, with charitable disbursements increasing from approximately $1.5 million in 2023 to over $4 million in 2024, indicating expanding grantmaking capacity.

References

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