Rochelle and David A. Hirsch Foundation Inc.

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,455,671 (2023)
• Total Assets: $28.8 million
• Grant Range: $35 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: New York area and Israel
• Application Process: No public application process - preselected organizations only
• Founded: 2002

Contact Details

Address: 910 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Phone: (917) 991-1100

Primary Contact: David Hirsch

EIN: 55-0809138

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or applications.

Overview

The Rochelle and David A. Hirsch Foundation was established in 2002 by businessman David Hirsch and his wife Rochelle. The foundation is a private family foundation with total assets of approximately $28.8 million and annual giving of $1.5 million. David Hirsch is associated with JJS Associates, a privately owned investment partnership/family office founded in 2011 that oversees the Hirsch family's capital accumulated through New York real estate holdings, with a focus on fixed income, direct equity, venture capital, and structured products. The foundation operates as a low-profile grantmaker, making contributions exclusively to preselected charitable organizations. The foundation files IRS Form 990-PF annually, with filings available from 2011 through 2023.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, with most grants directed to organizations in the New York area and Israel. Past grantees reflect a diverse portfolio within this focus:

Jewish Education and Religious Organizations:

• Fifth Avenue Synagogue
• Ramaz School
• Jewish Education Project
• Birthright Israel Foundation

Israeli Causes:

• AFIPO (American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra)
• Israel Tennis Center

Arts and Culture:

• Whitney Museum of American Art
• The Jewish Museum
• The Metropolitan Opera

Social Services:

• VISIONS (serving people who are blind or visually impaired)

Grant Range

Individual grants typically range from $35 to $50,000, though the foundation has the capacity to make larger awards given its substantial asset base.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation has occasionally supported secular cultural institutions like the Whitney Museum and Met Opera, organizations outside the Jewish philanthropic sphere or those not located in New York or Israel should look elsewhere for funding.

Governance and Leadership

David Hirsch serves as the primary contact and decision-maker for the foundation. As a businessman with experience in real estate and investment management through JJS Associates, Hirsch brings a strategic approach to the foundation's philanthropic activities. The foundation operates as a family foundation, suggesting that grant decisions are made by the Hirsch family members, likely including both David and Rochelle Hirsch.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Rochelle and David A. Hirsch Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited proposals and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. This means grants are awarded through the trustees' discretion rather than through an open application system.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's support of specific institutions where the Hirsch family likely has personal connections, potential grantees should focus on:

Institutional Connections: The foundation supports organizations where the family appears to have existing relationships, particularly Fifth Avenue Synagogue, Ramaz School, and cultural institutions where they may serve on boards or have longstanding involvement.

Geographic and Mission Alignment: Organizations with strong ties to New York's Jewish community or Israeli causes that align with the foundation's demonstrated interests have received support. The foundation's pattern suggests support for:

• Major Jewish educational institutions
• Cultural organizations with Jewish programs or connections
• Israeli cultural and social welfare organizations
• Prestigious New York arts institutions

Network Approach: Since this is a family foundation that supports preselected organizations, building relationships within the New York Jewish philanthropic community and the organizations they already fund (such as Fifth Avenue Synagogue or Ramaz School) may provide indirect pathways to visibility.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No unsolicited applications accepted: This foundation awards grants exclusively to preselected organizations, making a traditional grant application impossible
• Jewish focus dominates: While occasional secular cultural institutions receive support, Jewish causes—particularly education, religious life, and Israeli organizations—form the core of the foundation's giving
• New York and Israel only: Organizations outside these two geographic areas are not within the foundation's funding scope
• Relationship-driven grantmaking: The foundation's approach suggests grants flow to organizations where the Hirsch family has personal connections or long-term relationships
• Consistent giving levels: With assets of $28.8 million and annual giving around $1.5 million, the foundation maintains a steady 5%+ distribution rate
• Mid-range grant amounts: Individual grants typically fall between $35-$50,000, making this foundation suitable for project funding or annual support rather than major capital campaigns
• Family foundation structure: As a family foundation operated by the Hirsch family, decisions are made by family members rather than an independent board, meaning personal interests and connections heavily influence funding priorities

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Rochelle And David A Hirsch Foundation Inc (EIN 55-0809138). Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/550809138 (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy: Rochelle and David A. Hirsch Foundation profile. Available at: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/new-york-grants/rochelle-and-david-a-hirsch-foundation (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: Rochelle and David A Hirsch Foundation Inc. Available at: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/55-0809138 (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: Rochelle & David a Hirsch Foundation Inc. Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=HIRS073 (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• Cause IQ: Rochelle and David A Hirsch Foundation. Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/rochelle-and-david-a-hirsch-foundation,550809138/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• TheShareWay: Rochelle & David A Hirsch Foundation Inc. Available at: https://www.theshareway.com/funder/rochelle--40036 (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• VISIONS Partners page: Lists Rochelle & David A. Hirsch Foundation as supporter. Available at: https://visionsvcb.org/resources/partners/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)
• ALTSS: JJS Associates (Hirsch Family Office) profile. Available at: https://altss.com/profile/jjs-associates-hirsch-family-office (Accessed March 4, 2026)