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Woldenberg Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.6M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.6M
00

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,621,808 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $23.5 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: Varies widely - from small grants to major commitments of $600,000+
  • Median Grant: $3,000
  • Number of Grants: 143 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater New Orleans, Louisiana and Israel
  • Application Method: Rolling basis via Letter of Inquiry

Contact Details

Website: https://goldringfoundation.com
Phone: 504-847-6078
Address: 524 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA 70005

The foundation operates jointly with the Goldring Family Foundation under the umbrella name "Goldring Family & Woldenberg Foundations."

Overview

The Woldenberg Foundation was established in 1959 by Malcolm C. Woldenberg (1896-1982), a Canadian-born businessman and one of Louisiana's greatest philanthropists of the 20th century. Malcolm Woldenberg co-founded the Magnolia Marketing Company in 1944 with Newman and Stephen Goldring, which eventually became part of what is today the Sazerac Company. The foundation was created as the Dorothy and Malcolm Woldenberg Charitable and Educational Foundation to honor both Malcolm and his wife Dorothy.

With total assets of $23.5 million and annual giving of approximately $3.6 million, the foundation has maintained a steady commitment to serving the Greater New Orleans area and supporting Jewish causes internationally. The foundation's legacy is visible throughout New Orleans, most notably in the 14-acre Woldenberg Riverfront Park, created with a $5 million gift from the foundation. The foundation now operates in close coordination with the Goldring Family Foundation, reflecting the long business partnership between Malcolm Woldenberg and the Goldring family that began in the 1940s.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants on a rolling basis through an online Letter of Inquiry process. There are no fixed deadlines or specific grant programs—instead, the foundation considers applications throughout the year across its priority areas.

Grant Size Range:

  • Median grant: $3,000
  • Small grants: As low as a few hundred dollars
  • Major grants: Up to $600,000+ for significant institutional partners
  • The foundation distributes approximately $3.6 million annually through 143 grants

Priority Areas

The Goldring Family & Woldenberg Foundations fund non-profits in the Greater New Orleans area and Israel across these areas:

  • Animals & Environment: Wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and animal welfare organizations (e.g., Audubon Nature Institute received $450,000 in 2023)
  • Arts & Culture: Museums, cultural institutions, and arts programs (e.g., The National WWII Museum received $215,000 in 2023)
  • Civil Affairs: Community development and civic engagement
  • Education/Recreation & Opportunities for Children: Educational institutions, scholarships, and youth development programs (e.g., Tulane University received $607,000 in 2023)
  • Human Services: Social service organizations supporting community needs
  • Health: Healthcare institutions and programs (e.g., Children's Hospital received $200,000 in 2023)
  • Jewish Causes: Jewish organizations locally and internationally, particularly in Israel (approximately $1 million annually; e.g., Friends of Ir David Inc received $200,000 and American Friends of Alyn received $150,000 in 2023)

The foundation has shown particular interest in projects that serve multiple purposes—for example, supporting institutions that combine education, culture, and community benefit.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation's exclusions are not explicitly published, the geographic focus on Greater New Orleans and Israel suggests that organizations outside these areas are unlikely to receive funding. The foundation's 990 filings show consistent support for established institutions, suggesting that brand-new organizations without track records may face challenges securing funding.

Governance and Leadership

The Woldenberg Foundation operates in close partnership with the Goldring Family Foundation, reflecting the decades-long business relationship between Malcolm Woldenberg and the Goldring family. After Malcolm Woldenberg's death in 1982, Stephen Goldring (1908-1996) oversaw the Woldenberg Foundation alongside his family's foundation.

The foundations share leadership and administrative structure, with officer compensation of approximately $120,000 annually supporting professional grant management. The foundations employ staff to manage the grant review process and maintain relationships with grantee organizations.

Detailed current board composition is available in the foundation's Form 990-PF filings, accessible through nonprofit databases like ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer or Candid's Foundation Directory.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year via an online grant interface available at goldringfoundation.com.

Application Steps:

  1. Visit the foundation's website at goldringfoundation.com
  2. Click "Click To Apply" to access the online grant interface
  3. Complete a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) providing general details about your organization
  4. Submit the LOI through the online system
  5. Returning applicants can log in to track their applications

The Letter of Inquiry is the first step in the process and should include information about your organization's mission, the specific project or need, and how it aligns with the foundation's priorities.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish specific timelines for grant decisions. However, the rolling application process suggests that applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis rather than at fixed board meeting dates. Given typical private foundation practices, applicants should expect:

  • Initial review of LOI: 2-4 weeks
  • Request for full proposal (if invited): varies
  • Final decision: timing not publicly disclosed

Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation at 504-847-6078 for specific timeline questions related to their application.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose its application volume or acceptance rate. However, the data shows:

  • 143 grants awarded in 2023
  • 123 grants awarded in 2022
  • 106 grants awarded in 2021

This steady grant-making activity suggests an established portfolio of recurring grantees alongside new recipients each year. The relatively high number of grants (143) compared to total giving ($3.6 million) indicates that many organizations receive support, though most grants are modest in size (median $3,000).

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy. The presence of both recurring major institutional grantees (like Tulane University and Audubon Nature Institute) and numerous smaller grants suggests that both repeat applications and new inquiries are welcome. Organizations should feel comfortable reapplying annually or when new projects arise that align with the foundation's priorities.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of the foundation's grant-making patterns and priorities:

Geographic Alignment is Critical The foundation is deeply rooted in Greater New Orleans. Organizations should clearly demonstrate how their work serves the Greater New Orleans community or, if based in Israel, how they align with the foundation's international Jewish philanthropy priorities.

Established Track Record Helps The foundation's largest grants consistently go to well-established institutions like Tulane University, the Audubon Nature Institute, The National WWII Museum, and Children's Hospital. While smaller organizations receive grants, having an established presence in the community appears advantageous.

Alignment with the Woldenberg Legacy The foundation honors Malcolm and Dorothy Woldenberg's commitment to education, arts, health, children, the Jewish community, and the environment. Projects that reflect these values have clear advantage. Consider how your work connects to the philanthropic legacy of the Woldenberg family—community improvement, cultural enrichment, and caring for vulnerable populations.

Scale Your Ask Appropriately With a median grant of $3,000, most organizations receive modest support. First-time applicants should consider requesting amounts in the $2,500-$10,000 range unless they are major institutions with established relationships. The foundation does make larger grants ($200,000-$600,000+) but these go to flagship organizations like Tulane, the Audubon Institute, and Children's Hospital.

Jewish Organizations Have Strong Support Approximately $1 million of the foundation's annual $3.6 million in grants (roughly 28%) supports Jewish causes. Jewish organizations serving the Greater New Orleans area or Israel should feel encouraged to apply, as this remains a core commitment of the foundation.

Partnership Between Goldring and Woldenberg Foundations Applications are reviewed jointly by the Goldring Family and Woldenberg Foundations. Understanding that these foundations operate together can help applicants appreciate the shared values and collaborative approach to grant-making.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic focus is paramount: Your organization must serve Greater New Orleans or (if Jewish-focused) Israel. Do not apply if outside these areas.

  • Don't over-ask: With a median grant of $3,000, most recipients receive modest support. Request amounts appropriate to your organization's size and relationship with the foundation—typically $2,500-$10,000 for smaller organizations or first-time applicants.

  • Emphasize community impact: The Woldenberg family legacy centers on community improvement and serving vulnerable populations. Demonstrate clear community benefit and impact on lives in Greater New Orleans.

  • Rolling applications mean you can apply anytime: There's no need to wait for a specific deadline. Apply when your project is ready and when you can make the strongest case.

  • Established institutions receive the largest grants: If your organization is smaller or newer, don't be discouraged—the foundation makes 143 grants annually, many to modest-sized organizations. But recognize that six-figure grants go to major institutions with long-standing relationships.

  • Jewish causes receive substantial support: Nearly 30% of the foundation's annual giving supports Jewish organizations. If your organization serves the Jewish community in New Orleans or Israel, this is an excellent funder prospect.

  • The Letter of Inquiry is your entry point: Invest time in crafting a compelling LOI that clearly articulates your organization's mission, the specific need, and alignment with the foundation's priorities. This is your opportunity to make a strong first impression.

References

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