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Michael & Alice Kuhn Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.2M

Michael & Alice Kuhn Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,154,615 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Annual review process, decisions made after November board meeting
  • Grant Range: Varies (average grant: $41,435)
  • Geographic Focus: United States only
  • Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Address: 2500 Longview St., Unit 30, Austin, TX 78705

Phone: 512-575-8002

Email: peter@kuhnfoundation.com

Executive Director: Peter Helf

Website: www.kuhnfoundation.com

Overview

Founded in 1996 by Michael and Alice Kuhn, this Austin-based private foundation was established with a mission to fight systemic poverty by investing in organizations that advocate for constituencies historically excluded from social influence, economic power, and resources. With assets of approximately $18.7 million and annual giving of over $2.1 million distributed across 52 grants in 2023, the foundation focuses on promoting systemic change in societal values, institutions, and practices to advance social and economic justice. Influenced by their families' experiences during the Great Depression and inspired by their Jewish faith, the Kuhns have a long history of social justice activism dating back to the 1960s when they worked with the Young Democrats to help end segregation in Dallas. In 2024, the foundation was honored as the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation of the Year by Greater Austin's Association of Fundraising Professionals. Notably, Michael Kuhn passed away in 2024, though the foundation continues its mission under Alice Kuhn's leadership.

Funding Priorities

Focus Areas

Social Justice Research and Education The foundation prioritizes organizations conducting research and education on social justice issues, particularly those that advocate for systemic change. Top recipients have included organizations like Austin Interfaith, Bend the Arc, T'ruah-Rabbis for Human Rights, and Jewish Community Action.

Educational Opportunities for Underserved Students Strong emphasis on supporting first-generation college students and under-resourced students. Recipients include programs at Breakthrough Central Texas, St. Edward's University, University of Texas at Austin, and Literacy First.

Progressive Jewish Organizations and Interfaith Collaboratives Support for synagogues, Jewish organizations, and interfaith groups working toward social justice, including community organizing initiatives.

Leadership Training Programs Organizations that provide leadership development with a social justice focus.

Geographic Scope

All funded projects must operate exclusively within the United States, with particular concentration in Austin, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • International projects (U.S. domestic purposes only)
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

Alice Kuhn - President and Director (serves without compensation)

Jeffrey Kuhn - Treasurer and Director (compensation: $62,000)

Peter Helf - Executive Director (peter@kuhnfoundation.com)

The foundation operates with a board of trustees that meets annually to review and approve grants.

Leadership Philosophy

The Kuhns' approach to philanthropy has been deeply shaped by their personal values. As Alice Kuhn noted in describing their journey, their activism was sparked by direct action—Michael's participation in picketing a whites-only barbershop in the 1960s exemplifies their hands-on commitment to civil rights. Upon realizing that their Judaism and ideas on social justice were "ultimately intertwined," they created the foundation to institutionalize their commitment to fighting systemic poverty and creating opportunities for disadvantaged minority students.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Applications are accepted for consideration by invitation only.

The foundation identifies potential grantees through its networks and established relationships within the social justice and educational equity communities.

Application Requirements (for Invited Organizations)

When invited to apply, organizations must submit:

A. Grant Proposal containing:

  • Project description
  • Mission alignment with foundation goals
  • Impact and beneficiaries
  • Outcomes and evaluation details
  • Project budget
  • Amount requested

B. Required Attachments:

  • IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
  • Project budget
  • Organizational budgets (current and prior fiscal year)
  • Biographical sketches of key personnel

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: Typically early November
  • Board Review: Annual board of trustees meeting
  • Grant Awards: Made following the board meeting

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation identifies grantees through established relationships in the social justice, Jewish community organizing, and educational equity sectors. Their giving history shows consistent support for:

  • Community organizing networks: Organizations involved in interfaith social justice work and community advocacy, particularly those connected to networks like Austin Interfaith and similar organizing collaboratives
  • Progressive Jewish social justice organizations: Groups affiliated with movements like Bend the Arc, T'ruah-Rabbis for Human Rights, and similar progressive Jewish advocacy organizations
  • Educational equity programs: Initiatives focused on first-generation college students and under-resourced communities in higher education

The foundation's top recipients reflect long-term relationships built around shared values of systemic change and social justice. Organizations working in these spaces and demonstrating commitment to advocacy for marginalized communities may be considered for future invitations.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach and documented giving patterns, organizations that align with the following characteristics have received support:

Systemic Change Focus: The foundation explicitly seeks to fund organizations promoting "systemic change in societal values, institutions, and practices." Successful grantees work beyond direct service to address root causes of inequality and advocate for policy or institutional changes.

Advocacy for Excluded Constituencies: The foundation's stated mission is to invest in organizations that "advocate for constituencies that have historically been excluded from social influence, economic power, and resources." Organizations that center the voices and leadership of marginalized communities align with this priority.

Educational Equity with First-Generation Focus: Educational programs receiving support emphasize "students who are first in their family to attend institutions of higher education." Organizations serving first-generation college students, particularly from under-resourced communities, have been consistent recipients.

Values Alignment: The Kuhns' personal history of civil rights activism and their commitment to progressive social justice informs their grantmaking. Organizations working at the intersection of faith-based values and social justice advocacy, particularly in the Jewish community organizing space, have received sustained support.

Proven Track Record: Top recipients like Austin Interfaith, Breakthrough, Bend the Arc, Jewish Community Action, and T'ruah-Rabbis for Human Rights represent organizations with established reputations in community organizing and social justice advocacy, suggesting the foundation values organizational maturity and demonstrated impact.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Building relationships within their funding networks (community organizing, progressive Jewish organizations, educational equity) is essential.
  • Systemic change emphasis: Focus proposals on advocacy, policy change, and institutional transformation rather than direct service alone.
  • Values-driven philanthropy: The foundation's giving is deeply rooted in the Kuhns' Jewish values and civil rights activism history. Organizations working at the intersection of faith and social justice may resonate strongly.
  • First-generation student priority: Educational initiatives should emphasize support for first-generation college students from under-resourced communities.
  • Long-term relationships: Giving patterns show sustained support for core grantees, suggesting the foundation values ongoing partnerships over one-time grants.
  • Geographic concentration: While U.S.-focused, the foundation shows particular interest in Austin-area organizations and national social justice networks.
  • Average grant size: With an average grant of approximately $41,400, organizations should frame requests accordingly, though the foundation has capacity for both smaller and larger awards.

References

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