Rachael Ray Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $14.15 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: Varies widely based on program
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.rachaelrayfoundation.org
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Address: 276 5TH AVE RM 704 PMB 3132, NEW YORK, NY 10001-4527

Overview

The Rachael Ray Foundation (RRF) is a private non-operating foundation established in 2017 with tax-exempt status. Fully funded by proceeds from the sale of Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® pet food products, the foundation was launched by celebrity chef and television personality Rachael Ray to formalize and expand her charitable giving efforts. With total assets of $7.44 million and annual charitable disbursements of $14.15 million in 2024, the foundation operates with remarkable efficiency, dedicating 94.1% of total expenses directly to charitable activities. The foundation's mission centers on helping animals in need and supporting families, particularly through food security and nutritional programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through strategic partnerships and direct grants to established nonprofits, with documented major initiatives including:

• COVID-19 Relief Initiative: $4 million distributed in 2020 ($2 million for food/nutritional programs, $2 million for animal welfare)
• Ongoing support for animal welfare organizations
• Food security and hunger relief programs
• Youth culinary education initiatives

Priority Areas

• Animal welfare and rescue organizations
• Food security and hunger relief
• Nutritional programs for families and children
• Youth culinary education and career development
• Disaster relief efforts

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified

Governance and Leadership

President: Rachael Ray Vice President/Secretary: John Cusimano

The foundation operates with minimal overhead, with no compensation reported for key officers, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing charitable impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Rachael Ray Foundation operates as a private foundation that makes grants through pre-established partnerships and trustee discretion. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding through an open application portal or process.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, organizations may increase visibility through:

• Alignment with Rachael Ray's established partnerships (particularly through Yum-o! Organization)
• Focus on animal welfare organizations with national reach
• Demonstrated impact in food security and hunger relief
• Connection to organizations the foundation has previously supported, such as:
  • Best Friends Animal Society
  • Feeding America
  • Share Our Strength
  • World Central Kitchen
  • National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not available - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates without a public application process, organizations seeking support should focus on:

• Building partnerships with organizations already in the foundation's network
• Demonstrating alignment with Rachael Ray's personal interests in animal welfare and food security
• Showing measurable impact in communities across the United States
• Creating visibility through media and public awareness campaigns that might catch the attention of the foundation's leadership
• Collaborating with other organizations in the foundation's existing portfolio

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Rachael Ray Foundation is a private foundation with no public application process
• Funding decisions are made through trustee discretion and pre-established partnerships
• The foundation maintains extremely low overhead, with 94% of expenses going directly to charitable disbursements
• Focus areas are clearly defined around animal welfare and food security
• Best approach is through relationship building with existing partner organizations
• The foundation appears to prefer supporting established nonprofits with proven track records
• Geographic scope is national, with no apparent regional restrictions

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Rachael Ray Foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• Rachael Ray Foundation official website (https://www.rachaelrayfoundation.org)
• Charity Navigator profile for Rachael Ray Foundation (EIN: 813236729)
• "Rachael Ray Nonprofits Donate $4 Million for COVID-19 Whole Family Relief" - Foundation press release
• IRS Business Master File data for EIN 813236729
• Yum-o! Organization website (https://www.yum-o.org)