AC & JC Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $11 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: $108 - $2,000,000
Geographic Focus: New York, New Jersey, California (primarily NYC)

Contact Details

Address: 25 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (646) 362-0039
Website: Not available
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The AC & JC Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2020 by Audrey (née Simons) and Jacob Cappell to further their philanthropic goals in New York City and beyond. With assets of approximately $25.85 million and annual giving of $11 million in 2024, the foundation has quickly become a significant philanthropic force in New York. Audrey Cappell is the daughter of James Simons, founder of the Simons Foundation and prominent hedge fund manager. The foundation brings a commitment to bettering the lives of New Yorkers, especially those populations who lack access and opportunity to resources that allow them to reach their fullest potential.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provided 43 grants in 2024 with a median grant size of $100,000. While they don't have formal grant programs open to the public, their giving patterns show consistent support for:

General Operating Support: Primary funding type
Capital Campaigns: $500,000+ for major institutions
Emergency Relief Funds: Up to $2,000,000 for crisis response

Priority Areas

NYC educational programs
Cultural institutions and museums
Social service programs
Social and racial justice initiatives
Services for people with disabilities
Jewish life and community support
Environmental conservation
Animal welfare
Arts organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears not to fund:

Individual requests
Organizations outside their geographic focus areas
Unsolicited proposals from unknown organizations

Governance and Leadership

Co-Presidents: Jacob Cappell and Audrey Cappell (volunteer positions)
Executive Director: Toya Williford (Compensation: $266,000)
Treasurer & Secretary: Joseph Cosmai
Director: Jeffrey Wacksman

The foundation is governed by a four-member board of directors and operates with a staff of four employees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The AC & JC Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion and established relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on their grant-making patterns and leadership involvement, organizations may increase visibility through:

Membership in Philanthropy New York, where the foundation is an active member
Partnership with existing grantees, particularly major NYC cultural institutions
Board or leadership connections within the New York philanthropic community
Excellence in the foundation's priority areas, particularly NYC education, social services, and cultural programs

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed; decisions appear to be made on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only grant-making approach.

Application Success Factors

For organizations hoping to be considered for future support:

Geographic alignment: Strong preference for New York City-based organizations with demonstrated local impact
Operational excellence: The foundation's preference for general operating support suggests they value organizational stability and effectiveness
Scale of impact: Recent grants show support for both large established institutions ($2M to UJA-Federation) and mid-sized organizations
Mission alignment: Clear connection to the Cappells' stated interests in education, social justice, and improving access for underserved communities
Established reputation: All known recipients are well-established organizations with proven track records

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is an invitation-only funder; do not submit unsolicited proposals
Focus on building organizational excellence and visibility in NYC philanthropic circles
The foundation provides significant general operating support, suggesting they value organizational sustainability
Major support goes to established NYC institutions, but mid-sized organizations also receive substantial grants
Consider partnership opportunities with current grantees like City Harvest, Central Park Conservancy, or American Museum of Natural History
The foundation's rapid growth (established 2020, already distributing $11M annually) suggests expanding grant-making capacity
Family foundation structure means personal relationships and trustee interests drive grant decisions

References

Grantmakers.io Profile - AC & JC Foundation (accessed January 2026)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - AC & JC Foundation (accessed January 2026)
Instrumentl 990 Report - AC & JC Foundation (accessed January 2026)
Cause IQ - AC and JC Foundation Profile (accessed January 2026)
Philanthropy New York - AC & JC Foundation Member Profile (accessed January 2026)
AC & JC Foundation Operations and Finance Manager Job Posting, February 2021