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Suzanne and Thomas Murphy Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.5M

Suzanne and Thomas Murphy Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $490,000 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $41.6 million (2023); $49.8 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Information not publicly available
  • Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: C/O CBIZ ADV LLC, 68 South Service Road, Melville, NY 11747

Phone: 631-414-4000

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or email address for grant applications.

Overview

The Suzanne and Thomas Murphy Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Melville, New York, established in honor of Thomas S. Murphy and his late wife Suzanne Murphy. The foundation received tax-exempt status in April 2022. With total assets of approximately $49.8 million as of 2024 and annual grant distributions of $490,000 in 2023, the foundation operates as a traditional private foundation under the leadership of the Murphy family.

Thomas S. Murphy was the legendary former Chairman and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., whose business acumen was praised by Warren Buffett. Together with his wife Suzanne, who passed away in 2009, the Murphys were known for their significant philanthropic contributions, particularly to NYU Langone Medical Center. Suzanne Murphy served as President of the Suzanne C. Murphy Foundation, Inc., and the couple endowed the Thomas and Suzanne Murphy Professorship of Neuroscience at NYU, among other substantial gifts to biomolecular research and medical centers of excellence.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with publicly advertised criteria. As a private foundation, grantmaking decisions are made at the discretion of the board of directors.

Priority Areas

Based on the Murphy family's historical philanthropic interests, areas likely to align with the foundation's mission include:

  • Medical Research and Healthcare: Given the family's extensive support of NYU Langone Medical Center and medical education
  • Education: Reflecting Thomas Murphy's commitment to educational institutions
  • Public Service Organizations: Aligned with Thomas Murphy's documented belief in public service

Important Note: Specific current funding priorities are not publicly disclosed, and past giving patterns from the founders' personal philanthropy may not fully reflect the foundation's current focus.

What They Don't Fund

Information not publicly available.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Thomas S. Murphy Jr. (Director)
  • Emilie B. Murphy (Director)
  • Kathleen Murphy (Director)

The foundation is managed by the second generation of the Murphy family. Thomas S. Murphy Sr., the patriarch, was honored at NYU Langone Medical Center's 2017 Violet Ball for his nearly 50-year commitment to the institution. He served as a trustee of NYU Langone since 1972, was chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1997, and remains a life trustee and honorary vice chair at NYU.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

As a private foundation, the Suzanne and Thomas Murphy Foundation makes grants based on trustee discretion rather than through an open application process. Grant recipients are typically identified through the board's existing relationships and areas of interest rather than through solicited proposals.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Given the absence of a public application process, organizations interested in this foundation's support would need to focus on relationship-building strategies rather than traditional grant applications. The foundation's grantmaking reflects the discretion of the Murphy family directors and their philanthropic priorities.

Historical context suggests the foundation may be particularly receptive to:

  • Medical and healthcare initiatives, especially those connected to institutions the family has historically supported
  • Educational programs and institutions
  • Organizations aligned with public service missions

However, specific current preferences are not publicly documented.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Grantmaking is conducted through trustee discretion.
  • Family foundation: Managed by the second generation of the Murphy family with roots in business leadership and medical philanthropy.
  • Medical and education focus: Historical giving patterns suggest strong interest in medical research, healthcare institutions, and education, particularly NYU Langone Medical Center.
  • Relationship-driven: As with most private foundations without public application processes, relationships and board connections likely drive grantmaking decisions.
  • Limited transparency: The foundation does not maintain a public website and discloses minimal information about grantmaking priorities or past recipients beyond IRS filings.
  • Substantial assets: With nearly $50 million in assets, the foundation has significant capacity, though annual giving of $490,000 suggests selective grantmaking.
  • Administrative support: The foundation uses CBIZ ADV LLC for administrative support, common among private family foundations.

References

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