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Arts and Letters Foundation Inc at a glance

· Private foundation

Arts and Letters Foundation Inc

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$949k
Granted FY2025still arriving
16
Grants FY2025still arriving
3
States reached
$125k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Education$1.9MArts & Culture$1.6MHealth$1.1MHuman Services$615kFood & Nutrition$235kHousing & Shelter$224kCrime & Legal$100kScience & Tech$50kOther$0
02FY2025 · 16 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k1 grant · $4k
  • $10k–50k5 grants · $140k
  • $50k–250k10 grants · $805k
$50,000
Median grant
3
States reached
$18M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
CALVARY HOSPITAL$125,000
SMITH COLLEGE$100,000
HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT$100,000
NORTHWELL HEALTH FOUNDATION$100,000
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY$85,000
PARRISH ART MUSEUM$75,000
HIGHBRIDGE VOICES$70,000
FREE ARTS NYC$50,000
BALLET TECH SCHOOL$50,000
MAHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC$50,000
YOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS$35,000
NEW YORK YOUTH SYMPHONY$35,000
CLASSICAL SAXOPHONE PROJECT$25,000
RIVERSIDE SYMPHONIA$25,000
PROJECT MOST$20,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY20–25, $875k) land where the poverty rate runs at 15%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 79% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE INC: $25k → 9%FISHERMAN'S MARK: $30k → 4%ISLAND HARVEST: $65k → 7%ISLAND HARVEST: $15k → 7%FISHERMAN'S MARK: $20k → 4%LONG ISLAND CARES: $25k → 7%COVENANT HOUSE: $115k → 17%COVENANT HOUSE: $65k → 17%COVENANT HOUSE: $40k → 17%HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $100k → 17%HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $100k → 17%HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $100k → 17%HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $100k → 17%HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $75k → 17%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

94%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$5.5M · 26 repeat orgs$346k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +31% since the first grant, against +9% for those funded once.

26 repeat relationships: 11 still active in FY2025, 15 since wound down; 5 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

26
8

Total granted

$5.5M
$167k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+31%
+9%

Still filing today

92%
75%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 81% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $179k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Arts & CultureEducationHuman ServicesHealthFood & NutritionCommunity ImprovementOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • TT
    THE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEGE
    8× · 2018–2025 · $550k · revenue +31%
  • HS
    HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT
    5× · 2021–2025 · $475k · revenue +1%
  • TN
    The New York Public Library Astor Lenox and Tilden Foundations
    6× · 2020–2025 · $460k · revenue +55%

Funded once

  • BI
    BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
    one grant, 2021 · $50k
  • PO
    PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT
    one grant, 2017 · $25k
  • CC
    CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE INC
    one grant, 2023 · $25k · revenue +9%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Bard College

Bard college seeks to provide a challenging academic program and a supportive environment that fosters a collaborative interchange of ideas in the classroom as well as ambition to achieve excellence.

Education
2
The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts Inc

To offer accessible, high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. its vision is to transform performing arts education in an inclusive community accessible to all.

—
3
New York Public Radio

To make the mind more curious, the heart more open, and the spirit more joyful through excellent audio programming that is deeply rooted in new york.

Arts & Culture
4
Masters School

The masters school celebrates active participation, deep understanding, and meaningful connection. a community of diverse individuals, we gather to learn, to strive, to dare, to do - to be a power for good in the world.

—
5
The Jewish Museum

The mission of the jewish museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret art and jewish culture. see schedule o for more information.

Arts & Culture
6
The Diller-Quaile School of Music Inc

For more than a century, diller-quaile has offered an environment where music can flourish in all its aspects, enriching the lives of students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. the belief that music is a fundamental part of human life…

Arts & Culture
7
Manhattanville University

To educate students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders in a global community.

Education
8
New York Studio School

The new york studio school is committed to giving a significant education to the aspiring artist, a preamble to a lifetime's engagement in drawing, painting, and sculpture. (see schedule o for continuation)

—
9
The Graduate Center Foundation Inc

The graduate center foundation is committed to promoting and safe-guarding the success of the graduate center by raising funds and managing and investing donations for use by the graduate center. the board of trustees of the foundation…

—
10
Museum of the City of New York

The museum of the city of new york fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the world's most influential metropolis. it engages visitors by celebrating, documenting, and interpreting the city's past, present, and…

Arts & Culture
11
Institute for Advanced Study - Louis Bamberger & Mrs Felix Fuld Foundation

The institute for advanced study (the institute) is one of the world's leading centers for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. see schedule o.

Science & Tech
12
The Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association

For over 150 years, the 92nd street y, new york has been serving its communities and the larger world by bringing people together (continued on schedule o)and providing exceptional, groundbreaking programs in the performing and visual…

Religion
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Henry Street Settlement; the most unlike its peers is The Classical Saxophone Project Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

35 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 35 of the 40 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
7
Early backer (in before they grew)
35/35
Grantees still filing
24/35
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

THE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEGE: $550,000 · EducationTHE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEG…The New York Public Library Astor Lenox and Tilden Foundations: $460,000 · EducationThe New York Public Library Asto…The Friends of Foundation Academy Inc: $330,000 · EducationThe Friends of Foundation Academ…JUILLIARD SCHOOL: $250,000 · EducationJUILLIARD SCHOOL+4 more: $95,000 · Education+4 moreTHE PARRISH ART MUSEUM INC: $400,000 · Arts & CultureTHE PARRISH ART MUSEUM IN…THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: $300,000 · Arts & CultureTHE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF…THE CLASSICAL SAXOPHONE PROJECT INC: $175,000 · Arts & CultureTHE CLASSICAL SAXOPHONE P…MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC: $175,000 · Arts & CultureMANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSICNEW YORK YOUTH SYMPHONY INC: $135,000 · Arts & CultureNEW YORK YOUTH SYMPHONY I…GUILD HALL OF EAST HAMPTON INC: $75,000 · Arts & CultureGUILD HALL OF EAST HAMPTO…+2 more: $70,000 · Arts & CultureNORTHWELL COHEN'S CHILDREN MEDICAL CENTER: $240,000 · OtherNORTHWELL COHEN'S CH…RIVERSIDE SYMPHONIA INC: $215,000 · OtherRIVERSIDE SYMPHONIA …COLUMBIA MAILMAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH: $170,000 · OtherCOLUMBIA MAILMAN SCH…BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE OF MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY INC: $150,000 · OtherBLOOMFIELD COLLEGE O…BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE: $50,000 · OtherBALLET TECH SCHOOL: $50,000 · OtherEVA'S VILLAGE INC: $70,000 · OtherEVA'S VILLAGE INCHIGHBRIDGE VOICES CORPORATION: $70,000 · OtherHIGHBRIDGE VOICES CO…+4 more: $45,500 · OtherHENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $475,000 · Human ServicesHENRY STREET SET…COVENANT HOUSE: $220,000 · Human ServicesCOVENANT HOUSEISLAND HARVEST LTD: $80,000 · Human ServicesISLAND HARVEST L…Fishermans Mark: $50,000 · Human ServicesFishermans Mark+2 more: $50,000 · Human Services+2 moreCALVARY HOSPITAL INC: $375,000 · HealthCALVARY HOSPI…NORTHWELL HEALTH FOUNDATION: $200,000 · HealthNORTHWELL HEA…PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA INC: $150,000 · HealthPLANNED PAREN…Community Food Bank Of New Jersey Inc: $130,000 · Food & NutritionHEART OF THE HAMPTONS LTD: $20,000 · Food & NutritionFREE ARTS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN OF NEW YORK CITY INC: $100,000 · Crime & Legal
Education$1,685,000Arts & Culture$1,330,000Other$1,060,500Human Services$875,000Health$725,000Food & Nutrition$150,000Crime & Legal$100,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetTHE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEGE: $550,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetHENRY STREET SETTLEMENT: $475,000 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetThe New York Public Library Astor Lenox and Tilden Foundations: $460,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetTHE PARRISH ART MUSEUM INC: $400,000 over 7y, 1.2% of budgetCALVARY HOSPITAL INC: $375,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetThe Friends of Foundation Academy Inc: $330,000 over 5y, 6.1% of budgetTHE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: $300,000 over 3y, 0.2% of budgetJUILLIARD SCHOOL: $250,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetCOVENANT HOUSE: $220,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetRIVERSIDE SYMPHONIA INC: $215,000 over 9y, 16% of budgetNORTHWELL HEALTH FOUNDATION: $200,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetTHE CLASSICAL SAXOPHONE PROJECT INC: $175,000 over 9y, 47% of budgetMANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC: $175,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetBLOOMFIELD COLLEGE OF MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY INC: $150,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetPLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA INC: $150,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetNEW YORK YOUTH SYMPHONY INC: $135,000 over 3y, 2.6% of budgetCommunity Food Bank Of New Jersey Inc: $130,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetFREE ARTS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN OF NEW YORK CITY INC: $100,000 over 2y, 2.0% of budgetISLAND HARVEST LTD: $80,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetGUILD HALL OF EAST HAMPTON INC: $75,000 over 3y, 0.6% of budgetEVA'S VILLAGE INC: $70,000 over 2y, 0.5% of budgetHIGHBRIDGE VOICES CORPORATION: $70,000 over 1y, 24% of budgetFishermans Mark: $50,000 over 2y, 1.6% of budgetTHE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $50,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetELAINE KAUFMAN CULTURAL CENTER LUCY MOSES SCHOOL FOR MUSIC AND DANCE: $35,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetYOUNG CONCERT ARTISTS INC: $35,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetCANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE INC: $25,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetLong Island Cares Inc: $25,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetURBAN WORD NYC INC: $20,000 over 1y, 2.5% of budgetHEART OF THE HAMPTONS LTD: $20,000 over 2y, 0.6% of budgetEL PUENTE DE WILLIAMSBURG INC: $15,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetSTUDIO PLAYERS INC: $2,000 over 1y, 2.9% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The Hyde and Watson F…The Ford FoundationThe Robert Wood Johns…Gs Donor Advised Phil…The Bank of America C…Jpmorgan Chase Founda…The Pfizer Foundation…Vanguard Charitable E…The Blackbaud Giving …National Philanthropi…American Online Givin…Donor Advised Charita…
The Hyde and Watson FoundationNJ13.2× affinity4 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Hyde and Watson Foundation · The Ford Foundation · The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation · Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management Inc · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · The Pfizer Foundation Inc · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · The Blackbaud Giving Fund · National Philanthropic Trust · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Arts and Letters Foundation Inc funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Arts and Letters Foundation Inc. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 30%3%13%28%50%funder's share of their income ↑0%25%50%75%100%share of the org’s income from government →median 17%
  • Eva's Village Inc: 19% of income from government
  • Riverside Symphonia Inc: 17% of income from government
  • The Trustees of the Smith College: 1% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
3get no government money at all
15report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 40 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Arts and Letters’ filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home