Skip to content
Darren Star Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Darren Star Foundation

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.

$360k
Granted FY2025still arriving
7
Grants FY2025still arriving
3
States reached
$250k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0199% classified

What it funded, over time

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

Food & Nutrition$820kArts & Culture$593kEducation$115kPhilanthropy$105kHealth$95kCivil Rights$35kReligion$35kHuman Services$21kOther$0
02FY2025 · 7 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • $10k–50k6 grants · $110k
  • $250k+1 grant · $250k
$20,000
Median grant
3
States reached
$5.3M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
PROJECT ANGEL FOOD$250,000
JEWISH FEDERATION COUNCIL OF GREATER LOS ANGELES$25,000
HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL INC$25,000
JEWISH FEDERATION COUNCIL OF GREATER LOS ANGELES$20,000
NATIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL INC$15,000
TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS CORPORATION$15,000
FAMILY EQUALITY$10,000
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 (FY18–24, $30k) land where the poverty rate runs at 17%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER INC: $5k → 17%HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE INC: $15k → 17%JOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION: $10k → 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.

79%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$1.4M · 12 repeat orgs$369k to everyone else

12 repeat relationships: 4 still active in FY2025, 8 since wound down; 1 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

12
29

Total granted

$1.4M
$359k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+19%
+22%

Still filing today

92%
93%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 97% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $10k 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 & CultureHealthEducationPhilanthropyHuman ServicesCivil RightsOther
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

  • PA
    PROJECT ANGEL FOOD
    5× · 2019–2025 · $785k · revenue +273%
  • TE
    TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
    6× · 2019–2025 · $90k · revenue +21%
  • DC
    DIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC
    4× · 2021–2024 · $70k · revenue +113%

Funded once

  • AF
    AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LOUVRE INC
    one grant, 2024 · $50k · revenue +22%
  • SH
    SAG HARBOR PARTNERSHIP INC
    one grant, 2017 · $50k · revenue -97%
  • CE
    CONGREGATION EMANU-EL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    one grant, 2024 · $35k
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
Ucla Foundation

The ucla foundation is the giving, receiving, and investing arm of the ucla campus. the foundation enables private donors to help build, sustain and advance one of the world's finest academic and research institutions. private philanthropy…

Education
2
America's Health Insurance Plans Inc

Ahip is the national trade association representing the health insurance industry. ahip's members provide health care coverage, services and solutions to more than 200 million americans. we are committed to market-based solutions and…

Membership Benefit
3
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

The Television Academy is dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation and the advancement of the telecommunications arts and sciences through recognition, education and leadership, while fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible…

—
4
The Paris Review Foundation Inc

The mission of the organization is to foster the development of creative individuals as writers and artists and to promote public appreciation of excellence in the literary and graphic arts by publishing a magazine containing fiction,…

Education
5
Metropolitan Jewish Health System Inc

Mjhs health system is a charitable not-for-profit established to support the activities of affiliated organizations. mjhs is built on the core values of compassion, dignity and respect, first established by the four brooklyn ladies in…

Health
6
Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Inc

See schedule othe organization is a not-for-profit, public charity established in 1911 to provide for the quality and continuity of jewish life in western new york and around the world through private philanthropy. the foundation seeks,…

Philanthropy
7
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation

The elizabeth glaser pediatric aids foundation (egpaf) is a proven leader in the fight against pediatric hiv/aids and has reached over 33 million pregnant women with services to prevent transmission of hiv to their babies. to date, egpaf…

Health
8
University Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology University Faculty Pract ice Corporation

Provide clinical instruction to and supervision of medical school students, interns and residents and, incident thereto, rendering professional services.

Health
9
American Gas Association

American gas association's (the association) mission is to develop and advocate for informed, innovative, and durable policy that fulfills our nation's energy needs, environmental aspirations and economic potential. we are committed to…

—
10
Healthix Inc

The mission of healthix inc. is to create an achievable, sustainable and replicable model for integrating clinical information across multiple health care organizations which supports new york state and federal strategic health information…

Public Benefit
11
California Dental Association Foundation

The foundation's mission is to improve the oral health of all californians by supporting the dental profession and its efforts to meet community needs.

Science & Tech
12
University Family Physicians Inc

Engage actively and continuously in medical research, education and training in the practice of medicine in conjunction with the department of family medicine of the indiana university school of medicine and indiana university…

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Human Rights Campaign Foundation; the most unlike its peers is Dap Health 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

40 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. 40 of the 43 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.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
4
Early backer (in before they grew)
40/40
Grantees still filing
27/40
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD: $785,000 · HealthPROJECT ANGEL FOODNATIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL: $35,000 · Health+5 more: $30,000 · HealthARMAND HAMMER MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURAL CENTER INC: $250,000 · Arts & CultureARMAND HAMMER MUSEUM OF ART AND C…DIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC: $70,000 · Arts & CultureDIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS INCFRIENDS OF THE HIGH LINE INC: $70,000 · Arts & CultureFRIENDS OF THE HIGH LINE INCAMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LOUVRE INC: $50,000 · Arts & CultureAMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LOUVRE IN…SAG HARBOR PARTNERSHIP INC: $50,000 · Arts & CultureSAG HARBOR PARTNERSHIP INCSAG HARBOR CINEMA ARTS CENTER INC CO SUSAN MEAD: $35,000 · Arts & CultureSAG HARBOR CINEMA ARTS CENTER INC…+3 more: $25,000 · Arts & CultureCONGREGATION EMANU-EL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $35,000 · OtherCONGREGATIO…THE HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL INC: $35,000 · OtherTHE HAMPTON…NATIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL INC: $25,000 · OtherNATIONAL RE…THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION INC: $10,000 · OtherTHE CITY AND COUNTRY SCHOOL INC: $10,000 · OtherNEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION INC: $7,500 · OtherISRAEL EMERGENCY ALLIANCE: $15,000 · OtherISRAEL EMER…SAG HARBOR COMM FOOD PANTRY INC: $10,000 · OtherEAST HAMPTON FOOD PANTRY INC: $10,000 · OtherKEEP BEL AIR BEAUTIFUL: $15,000 · OtherKEEP BEL AI…+5 more: $21,000 · Other+5 moreJEWISH FEDERATION COUNCIL OF GREATER LA: $85,000 · PhilanthropyTHE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION: $20,000 · PhilanthropyLarchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force Inc: $5,000 · PhilanthropyTHE MAYOR'S FUND FOR LOS ANGELES: $5,000 · PhilanthropyTRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL: $90,000 · EducationFAMILY EQUALITY: $10,000 · EducationUNIVERSITY OF OREGON FOUNDATION: $10,000 · EducationHUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION: $25,000 · Civil RightsGLSEN INC: $5,000 · Civil RightsTHE HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE INC: $15,000 · Human ServicesJOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION: $10,000 · Human ServicesLesbian and Gay Community Services Center Inc: $5,000 · Human Services
Health$850,000Arts & Culture$550,000Other$193,500Philanthropy$115,000Education$110,000Civil Rights$30,000Human Services$30,000

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 budgetPROJECT ANGEL FOOD: $785,000 over 5y, 1.1% of budgetARMAND HAMMER MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURAL CENTER INC: $250,000 over 4y, 0.4% of budgetTRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL: $90,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetJEWISH FEDERATION COUNCIL OF GREATER LA: $85,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetDIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC: $70,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetFRIENDS OF THE HIGH LINE INC: $70,000 over 5y, 0.1% of budgetAMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LOUVRE INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetSAG HARBOR PARTNERSHIP INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetSAG HARBOR CINEMA ARTS CENTER INC CO SUSAN MEAD: $35,000 over 1y, 1.2% of budgetNATIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL: $35,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetTHE HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL INC: $35,000 over 2y, 0.5% of budgetHUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION: $25,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetTHE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION: $20,000 over 2y, 0.4% of budgetThe Defiant Requiem Foundation: $15,000 over 2y, 0.8% of budgetKEEP BEL AIR BEAUTIFUL: $15,000 over 3y, 1.6% of budgetISRAEL EMERGENCY ALLIANCE: $15,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetTHE HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE INC: $15,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetSAG HARBOR COMM FOOD PANTRY INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetUNIVERSITY OF OREGON FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetEAST HAMPTON FOOD PANTRY INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.8% of budgetThe Hospital for Special Surgery Fund Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetJOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetTHE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE CITY AND COUNTRY SCHOOL INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetNEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION INC: $7,500 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetExtraordinary Families: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetGLSEN INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetVIDIOTS FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetAMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetPLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE JONSSON CANCER CENTER FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetLesbian and Gay Community Services Center Inc: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetPRO PUBLICA INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetLarchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force Inc: $5,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetDAP Health Inc: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUNITED STATES FUND FOR UNICEF: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE MAYOR'S FUND FOR LOS ANGELES: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTOYS FOR TOTS INC: $1,000 over 1y, 1.2% 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 Goldman Sachs Cha…Jewish Communal FundNational Philanthropi…The New York Communit…Daniel M Neidich & Br…Jewish Community Fede…Vanguard Charitable E…Morgan Stanley Global…Gs Donor Advised Phil…American Endowment Fo…Jpmorgan Chase Founda…Donor Advised Charita…
The Goldman Sachs Charitable Gift FundNY16× affinity6 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Goldman Sachs Charitable Gift Fund · Jewish Communal Fund · National Philanthropic Trust · The New York Community Trust · Daniel M Neidich & Brooke Garber Foundation · Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco the Peninsula Marin & Sonoma · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management Inc · American Endowment Foundation · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · 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 Darren Star Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Darren Star Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%13%25%38%50%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    8report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–50%
    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 43 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 Darren Star’s 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