Name of Foundation: The Robinhood Foundation
Location: New York, N.Y.
Contact info: www.robinhood.org Phone: (212) 227- 6601
Coverage Area: New York City, NY
Subject Area: Poverty
Assets: $162 million (2011)
Last Year Total Giving: $146 million (2011)
In a nutshell: The Robinhood Foundation finds, funds and partners with organizations that have proven success in remediating poverty in the New York City area. Begun in 1988, the board pays all administrative and fundraising costs, so 100% of donations go directly to programs. The foundation takes a hands-on approach to working with grantees, providing frequent site visits, management assistance and real estate support. The foundation takes a short and long term approach to programming. They partner with programs that provide “survival” services such as food, shelter and healthcare. However, they strive to create independence and self reliance through programs that address ongoing needs such as education, jobs and economic security.
The board includes numerous prominent figures in finance, along with child welfare experts such as Marian Wright Edelman and Geoffery Canada. The board also gets its fair share of celebrity involvement, touting Brian Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow as members. In 2009, George Soros gave the foundation a 50 million dollar contribution. The money reportedly helped the organization raise significantly more than that amount.
Major Programs:
Education
Jobs and Economic Security
Early Childhood and Youth
Survival
How to Apply: There are no deadlines for submitting a grant proposal to Robin Hood. Robin Hood accepts proposals year-round, and the board meets quarterly to make funding decisions. However, the large number of proposals funding decisions may take up to a year. All potential grantees must submit the New York Common Application. For more information on Robinhood’s grant making process, click here.
Recent News and Grantmaking:
Robinhood Grants, Mid Year, 2013
Robinhood Grants, November 2012