The William H Donner Foundation
The William H. Donner Foundation is a family private foundation based in Tarrytown, NY that supports initiatives at community, national, and international levels. The site describes its grantmaking as invitation-only and provides contact information, staff and board listings, and financial information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations seeking general operating or project support in areas the foundation has funded (conservation, education, cultural heritage, health, and community services), with a clear track record and either regional presence or demonstrable program impact that matches past grants.
Good Fit
- • Asks for general operating or project support rather than a competitive RFP response.
- • Work aligns with conservation, education, cultural programs, or community/health initiatives shown in past grants.
- • Can demonstrate measurable impact and a concise funding plan.
- • Has local or regional relevance in states the foundation frequently funds (notably California and New York).
- • Has introductions or relationships with intermediaries, trustees, or program staff.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the $10K–$350K range.
Geography
Observed giving in the latest year covered 33 states and the foundation regularly distributes grants nationwide, though one state accounts for a notable ~29% share of dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 257 distinct recipients and very low dollar concentration (top five ~13%), indicating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Behaviorally the foundation added many new grantees in the latest year (253 new recipients), so it proactively brings new organizations into the portfolio; however the publicly stated policy is invitation-only, so unsolicited applicants have limited documented entry routes.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
