OVERVIEW: The Debs Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of international policy and arts organizations.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
FUNDING AREAS: Global & Policy, Arts & Culture, Education & Youth
PROFILE: Founded in 1991, the Debs Foundation was established by Morgan Stanley veteran Richard Debs and his wife Barbara, an art historian. Richard Debs was COO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and worked internationally with Morgan Stanley. He’s chair of the international council of the Bretton Woods Committee, a " nonpartisan network of prominent global citizens.” Barbara, meanwhile, is a former president of the New York Historical Society and a trustee emerita of Brooklyn Museum of Art. Tax filings suggest that the Debs Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of international policy and arts organizations.
Grantees have included Brooklyn Museum, Carnegie Hall (Debs once chaired the board), Institute of International Education (Debs is on the board), and New York Stem Cell Foundation.
Grants range from $100 to $145,000. In a recent tax year, the foundation gave away close to $550,000.
PEOPLE:
CONTACT:
The Debs Foundation
1 Beekman Pl., Apt. 7A
New York City, NY 10022