OVERVIEW: The Hoffen Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education and Jewish causes. It also modestly earmarks funds for other causes including the arts.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: The Hoffen Family Foundation was established in 2007. It was founded by financier Howard I. Hoffen and his wife Sandra Kim Hoffen, who's also worked as a finance executive. Howard Hoffen is the former chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. Hoffen currently serves as the chairman and CEO of Metalmark Capital, an independent private equity firm. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest that the Hoffen Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education and Jewish causes. It also earmarks modestly funds for other causes including the arts.
The couple prioritize Columbia, where they've set up the Hoffen Family Scholarship Fund. Sandra serves on the board of visitors at Columbia College. They also support Harvard Business School, home to the Sandra and Howard Hoffen Fellowship which supports students with an interest or background in nonprofit organizations. The Hoffens collect modern and contemporary art, and are members of the Chairman’s Council at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Grants range from $180 to $6 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave around $6.6 million. Past grantees Riverdale Country School (Sandra is a trustee and is an alum of the school), George Jackson Academy, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, UJA Federation, Jewish Communal Fund (home to the Hoffen Family Fund), The Met, and Citymeals on Wheels.
The Hoffen Family Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
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CONTACT:
Hoffen Family Foundation
c/o Sandra Hoffen
P.O. Box 20891
New York, NY 10023