OVERVIEW: The Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to policy and human rights, the environment, health, and human services. It also supports educational and cultural organizations.
IP TAKE: The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines. Tax filings show that this funder may support an organization for more than one year, which makes its grantmaking a crowded space, but also a greater source of long-term funding. Its lack of public profile suggests it prefers to choose its own grantees to support, as indicated by its decision to not accept unsolicited proposals. This is understandable, given that its volunteer board is small but nimble. Write this foundation to introduce your work to them by snail-mail to get on their radar.
PROFILE: The Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation, established in 1986 by the late Morris Silverman, businessman and philanthropist, is the philanthropic vehicle of the Silverman family. The foundation does not have a website, but tax filings show that it supports organizations whose work relates to democracy, discrimination, health, education, the environment, human services, human rights, and civil liberties.
Grants for Civic and Democracy
Tax filings suggest that the foundation broadly funds democracy, civic engagement, and voting rights efforts in the United States and Israel. Past grantees relating to democracy and civic engagement include Human Rights Watch, People for the American Way, League of Women Voters, The Voter Participation Center, New Israel Fund, and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
Grants for Environment
The Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation past funding reveal that the foundation makes regular donations to major national and international environmental nonprofits, such as EarthJustice, Earth Justice Works, Southern Environmental Law Center, Food and Water Watch, and the Council on the Environment.
Grants for Security and Human Rights
Policy and human rights grantmaking is a top priority. The foundation appears to focus on national and international progressive organizations like People for the American Way, Center for Reproductive Rights, ProPublica, as well as statewide organizations including New York Immigration Coalition, International Rescue Committee, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation.
Grants for Public Health
Tax filings suggest that the foundation supports greater access to quality health care, especially for the elderly and vulnerable. It also promotes reproductive health and rights. Marty had a major interest in medical research and bankrolled the $50 million Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, which is presented as an award of $500,000 annually. Launched in 2001, the foundation will support the award for a century. Other health grantees include Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale, International Medical Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Albany Medical Center Foundation, Carter Burden Network, Center for Reproductive Rights, Reproductive Health Access Project, Planned Parenthood, and Mount Sinai Health System.
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $25,000 to $500,000. While the foundation supports organizations across the United States, it does show a preference for those based in New York City.
The Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACTS:
Marty and Dorothy Silverman Foundation
130 E 59th St, 1102
New York City, NY 10022-1302