Deborah Buck Foundation

Deborah Buck Foundation was founded in 2018 by Deborah Buck, a visual artist based in New York City at 14 East 90th Street on the Upper East Side. Buck received her 501(c)(3) status in August 2019. The foundation is named in honor of Buck's mother, who was described as "a tremendous advocate for the importance of a cultural conscience." Deborah Buck's own work as a visual artist shapes the foundation's primary focus: empowering women in the fine arts by supporting cultural institutions, art schools, and residencies that champion women's artistic excellence and critical thinking. The foundation has grown steadily since its founding: assets were $1.99M at end of FY2019, reached $3.45M by FY2022, dipped to $3.39M in FY2023, and jumped to $4.08M in FY2024 following a large $1.013M contribution. The foundation is entirely directed by Deborah Buck (President, unpaid) with no other officers listed on recent filings. While the foundation explicitly states on its website that it "does not accept solicitations for grants," GrantBay data indicates that 46% of recent grantees are new — suggesting the foundation proactively identifies and adds organizations it finds compelling. The foundation is managed in care of Jayne M. Kurzman, likely a legal or financial advisor.

Deborah Buck Foundation combines contributions and investment income as revenue. FY2024 (the most recent): Revenue $1,658,344 (contributions $1,013,356 + dividends $126,628 + asset sales $518,360), expenses $307,662, charitable disbursements $281,500, assets $4,082,049. FY2023: Revenue $218,305 (no contributions), disbursements $225,195, assets $3,393,911. FY2022: Revenue $499,010, disbursements $250,839. Annual disbursements have been in the $100,000–$281,500 range, with growth from $100K in 2020 to $281K in 2024. GrantBay data shows 107 grants totaling $1,841,639, with a median of $17,500 and grants ranging from $1,500 to $50,000. Latest year: 26 grants with a median of $25,000. Geographic distribution: 76% in New York (NYC 44%, Brooklyn 15%, Huntington 7%), plus Washington DC and 6 other states. Known 2024 grantees: Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture ($30,000), Oceana ($30,000), Pen and Brush ($30,000), plus 7 additional grants. Revenue in FY2024 includes $1M+ in new contributions, the largest single-year infusion since the foundation's early growth years.

Deborah Buck Foundation is a distinctive New York-based arts philanthropy with a feminist focus. Peer comparison:

Deborah Buck Foundation is unusual among arts foundations for funding both fine arts (Skowhegan, Pen and Brush) and environmental causes (Oceana) alongside community organizations, reflecting the founder's broad cultural conscience beyond just the visual arts.

In FY2024, Deborah Buck Foundation made 26 grants totaling approximately $281,500 in charitable disbursements. Known 2024 grantees include Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture ($30,000 to support painting educational programs), Oceana ($30,000 to preserve ocean life), and Pen and Brush ($30,000 to support female artists and writers), plus 7 more documented grants. FY2024 revenue was $1,658,344 including a $1,013,356 contribution — the largest since 2021. Total assets grew to $4,082,049 from $3,393,911. The 990-PF was filed August 6, 2025. The foundation website (deborahbuckfoundation.org) is active and includes a mission statement, founder information, and contact email (info@deborahbuckfoundation.org). Phone on file: (212) 410-7432. The foundation explicitly states it does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

The Deborah Buck Foundation website clearly states it "does not accept solicitations for grants." However, the 46% new-grantee rate suggests Deborah Buck actively discovers new organizations that align with her vision. Practical guidance: (1) Organizations working to amplify women's voices in the fine arts — art schools, residencies, galleries, and cultural institutions with a feminist orientation — are the primary target. Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Pen and Brush (NYC), and similar prestige arts institutions are documented grantees. (2) Environmental organizations, particularly ocean conservation, also receive funding (Oceana). (3) New York City-based organizations (especially Manhattan and Brooklyn) have the strongest geographic advantage. (4) While the foundation does not accept unsolicited grants, proactive inquiry via info@deborahbuckfoundation.org or phone (212) 410-7432 may be worthwhile for organizations with a compelling mission. Deborah Buck may proactively research and contact organizations she finds interesting. (5) The founder Deborah Buck is a practicing visual artist who can be researched at deborahbuck.com — understanding her own work and aesthetic may provide insight into what she funds. (6) Grants of $25,000–$30,000 appear to be the current anchor size; smaller requests ($5,000–$15,000) are also in the portfolio. (7) The December fiscal year means fall is the natural timing for foundation decisions.