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Also known as: C/O DRESSLER ASSOCIATES
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Harman Family Foundation is a private corporation based in LOS ANGELES, CA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2011. The principal officer is Dressler Assoc. It holds total assets of $36.3M. Annual income is reported at $17.7M. Total assets have grown from N/A in 2011 to $36.3M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 8 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 4 states, including Washington DC, New York City, Boston. According to available records, Harman Family Foundation has made 568 grants totaling $11.3M, with a median grant of $15K. Annual giving has decreased from $3.8M in 2020 to $2.2M in 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $5.3M distributed across 296 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1.3M, with an average award of $20K. The foundation has supported 215 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in District of Columbia, New York, California, which account for 86% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 13 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## Grantmaking Approach & Strategy
The Harman Family Foundation operates as a strategic, invitation-only grantmaker with $36.3 million in assets, concentrating its philanthropy at the intersection of arts, education, and youth development. Founded by the late Sidney Harman, the foundation underwent a significant organizational transformation after his passing, working with Intentional Philanthropy consultants to broaden family participation across multiple branches and generations while preserving donor intent.
The foundation's strategy is organized around three core pillars: (1) arts and youth development programs primarily in Washington, DC and New York City targeting middle-to-high school students; (2) education and post-secondary success initiatives for underserved youth up to age 26 in low-income communities; and (3) a family-directed Emerging Challenges Fund that addresses pressing social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and immigrants' rights. Smaller grantmaking programs in Boston and Los Angeles focus specifically on youth development through the arts.
The board expanded by four members and added eight additional committee participants through a structured governance redesign, enabling the foundation to incorporate new perspectives while maintaining strategic focus. The foundation has also made significant legacy investments including Harman Hall at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study at USC.
## Funding Patterns & Financial Analysis
The Harman Family Foundation distributed $2,243,326 across 125 grants in 2024, reflecting a concentrated grantmaking approach with an average grant size of approximately $17,947. Grant sizes range from $500 to $100,000, accommodating both small community-based organizations and larger institutional partners.
Grant volume has shown a gradual decline over recent years: 147 grants in 2022, 131 in 2023, and 125 in 2024. This decreasing trend in grant frequency may reflect a strategic shift toward fewer, more impactful investments rather than a reduction in philanthropic commitment, as total giving remained substantial at over $2.2 million in 2024.
The foundation's geographic distribution of funding centers on three primary metros: New York City, Washington DC, and to a lesser extent, Los Angeles and Boston. The biannual funding cycle (June and November board meetings) creates two distinct windows for grant decisions, and the invitation-only model means the foundation proactively identifies and cultivates relationships with potential grantees rather than responding to open applications. Primary funding categories include education, philanthropy/voluntarism/grantmaking infrastructure, and human services, with arts-related initiatives spanning creative writing, after-school programs, and mentoring.
## Peer Comparison
The Harman Family Foundation occupies a distinctive niche among mid-size family foundations focused on arts and education in the DC-NYC corridor.
| Metric | Harman Family Foundation | Typical Mid-Size Family Foundation ($25-50M assets) | Large Arts/Education Foundation ($100M+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $36.3M | $25-50M | $100M+ |
| Annual Giving | $2.24M (2024) | $1.5-3M | $5-20M |
| Payout Rate | ~6.2% | ~5-7% | ~5% |
| Number of Grants | 125 (2024) | 50-100 | 200-500 |
| Average Grant Size | ~$17,947 | $15,000-30,000 | $50,000-100,000 |
| Grant Range | $500-$100,000 | $1,000-$50,000 | $10,000-$500,000 |
| Application Process | Invitation-only | Mix of open/invited | Mostly open RFP |
| Staff Size | Small (noted on website) | 2-5 FTE | 10-50 FTE |
| Geographic Focus | DC, NYC, Boston, LA | 1-2 regions | National/Global |
The foundation's payout rate of approximately 6.2% exceeds the IRS-required 5% minimum, indicating an active commitment to deploying capital for charitable purposes. Its invitation-only model is common among family foundations of this size but distinguishes it from larger institutions that maintain open application processes. The Harman Family Foundation's multi-city geographic focus across four metros is broader than many peers of similar size, which typically concentrate on one or two regions.
## Recent Activity & News
The Harman Family Foundation has been active in several notable areas in recent years. Most prominently, the foundation was among 74 signatories to the Election Day to Every Day (EDED) pledge, a coalition of grantmakers committed to supporting election security and democratic infrastructure efforts following the 2024 election cycle. This signals the foundation's willingness to engage in civic and democratic issues through its Emerging Challenges Fund.
The foundation's website currently states it is not accepting unsolicited Letters of Inquiry, new applications, email inquiries, or phone inquiries, suggesting the foundation may be in a period of internal strategic review or is at capacity with current grantee relationships. This is not uncommon for invitation-only family foundations that periodically close intake to focus on existing commitments.
Key legacy projects continue to carry the Harman name: Harman Hall at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC remains a prominent cultural venue, and the Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study at USC continues the founder's commitment to interdisciplinary education. The foundation also played a founding role in what is now Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington DC), a curated guide to high-impact nonprofits in the DC region that remains one of its most significant nonprofit partnerships.
## Application Tips & Recommendations
Understanding the Invitation-Only Model: The Harman Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. To get on their radar, organizations should focus on building visibility within the foundation's core geographic areas (DC, NYC, Boston, LA) and program areas (arts-youth intersection, education, post-secondary success). Participating in networks like Spur Local (formerly Catalogue for Philanthropy) in the DC area may increase visibility with the foundation.
Alignment is Critical: The foundation has a tightly defined focus on youth ages 12-26 in low-income communities, with programs at the intersection of arts and education. Organizations should ensure their work directly serves this demographic and geographic focus before seeking any connection to the foundation.
Prepare for the LOI Process: When the foundation reopens LOI intake, organizations should have a concise, compelling letter ready that clearly articulates: the specific population served, geographic reach within target cities, measurable outcomes for youth participants, and how arts/creative programming intersects with educational or career outcomes.
Budget and Funder Transparency: The foundation requires applicants to provide a comprehensive list of major funders, including those already secured and those planned, broken down by source type (foundations, corporations, individuals, board, government). Having a diversified funding base and clear financial sustainability plan strengthens proposals.
Respect the Timeline: The biannual board meeting schedule (June and November) means decisions are made in concentrated windows. Organizations invited to submit proposals should plan for a six-month response timeline and ensure all materials are submitted well in advance of the relevant cycle deadline.
Returning Grantees Have an Advantage: The foundation maintains separate short-form applications for returning grantees and long-form applications for first-time invitees, indicating that building an ongoing relationship is valued and that initial grants may serve as a proving ground for larger, sustained support.
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The grants and operations manager volunteers fifty percent of her time in senior staff positions as editor and events director for catalogue for philanthropy: greater washington dc, founded by the harman family foundation and one of its most significant nonprofit partners.
Funds programs in Washington DC and New York City at the intersection of arts and youth development for middle to high school students.
Supports programs that improve educational opportunities and make post-secondary and career success possible for underserved youth and young adults up to age 26 in low-income communities.
Family-directed fund addressing pressing social issues including LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, immigrants rights, and oppression.
Enables family members to direct grants to organizations of their choosing through a matching program.
## Funding Patterns & Financial Analysis The Harman Family Foundation distributed $2,243,326 across 125 grants in 2024, reflecting a concentrated grantmaking approach with an average grant size of approximately $17,947. Grant sizes range from $500 to $100,000, accommodating both small community-based organizations and larger institutional partners.
Harman Family Foundation has distributed a total of $11.3M across 568 grants. The median grant size is $15K, with an average of $20K. Individual grants have ranged from $500 to $1.3M.
## Grantmaking Approach & Strategy The Harman Family Foundation operates as a strategic, invitation-only grantmaker with $36.3 million in assets, concentrating its philanthropy at the intersection of arts, education, and youth development. Founded by the late Sidney Harman, the foundation underwent a significant organizational transformation after his passing, working with Intentional Philanthropy consultants to broaden family participation across multiple branches and generations while preservi.
Harman Family Foundation is headquartered in LOS ANGELES, CA. While based in CA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 13 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbara Harman | TRUSTEE/EX DIRECTOR | $192K | $0 | $192K |
| Brian Frank | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Rachael Quitkin | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Grace Harman | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jacob Gabriel Harman | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jane Harman | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Molly Small | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Julia Cain | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$36.3M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$36.3M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
568
Total Giving
$11.3M
Average Grant
$20K
Median Grant
$15K
Unique Recipients
215
Most Common Grant
$25K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| The BellYOUTH CIVIC ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $45K | 2023 |
| At The TableTUTORING PROGRAM | Brooklyn, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| Shakespeare Theatre CoSHAKESPEARE THEATRE | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| Catalogue For PhilanthropyGUIDE TO GIVING | Washington, DC | $50K | 2023 |
| Life Pieces To MasterpiecesARTS INSTRUCTION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | Washington, DC | $45K | 2023 |
| Arab-American Family Support CenterIMMIGRANT/REFUGEE SERVICES | New York, NY | $40K | 2023 |
| Hetrick-Martin InstituteAFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS | New York, NY | $40K | 2023 |
| International Rescue CommitteeSOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $40K | 2023 |
| Communities In Schools Of The Nation'S CapitalSUPPORT FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS | Washington, DC | $40K | 2023 |
| Year UpJOB SKILLS PROGRAM | New York, NY | $40K | 2023 |
| Lincoln Center TheaterNOT-FOR-PROFIT THEATER | New York, NY | $35K | 2023 |
| Catalogue For Philanthropy (Spur Local)GUIDE TO GIVING | Washington, DC | $35K | 2023 |
| Aspen InstituteDEVELOPING LEADERS | Washington, DC | $35K | 2023 |
| Inner-City ArtsARTS EDUCATION | Los Angeles, CA | $35K | 2023 |
| Baruch College FundCOLLEGE FUND | New York, NY | $35K | 2023 |
| Freedom HouseEXPANDING FREEDOM & DEMOCRACY | Washington, DC | $34K | 2023 |
| Educators For ExcellenceCREATING POLICY FOR TEACHERS | New York, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Stem From DanceSTEM PROGRAM | Brooklyn, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Mott Haven Academy Charter SchoolPUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL | Bronx, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Tech Kids UnlimitedTECH PROGRAM FOR NEURODIVERSE STUDENTS | New York, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Uja Federation Of NyCRISIS INTERVENTION | New York, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Jfk Center For The Performing ArtsARTS EDUCATION | Washington, DC | $30K | 2023 |
| Horton'S KidsEDUCATIONAL TUTORING AND ENRICHMENT | Washington, DC | $30K | 2023 |
| Brooklyn Children'S TheatreTHEATER EDUCATION | Brooklyn, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Dreamyard ProjectARTS EDUCATION | Bronx, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Access YouthPOSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $30K | 2023 |
| Legal OutreachCOLLEGE PREP PROGRAM | Queens, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Scope Of Work (Aka Fractured Atlas)TALENT AGENCY FOR UNDERREPRESENTED | Brooklyn, NY | $30K | 2023 |
| Raw Art Works IncARTS AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | Lynn, MA | $25K | 2023 |
| Capital Hill Arts Workshop'S Art Institute For Creative AdvancementARTS & POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| World Central KitchenPROVIDES FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| CarafemABORTION/BIRTH CONTROL OPTIONS | Chevy Chase, MD | $25K | 2023 |
| Kid PowerFITNESS FOR KIDS | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Gala Hispanic TheatreHISPANIC THEATRE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Movenyc FoundationARTS & SOCIAL JUSTICE PROGRAM | New York, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| The Dance Institute Of WashingtonDANCE EDUCATION | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Collegiate Directions IncCOLLEGE READINESS PROGRAM | Bethesda, MD | $25K | 2023 |
| Los Angeles PhilharmonicMUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM | Los Angeles, CA | $25K | 2023 |
| Monument Academy Public Charter SchoolPUBLIC CHARTER BOARDING SCHOOL | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| College Access Research & Action Of CunyCOLLEGE PREP SUPPORT | New York, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| 826dcCREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Citybridge EducationCULTIVATES EDUCATORS AND LEADERS | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| The Door-A Center Of AlternativesHEALTH CARE & EDUCATION | New York, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| Girls Write NowWRITING/MENTORING PROGRAM | New York, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| The Arthur ProjectMENTORING PROGRAM | New York, NY | $25K | 2023 |
| Multicultural Career Intern ProgramSUPPORTS WRAPAROUND PROGRAMS | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| One World EducationWRITING PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Sitar Arts CenterARTS PROGRAMMING | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Spark (Capital Partners For Education)COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| The Knowledge HouseEDUCATING LEADERS | Bronx, NY | $25K | 2023 |
MENLO PARK, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA
PALO ALTO, CA