The Richenthal Foundation is a New York–centered arts funder with a strong, sustained commitment to contemporary theatre and performing-arts organizations, especially small-to-mid sized New York theatre companies and playwright development. It also invests in youth arts education, theatre-adjacent social causes (e.g., AIDS relief, civil liberties), and occasional strategic gifts outside the arts. Many grants are general operating or campaign support and are often repeat awards to the same cultural organizations.
Richenthal Foundation’s most distinctive pattern is its repeated support for contemporary theatre institutions and playwright development in New York, with several organizations appearing year after year. Playwrights Horizons received $40,000 in both 2024 and 2025 for general operating purposes, while the Dramatists Guild Foundation and The Dramatists Guild Fund Inc. each received $26,250 to support the Horton Foote Playwrighting Award. That combination points to a funder that backs both producing organizations and the pipeline of new writing. The foundation also gives at levels that matter for smaller arts groups and related civic causes. Recent grants include $25,000 to MCC Theatre for a multi-year commitment, $25,000 to New York Civil Liberties for the Sing Out for Freedom concert, and $20,000 to Vineyard Theatre for its 40th anniversary capital campaign. Alongside those larger gifts, Richenthal Foundation funds youth arts education, gala support, and operating needs across theatre, dance, and cultural presenters. Its grantmaking shows continuity rather than one-off interest, especially in New York City’s off- and off-Broadway ecosystem.
Playwright support is a clear thread. The foundation gave $26,250 to Dramatists Guild Foundation in 2024 for the Horton Foote Playwrighting Award, and the same amount to The Dramatists Guild Fund Inc. in 2025 for the same award. It also backed producing organizations that mount new work, including $25,000 to MCC Theatre in 2023 for the fourth installment of a four-year commitment. Youth arts education is another recurring area. Richenthal Foundation gave $20,000 to Ethical Culture Fieldston School in 2023, 2024, and 2025 to support the activities of Young Dancemakers Company. The foundation also supported Ars Nova with $12,500 in 2024 for general operating purposes. Beyond core theatre support, it has funded arts-adjacent civic work. In 2025, New York Civil Liberties received $25,000 to support the Sing Out for Freedom concert, showing that the foundation sometimes ties arts fundraising to public-interest causes.
Typical grants cluster in the small-to-mid range: the 25th percentile is $2,500, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $10,000. Recent awards above that range are still focused on a compact set of cultural institutions and campaigns. The pattern is recurring rather than episodic: Playwrights Horizons, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, En Garde Arts Inc., and New York Civil Liberties all appear in multiple years. Richenthal Foundation is a regular funder, not a DAF, and it funds individuals as well as organizations. The recent record is dominated by general operating support, award support, gala support, and capital or campaign gifts.
$598K
$7.8M
$628K
$1.1M
Most grants fall between $3K and $10K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$10K
Top 4 recipient countries by grant volume for Richenthal Foundation.
| Rank | Country | Grants | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United StatesDomestic | 221 | $1.5M | 89.8% |
| 2 | Palau | 17 |
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Concentrated, repeat funding pattern: multiple multi-year and multi-grant relationships with a core set of theatre and performing-arts organizations, mostly moderate-sized grants ($20k–$115k) for general operating and campaign support, with occasional one-off strategic gifts outside the arts.
Notable grantees: Playwrights Horizons, Ars Nova, Vineyard Theatre, Atlantic Theater Company, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Giving is concentrated in New York, where 85% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. The biggest volume of recipients is in California, but the recent grant list still shows a strong New York City cluster: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens-area institutions appear repeatedly through groups such as Playwrights Horizons, The Public Concern Foundation, and Brooklyn Academy of Music. Outside the United States, the recipient distribution includes Palestine, the UK, and Belgium, with 14, 5, and 3 grants respectively. The one recent non-U.S. example in the list is not provided by country count here, so the geographic pattern is best read as locally focused with a small international tail.
The foundation supports theatre and playwright-development organizations most often, especially in New York. Recent grants include operating support for Playwrights Horizons, a playwrighting award through the Dramatists Guild organizations, and campaign support for Vineyard Theatre. It also funds youth arts education and some arts-adjacent civic work.
The grant-size pattern is small to mid-sized: the 25th percentile is $2,500, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $10,000. Recent awards also include larger gifts such as $40,000 and $25,000, but most grants sit around the lower end of that range.
Yes. Several recipients appear across multiple years, including Playwrights Horizons in 2024 and 2025, Ethical Culture Fieldston School in 2023 through 2025, and New York Civil Liberties in 2023 and 2025. The pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than isolated awards.
Grantmaking is local and heavily centered in New York, with 85% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. The recent list also shows recipients in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, La Jolla, Chicago, and Austin, while the overall country distribution includes the US plus smaller counts in Palestine, the UK, and Belgium.
Yes. The foundation’s profile indicates that it funds individuals, alongside grants to theatre companies, schools, and cultural institutions. In the recent grant list, the recurring award support for playwrighting and internship or scholarship-related support fits that broader mix.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
| $82K |
6.9% |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 5 | $30K | 2.0% |
| 4 | Belgium | 3 | $15K | 1.2% |
Recipient country reflects the grantee's headquarters per IRS 990-PF and Schedule F filings, not the program's implementation country.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLAYWRIGHTS HORIZONS | NEW YORK, NY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FUND INC | NEW YORK, NY | $26,250 | 2025 | FUND THE HORTON FOOTE PLAYWRIGHTING AWARD |
| NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE SING OUT FOR FREEDOM CONCERT |
| MANHATTAN CLASS COMPANY INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| VINEYARD THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT 40TH ANNIVERSARY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE | LA JOLLA, CA | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ATLANTIC THEATER CO | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THE PUBLIC CONCERN FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF YOUNG DANCEMAKERS COMPANY |
| CONCERT THEATRE WORKS INC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| CAMPFIRE PROJECT | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| LA MAMA EXPERIMENTAL THEATER CLUB | NEW YORK, NY | $12,500 | 2025 | SUPPORT THE ANNUAL GALA |
| EN GARDE ARTS INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $11,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES & THE EN GARDE ARTS GALA |
| MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB (MTC) | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THE PERELMAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC NYC) | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| 3GENERATIONS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| WATERWELL PRODUCTIONS | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL (DBA THE PUBLIC THEATER) | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| ASSOCIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS (AKA THE ORCHARD PROJECT) | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| SOCIETY OF THE THIRD STREET MUSIC | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| TITUS SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY GROUP | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ARS NOVA | NEW YORK, NY | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| BROADWAY CARES EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS | NEW YORK, NY | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| BEYOND US & THEM | LOS ANGELES, CA | $7,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| STATEN ISLAND SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY INC | STATEN ISLAND, NY | $5,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| PAIRPACIFIC ACADEMIC INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH | KOROR, PA | $5,013 | 2025 | FUND THE ANNUAL MASAMI SIKSEI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY) |
| PRIMARY STAGES COMPANY INC | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| MAMA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| DOLPHINS PACIFIC | KOROR | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY) |
| LINCOLN CENTER THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ARLEKIN PLAYERS THEATRE | NEEDHAM, MA | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| TAMERLAINE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY INC | MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP, NJ | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ST ANNE'S WAREHOUSE | BROOKLYN, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| BELAU NATIONAL MUSEUM | KOROR, PA | $5,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT AND SPONSOR A SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY) |
| NEW YORK THEATRE WORKSHOP | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| SPECTRUM YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES | BURLINGTON, VT | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THEATRE FOR A NEW AUDIENCE | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| PEACEDALE GLOBAL ARTS | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| MUSIC BEFORE 1800 | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| HOLOCAUST MUSEUM LOS ANGELES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $5,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE TEICHOLZ REMEMBRANCE FILM FUND |
| BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC (BAM) | BROOKLYN, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| SIGNATURE THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THEATRE ASPEN | ASPEN, CO | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THE NEW GROUP INC | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THE PLAYWRIGHTS REALM | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES USA INC | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| ROGUE MACHINE THEATER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
| CLEAN BREAK THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED | LONDON | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY) |
| PARK AVENUE ARMORY | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES |
NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES
$25,000TO SUPPORT THE SING OUT FOR FREEDOM CONCERT
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
ETHICAL CULTURE FIELDSTON SCHOOL
$20,000TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF YOUNG DANCEMAKERS COMPANY
CONCERT THEATRE WORKS INC
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
CAMPFIRE PROJECT
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
EN GARDE ARTS INC
$11,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES & THE EN GARDE ARTS GALA
THE PERELMAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC NYC)
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
3GENERATIONS INC
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
WATERWELL PRODUCTIONS
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
ASSOCIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DRAMATIC ARTS (AKA THE ORCHARD PROJECT)
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
SOCIETY OF THE THIRD STREET MUSIC
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
TITUS SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY GROUP
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
BEYOND US & THEM
$7,500GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
STATEN ISLAND SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY INC
$5,500GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
PAIRPACIFIC ACADEMIC INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH
$5,013FUND THE ANNUAL MASAMI SIKSEI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY)
DOLPHINS PACIFIC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY)
LINCOLN CENTER THEATRE
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
TAMERLAINE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
BELAU NATIONAL MUSEUM
$5,000TO SUPPORT AND SPONSOR A SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY)
PEACEDALE GLOBAL ARTS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
MUSIC BEFORE 1800
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES USA INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
ROGUE MACHINE THEATER
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES
CLEAN BREAK THEATRE COMPANY LIMITED
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING (EXPENDITURE RESPONSIBILITY)
PARK AVENUE ARMORY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES