The Block Friedman Family Foundation concentrates its funding on large, unrestricted contributions to established cultural, medical, and higher-education institutions—mostly in New York but with some national reach. Its giving favors major nonprofits that serve health care, Jewish communal life, and university research/education, and it commonly makes repeat grants to core institutions rather than many small awards.
Concentrated, high-dollar giving with a small number of multi-grant recipients; predominantly unrestricted core support and repeat funding to established institutions rather than many small or project-specific grants.
The Block Friedman Family Foundation Inc. stands out for recurring seven-figure unrestricted support to a small set of large institutions, led by repeated gifts to Mt Sinai Medical Center and 92nd Street Y. Its recent record shows a pattern of backing established organizations that sit at the intersection of health care, Jewish communal life, higher education, and New York civic culture. Rather than spreading dollars across many small awards, the foundation concentrates on core operating support for institutions with broad public reach. Among its largest recent commitments are multiple grants to Mt Sinai Medical Center, including $2,040,000 in 2024 and $2,050,000 in 2025 to support the hospital without restriction. The foundation also made major unrestricted contributions to 92nd Street Y across 2023, 2024, and 2025, with individual awards reaching $2,050,000 and $550,000. Cornell University also appears as a repeated recipient, indicating continued support for higher-education institutions alongside medical and cultural anchors. The grant list suggests a foundation that favors scale, continuity, and flexibility. Its awards are often unrestricted charitable contributions, and several recipients receive funding in more than one year. That combination points to a funder supporting institutional stability rather than short-term project work.
In health care, the foundation gave $2,040,000 in 2024 and $1,800,000 in 2023 to Mt Sinai Medical Center, both as unrestricted charitable contributions. It also continued that support in 2025 with additional seven-figure grants. For Jewish communal and cultural work, 92nd Street Y received $2,050,000 in 2025, plus $550,000 in 2025 and $500,000 in both 2024 and 2023. Uja Federation also appears repeatedly, with grants of $470,000 and $450,000 in 2025 and $425,000 in 2024. Higher education is another clear thread. Cornell University received $866,667 in 2025 and $500,000 in both 2024 and 2023. The University of Vermont Foundation also received repeated unrestricted support, showing the foundation’s willingness to back universities across multiple years.
Typical grants cluster at a $25,000 p25, $50,000 median, and $100,000 p75, even though the recent record also includes much larger awards. The pattern is repeat support: Mt Sinai Medical Center, 92nd Street Y, Cornell University, and Uja Federation each appear in more than one year. Grants are made by a regular funder, not a DAF, and the philosophy emphasized in the data is unrestricted support, general operating support, flexible funding, and responsive funding. The recipients are organizations rather than individuals, and the foundation does not make program-related investments.
$5.7M
$31.8M
$1.5M
$5.9M
Most grants fall between $25K and $100K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$100K
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Notable grantees: Mt. Sinai Medical Center, 92nd Street Y, Cornell University, UJA Federation, University of Vermont Foundation
Giving is highly concentrated in New York, which accounts for 68% of grants by recipient location. New York City organizations appear often, including New York, NY recipients such as 92nd Street Y, Mt Sinai Medical Center, Uja Federation, Planned Parenthood of New York City, Rising Treetops at Oakhurst Inc, Lincoln Center Theater, The Lighthouse Guild International Inc, and The Dalton School. Outside New York, the foundation also funds institutions in Ithaca, Burlington, Providence, Boston, and Beaverton. All listed recipients are in the United States.
The recent grants show support for medical institutions, Jewish communal and cultural organizations, universities, and NYC civic or cultural anchors. Examples include Mt Sinai Medical Center, 92nd Street Y, Cornell University, Uja Federation, Lincoln Center Theater, and The Lighthouse Guild International Inc.
Yes. The recent grants are repeatedly labeled "UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION," including major awards to Mt Sinai Medical Center, 92nd Street Y, Cornell University, and Uja Federation. The philosophy tags also point to unrestricted support, general operating support, and flexible funding.
Recurring support is a clear pattern. Mt Sinai Medical Center appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; 92nd Street Y appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Cornell University appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and Uja Federation appears in 2024 and 2025.
The typical grant size is $25,000 at the 25th percentile, $50,000 at the median, and $100,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants also include several much larger awards, including multiple seven-figure gifts.
Most grants go to recipients in New York, which is the top state by grant count and accounts for 68% of grants in the HQ state. Recipient locations also include Ithaca, Burlington, Providence, Boston, and Beaverton, all within the United States.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92ND STREET Y | NEW YORK, NY | $2,050,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| MT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | NEW YORK, NY | $1,260,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | ITHACA, NY | $866,667 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UJA FEDERATION | NEW YORK, NY | $470,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION | BURLINGTON, VT | $290,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE WHEELER SCHOOL | PROVIDENCE, RI | $130,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| RISING TREETOPS AT OAKHURST INC | NEW YORK, NY | $110,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION | BOSTON, MA | $85,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| OBJECTS CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT (METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART) | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HYDE SQUARE TASK FORCE | JAMAICA PLAIN, MA | $50,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF NEW YORK CITY | BROOKLYN, NY | $50,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS | BEAVERTON, OR | $45,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| REFUGEE DREAM CENTER | PROVIDENCE, RI | $45,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| TRUSTEE OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE | HANOVER, NH | $40,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY INTERNATIONAL | NEW YORK, NY | $32,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| VNA HEALTH GROUP | NEPTUNE, NJ | $25,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE LIGHTHOUSE GUILD INTERNATIONAL INC | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE FESSENDEN SCHOOL | WEST NEWTON, MA | $20,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| JEWISH ASSOCIATION FOR SERVICES FOR THE AGED | NEW YORK, NY | $18,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| WNETTHIRTEEN | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| MT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | NEW YORK, NY | $1,150,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| 92ND STREET Y | NEW YORK, NY | $550,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UJA FEDERATION | NEW YORK, NY | $450,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION | BURLINGTON, VT | $270,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| WHEELER SCHOOL | PROVIDENCE, RI | $100,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS | BEAVERTON, OR | $80,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART | NEW YORK, NY | $55,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION | BOSTON, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HYDE SQUARE TASK FORCE | JAMAICA PLAIN, MA | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| RISING TREETOPS AT OAKHURST INC | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| VNA HEALTH GROUP | NEPTUNE, NJ | $33,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| TRUSTEE OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE | HANOVER, NH | $30,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF NEW YORK CITY | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE LIGHTHOUSE GUILD INTERNATIONAL INC | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| JEWISH ASSOCIATION FOR SERVICES FOR THE AGED | NEW YORK, NY | $18,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| MUSEUM OF MODERN ART | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| WNETTHIRTEEN | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| MT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | NEW YORK, NY | $2,040,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | ITHACA, NY | $500,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| 92ND STREET Y | NEW YORK, NY | $500,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UJA FEDERATION | NEW YORK, NY | $425,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION | BURLINGTON, VT | $260,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| WHEELER SCHOOL | PROVIDENCE, RI | $100,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS | BEAVERTON, OR | $75,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION | BOSTON, MA | $50,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
92ND STREET Y
$2,050,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UJA FEDERATION
$470,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
$290,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
THE STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION
$85,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
OBJECTS CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT (METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART)
$50,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF NEW YORK CITY
$50,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS
$45,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
REFUGEE DREAM CENTER
$45,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
TRUSTEE OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
$40,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY INTERNATIONAL
$32,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
LINCOLN CENTER THEATER
$25,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
VNA HEALTH GROUP
$25,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
WNETTHIRTEEN
$10,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
92ND STREET Y
$550,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UJA FEDERATION
$450,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
$270,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS
$80,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION
$50,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
VNA HEALTH GROUP
$33,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
TRUSTEE OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
$30,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF NEW YORK CITY
$25,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
LINCOLN CENTER THEATER
$25,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
JEWISH ASSOCIATION FOR SERVICES FOR THE AGED
$18,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
WNETTHIRTEEN
$10,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
92ND STREET Y
$500,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UJA FEDERATION
$425,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION
$260,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
NATIONAL NETWORK OF ABORTION FUNDS
$75,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
STEPPINGSTONE FOUNDATION
$50,000UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION