The Ethel Kennedy Foundation concentrates its giving on education-related causes, with a particular emphasis on legal education and schooling support. The foundation makes a small number of sizable gifts, often repeating support to the same organizations rather than dispersing many small grants. Its giving appears programmatic and relationship-driven, favoring institutional partners that advance education, training, or scholarship.
Highly concentrated: few, relatively large grants directed to repeat grantees. Funding is relationship-based and targeted to institutional partners rather than many one-off awards.
A defining feature of the Ethel Kennedy Foundation is its repeated support for Georgetown University Law Center, with grants of $70,000 in 2023 and 2024 and $75,000 in 2025 and 2026. That pattern shows a funder that returns to a small set of education partners rather than spreading gifts broadly across many organizations. The foundation’s giving centers on education-related causes, especially legal education, school support, and scholarship funding. Recent grants also show a second strong line of support for The Learning Alliance, which received $100,000 in 2024, $92,200 in 2025, $30,000 in 2023, and $50,000 in 2026. In addition to those education commitments, the foundation has funded institutional education capacity, including art faculty development, scholarship funds, and university programs. The grant list suggests a relationship-driven approach built around recurring charitable contributions to nonprofit and university partners. Across the recent record, the foundation’s gifts range from targeted scholarship support to broader educational programming. Recipients include law schools, school-support organizations, and higher-education affiliates, with some awards structured as charitable contributions and others directed to named scholarship or program funds.
Legal education is one of the clearest themes in the Ethel Kennedy Foundation’s grantmaking. Georgetown University Law Center received $75,000 in 2025 and another $75,000 in 2026, following $70,000 awards in both 2023 and 2024. That repeated pattern places legal training and law-school support at the center of the foundation’s education portfolio. The foundation also backs K–12 and school-support work. The Learning Alliance received $100,000 in 2024, $92,200 in 2025, $30,000 in 2023, and $50,000 in 2026, showing sustained support for that organization’s education mission. Other education-related grants went to Salisbury School for general support and to Salisbury School - John Morris Scholarship for scholarship funding. Higher-education and faculty-development support appears as well. The foundation gave $50,000 to Art Department Faculty Development Fund in 2024 and $45,000 in 2025, and it awarded $50,000 and $25,000 grants to UMass Boston EKM Scholarship Fund in 2024 and 2025.
$708K
$9M
$793K
$808K
Most grants fall between $5K and $15K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$15K
About 13% of grants go to recipients in NY.
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Notable grantees: Georgetown University Law Center, The Learning Alliance, Other education-focused nonprofits receiving the remaining three grants
Typical grants cluster in a narrow band: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $15,000. The recent grant list also shows a smaller number of larger, relationship-based awards, including several recurring gifts to the same institutions across multiple years. The foundation is not a grantmaker to individuals, and it does not make program-related investments. Its listed grant type is charitable contribution, including scholarship and unrestricted-style support.
The Ethel Kennedy Foundation gives nationally, and every listed recipient in the country distribution is in the United States. California is the top state by grant count, while Massachusetts accounts for 8% of grants. Recent recipient cities include New York, Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Vero Beach, and Santa Ana. The pattern reflects a national portfolio with a mix of East Coast institutions and West Coast recipients.
The foundation’s recent grants center on education-related causes, especially legal education and law school scholarships, K–12 school support, teacher or leadership development, and institutional capacity-building for education nonprofits. Georgetown University Law Center and The Learning Alliance are the clearest recurring examples in the grant list.
Its grant-size distribution is relatively compact: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the 75th percentile is $15,000. The recent list also includes larger outlier gifts to education institutions and scholarship funds.
Yes. Georgetown University Law Center appears in four consecutive years with grants of $70,000, $70,000, $75,000, and $75,000. The Learning Alliance also appears multiple times across 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, showing a repeated funding relationship.
Its grantmaking is national, and California is the top state by grant count. Massachusetts represents 8% of grants, while recent recipient cities include New York, Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Vero Beach, and Santa Ana.
No. The foundation does not fund individuals, and it does not make program-related investments. Its recent record is made up of charitable contributions to organizations, scholarship funds, and education-related institutions.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER | WASHINGTON, DC | $75,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE LEARNING ALLIANCE | VERO BEACH, FL | $50,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SALISBURY SCHOOL - JOHN MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP | SALISBURY, CT | $30,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| ORANGE COUNTY HIGHSCHOOL OF THE ARTS | SANTA ANA, CA | $30,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UMASS FOUNDATION INC | NEWTON, MA | $25,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UMASS FOUNDATION INC | NEWTON, MA | $25,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UMASS FOUNDATION INC | NEWTON, MA | $25,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INDIAN RIVER | VERO BEACH, FL | $21,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UMASS FOUNDATION INC | NEWTON, MA | $20,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CAMFED | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $20,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $16,600 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE AMERICAN SUPPORTERS OF HIGHGATE SCHOOL | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| JOHN'S ISLAND COMMUNITY SERVICE | VERO BEACH, FL | $12,600 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| BEAGLE FREEDOM PROJECT | VALLEY VILLAGE, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HOPE FOR FAMILIES CENTER | VERO BEACH, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HOTCHKISS SCHOOL | LAKEVILLE, CT | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| PROJECT LIFT | FORT PIERCE, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE | AMHERST, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD | SAN DIEGO, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HAMILTON COLLEGE | CLINTON, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| ORPHANOS THE HARBOR MOTHER'S PROGRAM | CORDOVA, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| NEVERTHIRST | BIRMINGHAM, AL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SAFE SPACE INC | STUART, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| HOLY FAMILY SVCES ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| JACOBS SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK | SAN DIEGO, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| WE ARE ALL HUMAN FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| FOSTER LOVE (TOGETHER WE RISE) | BREA, CA | $8,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| EASTHAMPTON FOOD PANTRY | EAST HAMPTON, NY | $8,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CAMP HILL VILLAGE | COPAKE, NY | $7,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| VASSAR COLLEGE ROWING | POUGHKEEPSIE, NY | $6,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHAB CENTER OF SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| VNA & HOSPICE FOUNDATION | VERO BEACH, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY | EAST HAMPTON, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| UMASS FOUNDATION INC | NEWTON, MA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| ROSIE'S PLACE | BOSTON, MA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| 1000 FRIENDS OF FLORIDA | TALLAHASSEE, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| ALZHEIMER'S AND PARKINSON ASSOCIATION | VERO BEACH, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | CCHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SELF REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP | LOS ANGELES, CA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL | VERO BEACH, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE SOURCE | VERO BEACH, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| ARF HAMPTONS | EAST HAMPTON, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| SAG HARBOR COMMUNITY ROWING | SAG HARBOR, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| THE BARKING LOT | RAMONA, CA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| FOUNDATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE CALIFORNIAS | SAN DIEGO, CA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
| CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | CAMBRIDGE, MA | $5,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION |
SALISBURY SCHOOL - JOHN MORRIS SCHOLARSHIP
$30,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
ORANGE COUNTY HIGHSCHOOL OF THE ARTS
$30,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UMASS FOUNDATION INC
$25,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UMASS FOUNDATION INC
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UMASS FOUNDATION INC
$25,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INDIAN RIVER
$21,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
$20,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UMASS FOUNDATION INC
$20,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
CAMFED
$20,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL
$20,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
THE AMERICAN SUPPORTERS OF HIGHGATE SCHOOL
$15,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
JOHN'S ISLAND COMMUNITY SERVICE
$12,600CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
HOTCHKISS SCHOOL
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
HAMILTON COLLEGE
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
ORPHANOS THE HARBOR MOTHER'S PROGRAM
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
SAFE SPACE INC
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
HOLY FAMILY SVCES ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
JACOBS SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
WE ARE ALL HUMAN FOUNDATION
$10,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
SALVATION ARMY ADULT REHAB CENTER OF SAN DIEGO
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
UMASS FOUNDATION INC
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
ALZHEIMER'S AND PARKINSON ASSOCIATION
$5,000CCHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
SELF REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
THE SOURCE
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
ARF HAMPTONS
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
SAG HARBOR COMMUNITY ROWING
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
THE BARKING LOT
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
FOUNDATION FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE CALIFORNIAS
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION
CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$5,000CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION