OVERVIEW: The Jacobson Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, education, and health. It also earmarks funds for the arts.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder is not very approachable and does not provide a clear way to get in touch, leaving grantseekers with the need to network here.
PROFILE: The Jacobson Family Foundation was established in 1997. It was founded by billionaire businessman Mitchell Jacobson and his wife Kathy Howard-Jacobson. Mitchell Jacobson began working for MSC Direct, an office and industrial equipment distributor founded by his father Sidney, in 1976. In 1995, Jacobson took over as CEO and held that position until 2005. He’s an Executive Officer of Central Street Capital, a private equity firm. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Jacobson Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, education, and health. It also earmarks funds for the arts.
Grants for Jewish Causes
The couple supports Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center on Long Island, which is named in honor of Jacobson’s father. In life, Sidney Jacobson was an active philanthropist and in the Jewish community gave generously to the UJA-Federation of New York. Kathy is a vice president of the board of Sid Jacobson JCC. The Shefa School has also received support.
Grants for Higher Education
Mitchell Jacobson strongly supports his alma mater NYU School of Law, home to the Jacobson Leadership Program in Law and Business. The couple recently directed a 7 figure gift to NYU via their foundation.
Grants for Public Health and Access
Sidney Jacobson was afflicted by cancer, which may influence some of the family’s health giving. Previous health grantees include Northwell Health and American Cancer Society.
Important Grant Details
Grants range from $18 to around $1.4 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $3 million. Past grantees have included Harlem Village Academies, New York Presbyterian Fund, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The Jacobson Family Foundation keeps a low-profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
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CONTACT:
Jacobson Family Foundation
c/o Proskauer Rose LLP J Waxenberg
11 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
