John & Amy Griffin Foundation

OVERVIEW: The John & Amy Griffin Foundation prioritizes grantmaking in New York, and invests in education and poverty relief.

IP TAKE: The foundation averages several million in grantmaking annually. The foundation does not maintain a website, and provides no clear guidelines for grantseekers. Networking is key here.

PROFILE: The John & Amy Griffin Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle for John Griffin, the founder and president of Blue Ridge Capital, a hedge fund in New York that has held over $5 billion in assets under management. Before Griffin started his own fund, he was a "Tiger Cub," a protégé of Julian Robertson. The foundation does not have a website, or a clear way for grantseekers to get in touch. Tax filings suggest that Griffin invests in education, poverty relief, health, arts, and the environment.

Grants for Higher Education and K-12 Education

Griffin prioritizes investing in education. Griffin has predominantly supported its founders’ alma mater, the University of Virginia. Griffin is also engaged in K-12 education reform in New York City and in 2015 gave over $2 million to iMentor, which builds mentoring relationships that empower students in low-income communities. Past grantees also include friends of Pave Academy; several of its charter schools are located in Brooklyn. Griffin has also funded Teach for All, Harlem RBI, Alliance for School Choice, Prep for Prep, and KIPP New York, which received a little more than $1 million in 2015.

Grants for Community Development, and Work and Economic Opportunity

Griffins also prioritizes poverty relief in New York City. John Griffin gave $1.6 million to Robin Hood in 2013, and another $750,000 in 2012. Past grantees also include the Ronald McDonald House of New York and Harlem Children's Zone.

Other Opportunities

Griffins' grantmaking in other areas such as health, and the arts, has been more modest. However, Griffin has supported the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, the Michael J Fox Foundation, Signature Theatre Company, and Museum of the City of NY.

Important Grant Details

The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding. Contact the foundation at the address listed below.

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CONTACT:

John & Amy Griffin Foundation
660 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10065