ZOOM Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The ZOOM Foundation is a Connecticut-based funder that supports education, the environment and nonprofit
IP TAKE: ZOOM is a key funder to know in Connecticut, where it some major grantmaking. Howver, it prefers a proactive approach to funding and does not accept unsolicited proposals for funding, which makes it hard to get through the door here. While it has comducted some limited national giving, grants appear to stay in Connecticut. Area grantseekers will need to network here since this is a tough nut to crack.
PROFILE: The ZOOM Foundation, which was headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a family foundation that conducts major giving in Connecticut. Stephen and Susan Mandel founded the organization in 2001. Stephen is an investor and hedge fund manager who founded Lone Pine Capital. The ZOOM Foundation focuses its philanthropic investments on “innovative change efforts that have high potential for sustainable impact, particularly in the areas of education, the environment, and democracy.”
Grants for the Environment and Climate Change
The ZOOM Foundation broadly focuses on social change related to the environment. It likes to partner with leaders who take an entrepreneurial approach to innovation and making changes happen. Environmental grants focus on reversing climate change and investing in policies and strategies rooted in science. However, the foundation does not offer more details than broad appeal for climate change. Previous environmental grantees include the Environmental Defense Fund, among others.
Grants for Democracy
This foundation broadly invests in creating a “just society (that) requires a robust democracy. We support free and fair elections and invest in work that strengthens the resiliency and responsiveness of our political institutions.” A low-key foundation, ZOOM doesn’t give away much about itself or its giving strategies.
Grants for K-12 Education
The funder’s education funding program involves giving children access to public school education and education equity in schools at all levels. Previous education grantees include Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Faithacts for Education, Bridgeport public schools, and Children’s Aid, among others.
Important Grant Details:
This funder does not provide specific information about its grantmaking, but tax filings suggest that ZOOM’s grants range from $100,000 to over $1 million.
The foundation’s site says it funds in three areas of giving, but major grants to the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund obscure much of where its giving goes.
Grantseekers should review the funder’s recent tax records to learn about past grantees.
The ZOOM Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant inquiries or proposals from nonprofits. Interested nonprofits can get in touch with the funder by emailing the staff at info@zoomfoundation.org or calling (203) 989-9044.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
CONTACT:
2 Sound View Dr
Greenwich, CT 06830-6471
United States
