Many philanthropic foundations with religious affiliations focus on just one specific religion or religious denomination. However, the G.A. Ackermann Memorial Fund is an exception because it is a funder that gives to both Catholic and Protestant church-affiliated groups at the local level.
This foundation has been around since 1937 and is the legacy of Mary A. Ackermann, who established the fund in her will to support health and human services programming for underserved populations. Here are some essential details to know about the G.A. Ackerman Memorial Fund as a New York City grantseeker.
Bank of America administration
Like many small family foundations, the G.A. Ackermann Memorial Fund entrusts Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions with its grantmaking administration. Bank of America runs the application process and has a page on its website to outline the foundation’s mission, guidelines and past giving history. Geographically, this funder restricts giving to New York City and Chicago.
Typical foundation grantmaking
This foundation typically only supports charitable organizations that the Roman Catholic Church or a Protestant church controls. It gives special consideration to hospitals that have Catholic and Protestant connections.
In the most recent year with data available, the foundation awarded 11 grants between $20,000 and $150,000 each in New York. Local grantees in New York include Cabrini Immigrant Services of New York City, Judson Memorial Church, Episcopal Health Services and the Reformed Dutch Church at Green Point. In New York City, Ackermann grants have recently supported mobile wellness, health disparities prevention, supportive housing, workforce development, school counseling and mental health. Grantmaking tends to be competitive; however, new grantees regularly receive support.
Applying for an Ackermann grant
Applying for an Ackermann grant is a straightforward process, conducted via its Bank of America page. New applications are due June 1 annually, and the foundation notifies applicants of its decisions by December 31. The funder provides general operating support for organizations with operating budgets of less than $1 million. Also, Ackermann considers multi-year funding requests to support the capacity-building efforts of New York City nonprofits. However, it does not typically fund endowment campaigns, capital projects, research or requests for individuals.
You can read more about this funder in IP’s full profile of the G.A. Ackermann Memorial Fund, and find other New York City funders, in our New York Grants for Nonprofits Guide.
