John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund
OVERVIEW: The John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund primarily funds grantmaking related to education, the arts and health.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder prioritizes organizations in New York City, so organizations outside of this area will have a more difficult time securing funding here. Grantseekers will want to network to get on this funder’s radar, but it is largely impenetrable, seeking a proactive approach to funding.
PROFILE: The John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund was established in 1988 by financier John R. Gordon of Deltec Asset Management. It is steered by John and his wife Kiendl. Gordon received a B.A. from Harvard in 1971 and a J.D./M.B.A. from Harvard Law and Business Schools in 1976. Gordon was a managing director of Kidder, Peabody & Co., where he spent 12 years in the firm’s corporate finance department. He joined Deltec Asset Management in 1988, where he manages the Deltec Forum Fund, L.P and is responsible for the management of Deltec’s US equity investments and separate multi-strategy accounts.
The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund primarily funds grantmaking related to education, the arts and health.
Grants for Arts and Culture
John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund’s grants for arts and culture follow the family’s affiliations and personal interests, rather than clear strategic giving. From 990s, it appears that arts grants prioritize dance, music and theater.
John Gordon serves on the board of Roundabout Theatre Company, which the couple steadily supports. Other grantees have included Parsons Dance Foundation, Second Stage Theatre, School of American Ballet, Fund for Park Avenue, Carl Schurz Park Conservancy, Lincoln Center Theater, and Gallim Dance.
Grants for K-12 and Higher Education
The fund’s education grants support the schools with which the family has a personal connection or in which Gordon is interested and has served in some capacity. This is not a grassroots or noted grantmaker of local public schools.
In this light, Gordon supports his alma maters Harvard College and Harvard Business School. The foundation has also supported School of American Ballet, The Boys Club of New York (Gordon is on the honorary board), Saint David’s School, NYC Outward Bound Schools, and American Friends of Winchester College.
Grants for Public Health and Access
The foundation does not appear to have a giving program dedicated to healthcare; however, tax records show that it has previously supported Prostate Cancer Foundation, a grantee that has special significance for the family.
Grants for Community Development
While the Gordon Fund does not announce its funding priorities, 990s show that youth and community development organizations have seen support. Previous grantees include the Boys Club of New York (John is an honorary board member), NYC Outward Bound Schools.
Other Funding Areas
The foundation steadily funds the Drumcliff Foundation, a philanthropy in Philadelphia, which John’s brother Dan steers. It has also given to Church of Heavenly Rest.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $400 to $300,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away just under $2 million. Foundation giving tends to reflect the interests of Gordon family members on its board.
The John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
John R. & Kiendl Dauphinot Gordon Fund
125 Broad St.
New York, NY 10004