SOURCE OF WEALTH: Goldman Sachs
FUNDING AREAS: Environment, Jewish Causes, Arts & Culture, Education
OVERVIEW: Joseph and Barbara Ellis conduct their philanthropy through the Joseph H. & Barbara I. Ellis Foundation. The Ellis couple’s giving focuses on the Northeast, where environmental organizations are a top priority. The couple also supports their alma mater Columbia, select Jewish organizations, and more. According to available tax filings, the foundation awarded around $1.2 million in grants from 2017 to 2018.
BACKGROUND: Joseph H. Ellis received a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University. He served as vice president and investment analyst at the Bank of New York. In 1970, he joined Goldman Sachs, where he went on to serve as a general partner.
ISSUES:
ENVIRONMENT: Joseph Ellis is secretary of the board of National Audubon Society, which he and Barbara steadily support via their foundation. He is a former vice chair of the board of New York State Nature Conservancy and is currently on the board of RARE, another frequent grantee. Other grantees have included African Parks Foundation, Cornwall Conservation Trust, Humane Farming Association, and National Wildlife Federation.
EDUCATION: Ellis and Barbara attended Columbia University and Barnard College respectively, and the couple have been strong supporters of Columbia. Some of this work has been connected to the environment, including sustainable development education at the school. The couple has also directed funds to Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, among others.
ARTS & CULTURE: Grantees have included Museum of American Bird Art, The Met, and Mertz Library of New York.
JEWISH CAUSES: The couple also earmarks funds for Jewish organizations like Park East Synagogue, Park Slope Jewish Center, and Congregation B’nai Torah.
OTHER: Ellis and Barbara also direct low-level funding to various nonprofits in the Cornwall, Connecticut area, where they reside. They have also supported human services outfits like Connecticut Food Bank and Citymeals-on-Wheels.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the family’s strong and steady support of select environmental organizations to continue.
CONTACT:
The Joseph H. & Barbara I. Ellis Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
Joseph H. & Barbara I. Ellis Foundation
100 Wood Ave. S., Ste. 209
Iselin, NJ 08830
