OVERVIEW: The Stephen and Ruth Hendel Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts and Jewish causes in the New York City area.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Connection to the family will be key to gaining this funder’s attention, but grantseekers in working in the arts and/or Jewish causes may find this small foundation worthwhile.
PROFILE: Established in 1989, the Stephen and Ruth Hendel Foundation was founded by commodities trader Stephen Hendel and his wife, Ruth, a prolific Broadway producer. Stephen Hendel is founding managing director of Hartree Partners, LP, a global merchant commodities firm specializing in energy and associated industries. Ruth has been a Broadway show backer since 2002, with more than 60 credits to her name. The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Stephen and Ruth Hendel Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts and Jewish causes. It also earmarks funds for causes like health and education.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The Hendels have produced numerous theater projects in the New York City area, and have also been involved in film production. Through their foundation, they have given to the Yale School of Drama, New York City’s Play Production Company, New York Live Arts, the Theater Communications Group and the Museum for African Art.
Grants for Jewish Causes
Stephen grew up in a Conservative Jewish household and Ruth was raised in an Orthodox family. They are strongly involved with The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), home to the Hendel Center for Ethics and Justice. Ruth Hendel has been a longtime member of the JTS Library’s board of directors, and since 2013, a trustee of JTS’s board. Other Jewish grantees include the American Jewish World Service and the UJA Federation of New York.
Important Grant Details
In a recent year, this funder gave away about $1.5 million in grants, which ranged from $5,000 to $200,000. The average grant size was about $20,000. Theater appears to be this funders largest grantmaking area, with fewer grants going to Jewish causes. For additional information about past grants, see the foundation’s recent tax filings.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Contact information is provided below.
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CONTACT:
Stephen & Ruth Hendel Foundation
10 Dundee Road
Larchmont, NY 10538
(212) 406-4900
