The Ottinger Foundation Incorporated
The organization is a private foundation focused on supporting various charitable causes. Its mission centers around promoting civil rights, community service, education, and environmental conservation, as evidenced by its funding to organizations such as Equal Justice Works and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. The foundation primarily serves nonprofit entities that align with these values, contributing to a diverse range of initiatives. It operates with a small team of directors and has a history of making general support grants to organizations across multiple sectors.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid‑sized advocacy, policy, or education nonprofits (or fiscal sponsors) with credibility in NY/DC policy circles that can receive grants in the $15k–$100k range and are likely to be introduced or invited.
Good Fit
- • Work in civil rights, public policy advocacy, or education consistent with prior grantees.
- • Organizational capacity to manage unrestricted/general operating grants in the $15k–$100k range.
- • Existing relationships or referrals into the foundation's board or grantee network.
- • Presence or activity in New York or Washington, D.C., or national policy work linking to those hubs.
Geography
Observed grants span three states (New York, Washington DC, and California) but are concentrated, with New York receiving a majority (57%) of the latest year's dollars.
Recipient Variety
Each observed year shows five distinct independent recipients (examples include Neo Philanthropy, Every Voice Center, Pace University), with some repetition across years but also new entrants, indicating a moderate spread of beneficiaries for a small foundation.
New Applicants
The foundation's filings explicitly indicate it funds only preselected applicants; although several new grantees appeared in the latest year, that turnover appears to reflect invitation or referral rather than an open public application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
