Denise Lefrak Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily for health-related causes, with a notable emphasis on cancer research and treatment. It supports a variety of charitable organizations, including those focused on health, education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to improving community well-being and advancing medical research. The foundation has a particular interest in supporting Jewish organizations and educational institutions, indicating a broader cultural engagement. Its funding activities are concentrated in the health sector, with significant contributions to cancer research centers and health charities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established charities in health/medical research, higher education, major cultural institutions, or recognized Jewish community organizations—especially those with a New York presence or strong ties to the foundation's network and a need for general operating support.
Good Fit
- • Clear alignment with health and cancer research or major hospital/university work.
- • A visible institutional profile or reputation in New York-area philanthropy.
- • Capacity to receive general operating support rather than project-restricted grants.
- • Existing introductions or relationships with board members or named contacts.
- • Organizational scale consistent with multi-thousand to tens-of-thousands dollar grants.
Geography
Observed giving is concentrated in the foundation's home state (about 62% of dollars) but the latest year included recipients across five states, indicating a multi-state rather than purely local footprint.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation funded 12 distinct recipients across health, universities, arts, and Jewish organizations, and prior years show a growing and varied recipient set despite some dollar concentration among top grantees.
New Applicants
Behaviorally the foundation added many new grantees (8 new in 2024 and 9 new in 2023), but the foundation's own filings and application notes indicate it funds only preselected organizations and offers no public application route, so entry for unfamiliar applicants likely depends on referral or active outreach.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
