Background and Mission
Leonard and Evelyn Lauder, heirs to the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune, have dedicated their lives to philanthropy and making a difference in the world. The Foundation was created as a means to channel their resources and influence to causes they care deeply about. While the Foundation maintains a low profile, its impact is far-reaching, with a particular focus on supporting organizations that promote democracy, global development, education, arts and culture, Jewish causes, and disease research.
Grantmaking and Focus Areas
One of the Lauder Foundation’s primary grantees is the Aspen Institute, an organization dedicated to fostering leadership and addressing global challenges. As a trustee and chair of the Institute’s International Committee, Leonard Lauder has played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s programs and initiatives. The Foundation has provided significant financial support to the Aspen Institute, totaling approximately $780,000 in recent years.
The Lauder Foundation prioritizes quality education and supports K-12 schools, particularly private college preparatory institutions such as Pilgrim School in Los Angeles, Lake Highland Preparatory School, and First Academy in Orlando, Florida. It also supports educational programs at public libraries, such as the Greenwich Library in Connecticut and the Winter Park Public Library in Florida. In higher education, the foundation has supported Hunter College and the Army War College. Its tax filings show a strong commitment to comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade.
Although the Lauder Foundation does not explicitly state its arts and culture grantmaking priorities, its tax filings indicate a strong interest in supporting a variety of cultural organizations. Recent grantees include such prestigious institutions as the Frick Collection, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Botanical Gardens, and the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Foundation. The Foundation’s commitment to the arts and culture extends beyond New York City, with support for the Glimmerglass Opera Theatre in Cooperstown, New York.
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The Lauder Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting Jewish causes. Although this area represents a smaller portion of its overall grantmaking, the foundation has provided grants to a wide range of Jewish organizations throughout the United States. Recipients include the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Jewish Communal Fund, the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in California, the American Jewish Committee, and National Jewish Health, a research hospital based in Denver, Colorado.
While the Lauder Foundation’s primary focus is not disease research, it has made notable contributions in this area. The foundation has made select grants to organizations dedicated to disease research, prevention, and treatment. In particular, it has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, where Leonard Lauder serves as Co-Chairman. The Lauder family has pledged $200 million through 2033 to accelerate research into the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Impact and Grant Details
In recent years, the Lauder Foundation has consistently awarded between $3 million and $4 million in grants annually. The Foundation’s grants range from $2,000 to $1 million, with larger amounts typically going to organizations in which Leonard Lauder is personally involved. The Foundation’s impact is evident in the many organizations and projects it has supported, both in and outside of New York City. The Foundation’s commitment to ongoing support and its founder’s personal involvement have enabled it to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
The Lauder Foundation, led by Leonard and Evelyn Lauder, has become a philanthropic powerhouse in New York City. With a focus on supporting causes that align with the founders’ personal interests, the Foundation has made significant contributions in the areas of education, arts and culture, Jewish causes, and disease research. While the foundation may not be easily accessible to new organizations, its impact is undeniable. The Lauder Foundation’s ongoing support and commitment to positive change has left a lasting legacy in the community, making it a beacon of hope and progress for those in need.
