Private foundation · EIN 57-1144326 · New York, New York · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Purple Plume Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 15 grants paid, $160K total, median $10K. 93% of grants stayed in New York.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
15
$160K
Median grant
$10K
Stays in NY
93%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$3.7M

Grants paid in 2025

15 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Powerhouse ArtsBrooklyn, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$25K
Planned ParenthoodBrooklyn, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$25K
Entertainment Community FundNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$15K
Tectonic Theater ProjectNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$15K
Sdc FoundationNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$14K
Mamaroneck-Larchmont Student Aid FundLarchmont, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$10K
National Alliance for Musical TheatreNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$10K
New York Civil LibertiesNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$10K
Page 73Brooklyn, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$10K
Your Kids Our KidsNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$10K
Beck InstituteBala Cynwyd, PAUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$5,000
TdfNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$5,000
New York Stage and FilmNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$2,500
Gallatin School of Individualized StudyNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$2,500
Arts IgniteNew York, NYUnrestricted grant for donee's exempt purpose.$1,000

By state: New York 14 · Pennsylvania 1

About this foundation

Purple Plume Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in New York, New York, administered in care of Barbara Whitman, tax-exempt since 2003. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Purple Plume Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Purple Plume Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $160K across 15 grants, a median of $10K.

Where does Purple Plume Foundation give?

New York (14 grants), Pennsylvania (1 grants), per its latest filing.

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