The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund aspires to have a positive, lasting impact on well-being and community life. The foundation’s interest areas are multifaceted, and many programs cross over traditional categories. For example, our food initiatives advance health, economic development, educational and cultural goals. Rather than limit its grantmaking to specific issues or organizations, the Illumination Fund supports programs that increase access and opportunity across a wide spectrum of fields, and its program areas are means to achieve impact rather than isolated categories.
Giving is focused primarily in New York City. The Fund makes grants for special initiatives – often with public policy impact – as well as for core programs and institutional growth.
Healthy Food
There are great challenges to accessing healthy foods in many of New York’s neighborhoods, and vast disparities in diet-related diseases. The Illumination Fund supports novel strategies to expand availability of healthy foods and promote healthy choices.
Service
Organizations that mobilize individuals toward a shared vision of social change enhance society and strengthen communities. The Illumination Fund supports initiatives that activate the spirit of service and expand the capacity of nonprofits to recruit, manage and retain skilled volunteers.
Arts
The arts have a unique power to inspire minds, stimulate creativity, enhance learning and build quality of life. The Illumination Fund supports major cultural institutions and community organizations to increase access and opportunity for New Yorkers and to utilize the arts for educational development.
Education
High-quality schools and educational programs enable students to develop, flourish, and have access to fulfilling careers. The Illumination Fund supports programs that strengthen educational quality and enrichment opportunities.
Jewish Life
The Illumination Fund supports projects in the U.S. and Israel that foster community engagement, constructive expression and communication.
Proposal Policy
The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund explores funding ideas and generates initiatives through research, long-term partnerships, and networking with thought leaders. The foundation accepts proposals by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests for funding.