Our Approach

The Leon Levy Foundation advances the humanist values of understanding, appreciation, and preservation through grantmaking guided by the deep and diverse interests of Leon Levy and Shelby White. The Foundation supports work, primarily in New York City, that enhances cultural life, expands knowledge, and encourages exceptional achievement across a broad range of fields.

Within its six program areas – ancient world, arts and humanities, human rights and civil liberties, Jewish culture, nature and gardens, and neuroscience – the Foundation makes grants of all sizes, for both operating and project support. The majority of grantees are long-term partners with whom the Foundation has built trusted relationships. In cases of special interest, the Foundation creates Initiatives to pursue a unique idea or further an area of scholarship that may not otherwise find funding.

The Foundation relies on the expertise of its grantee partners. It has a lean staff by design, in order to devote the majority of its resources to grants.

The Leon Levy Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry.  Grant requests and inquiries are by invitation only.