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Form 990-PFTax year 2024EIN 20-3899187

William Davidson Foundation

A private foundation in Birmingham, MI. Its return for tax year 2024 lists 94 grants and $59.6 million paid in grants.

See which foundations fund work like yours Matching by cause, place and grant size

Tax year 2024 (period ending Dec 31, 2024), read from the IRS e-file on Nov 11, 2026. Returns reach the IRS 5 to 18 months after the year they describe.

How to apply

Preselected only

The return checks the box saying the foundation gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets and giving by year

5 returns on file
Grants paid by tax year. The latest year is in blue.

  • Tax year 2024

    $59,609,722

    Grants listed
    94
    Assets, end of year
    $1,142,078,960

  • Tax year 2023

    $60,000,409

    Grants listed
    85
    Assets, end of year
    $1,106,780,529

  • Tax year 2022

    $59,744,262

    Grants listed
    99
    Assets, end of year
    $1,103,855,856

  • Tax year 2021

    $55,119,315

    Grants listed
    93
    Assets, end of year
    $1,107,938,800

  • Tax year 2020

    $51,663,653

    Grants listed
    101
    Assets, end of year
    $1,077,051,988

Grants paid in 2024

94 grants, largest first

As listed on the return.

  1. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support the Israel Emergency Campaign and to support the emergency in Israel

    $6,090,000
  2. Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganDetroit, MI

    To support the Unified Greenway Endowment Fund

    $5,000,000
  3. American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science IncNew York, NY

    To support the creation of a new campus for the Davidson Institute of Science Education and the Davidson Institute of Science Education Endowment

    $3,000,000
  4. AFSNC IncNew York, NY

    For general operating support for Start Up Nation Central

    $2,500,000
  5. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support the 2025 Annual Campaign, JLabs, and the Collective

    $2,350,000
  6. Detroit OperaDetroit, MI

    To support opera seasons

    $2,000,000
  7. Holocaust Memorial CenterFarmingtn HLS, MI

    To support the renovation of the permanent exhibit

    $2,000,000
  8. Jerusalem Botanical GardensJerusalem, Israel

    To support the creation of a new gallery

    $2,000,000
  9. Birthright Israel FoundationNew York, NY

    General operating support and support for Onward Israel

    $1,500,000
  10. OneTableNew York, NY

    To support the implementation of the strategic plan

    $1,500,000
  11. Sefaria IncNew York, NY

    To support Sefaria's Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt"l Legacy Project

    $1,500,000
  12. Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganDetroit, MI

    To support the New Economy Initiative

    $1,250,000
  13. Foundation For Detroit's FutureDetroit, MI

    For Support of the Grand Bargain for the Detroit Institute of Arts

    $1,250,000
  14. The Jewish People Policy InstituteJerusalem, Israel

    To support the William Davidson Distinguished Fellow and for general operating support

    $1,200,000
  15. American Israel Education Foundation IncWashington, DC

    General operating support

    $1,000,000
  16. Momentum Unlimited IncRockville, MD

    General operating support

    $1,000,000
  17. Momentum Unlimited IncRockville, MD

    General operating support

    $1,000,000
  18. The Schechter Institutes IncPhiladelphia, PA

    To support the TALI Education Fund, the Schechter Institute Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and for general operating support

    $1,000,000
  19. Wexner FoundationNew Albany, OH

    To support the Wexner Davidson Fellowship, completion of Davidson Scholars program, and the alumni program for Davidson Scholars

    $1,000,000
  20. Washington Institute for Near East PolicyWashington, DC

    To support the William Davidson Distinguished Fellow and the Young Scholars Program

    $950,000
  21. Detroit Symphony Orchestra IncDetroit, MI

    To support the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series and for general operating support

    $900,000
  22. The Shalom Hartman Institute of North AmericaNew York, NY

    To support Hartman Digital and Shalom Hartman Institute of North America's work in metro Detroit

    $900,000
  23. Gesher Foundation IncNew York, NY

    To support the AMI Initiative

    $850,000
  24. Hillel The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (Hillel International)Washington, DC

    To support the Israel Action and Antisemitism Program, the Israel Leadership Network, The Center for Jewish and Israel Education, and the Student Leadership Network and Fellowship

    $850,000
  25. Jewish Theological Seminary of AmericaNew York, NY

    For general operating support for the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education

    $750,000
  26. Midtown Detroit IncDetroit, MI

    To support Phase 1 of the Cultural Center Planning Initiative

    $750,000
  27. The IDI Foundation IncAtlanta, GA

    To support the William Davidson Senior Fellow and the IDI's Center for Governance and the Economy

    $707,449
  28. Shalem CollegeJerusalem, Israel

    To support the creation of two new majors focused on diplomacy, strategy, and economics

    $600,000
  29. United Jewish FoundationBloomfield Hills, MI

    To fund the WDF Director Discretionary Philanthropic Fund

    $600,000
  30. Isaac Agree Downtown SynagogueDetroit, MI

    For general operating support, capacity building, and construction

    $550,000
  31. Adamah IncReisterstown, MD

    To support Adamah Detroit and planning efforts for a Metro Detroit Jewish retreat center

    $500,000
  32. Chabad on Campus InternationalBrooklyn, NY

    To support the Chazak initiative

    $500,000
  33. MAOZ-SEAL IncLod, Israel

    To support the 2080 Leadership Program

    $500,000
  34. Mechon HadarNew York, NY

    To support the Pedagogy of Partnership's Midwest Fellowship and the Children and Family Division

    $500,000
  35. Micah 6 CommunityPontiac, MI

    To support the renovation of the vacant Webster Elementary School in Pontiac into a neighborhood community center

    $500,000
  36. The Jewish Federations of North America IncNew York, NY

    To support the LiveSecure program

    $500,000
  37. The Jewish Federations of North America IncNew York, NY

    To sponsor the JFNA Unity Event and the 2024 General Assembly

    $500,000
  38. Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of DetroitDetroit, MI

    To provide technical and other assistance for Detroit-based tech and growth-focused entrepreneurs and to conduct a benchmark analysis on SmartZone tax-capture financing

    $475,000
  39. Downtown Detroit Partnership IncDetroit, MI

    To support Campus Martius Park upgrades and to support DDP's coordination efforts for major events in 2024

    $450,000
  40. Friends of ELNETNew York, NY

    For general operating support and delegations to Israel

    $450,000
  41. Venture for America IncDetroit, MI

    General operating support

    $400,000
  42. Sefaria IncNew York, NY

    To support maintenance and improvements to the William Davidson Talmud and capacity building

    $350,000
  43. Foundation for the Defense of Democracies IncWashington, DC

    To support the Senior International Fellow

    $315,000
  44. Congregation B'nai B'rith HillelEast Lansing, MI

    To support education and leadership development efforts of the Hillels of Michigan - U of M Hillel, MSU Hillel, and Hillel of Metro Detroit

    $300,000
  45. Farber Hebrew Day School - Yeshivat AkivaSouthfield, MI

    For general operating support and development capacity building

    $300,000
  46. Industrial Sewing and Innovation CenterDetroit, MI

    To support the HUB Capital Campaign

    $300,000
  47. Mabua - Israeli Beit MidrashAlon, Israel

    General operating support

    $300,000
  48. FJC - A Foundation of Donor Advised FundsNew York, NY

    To support Natan's Jewish Connections, Confronting Antisemitism, and Reimagining Israel Education committees and for Natan to serve as a partner

    $275,000
  49. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support the Lauder Impact Initiative in Detroit

    $275,000
  50. UpStart Bay AreaOakland, CA

    To support UpSpark, UpLift, and UpSpring and to serve as a partner

    $275,000
  51. Endeavor DetroitDetroit, MI

    For general operating support and for a matching grant to support fundraising efforts

    $252,773
  52. Congregation Shaarey ZedekSouthfield, MI

    General operating support

    $250,000
  53. Detroit Regional Partnership FoundationDetroit, MI

    General operating support

    $250,000
  54. Israel on Campus CoalitionWashington, DC

    For general operating support of Academic Engagement Network's educational programs

    $250,000
  55. Louis D Brandeis Center IncWashington, DC

    General operating support

    $250,000
  56. RebootLongmeadow, MA

    To support the Rebooter Network, the Arts Lab, and to serve as a partner

    $250,000
  57. The Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit, MI

    To support the Gargaro Directors Endowment

    $250,000
  58. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support a new director position at JLive and for general operating support for JLive

    $225,000
  59. Central Fund of IsraelCedarhurst, NY

    To support Cyberwell's Artificial Intelligence Initiative

    $200,000
  60. Joe Louis Greenway PartnershipDetroit, MI

    To support start-up staffing and organizational infrastructure costs

    $200,000
  61. Repair The World IncNew York, NY

    To support Detroit Service Corps, Powered by Repair partnerships, and teen and family engagement in Detroit

    $200,000
  62. Belle Isle ConservancyDetroit, MI

    To support a sustainability study for the Belle Isle Aquarium and for general operating support

    $175,000
  63. Detroit Parks CoalitionDetroit, MI

    To support the 2024 Pistons Neighbors Program and for capacity building for park management

    $175,000
  64. Boundless Israel IncBelmont, MA

    General operating support

    $150,000
  65. Jewish Funders NetworkNew York, NY

    To support CANVAS's grants to Jewish arts organizations, Matters of the Art Network, Leadership Development Programs, and for CANVAS to serve as a partner

    $150,000
  66. Keren Shituf Tormim (Keshet) DAF Baam (Heletz) (DAF IL LTD (CC))Shfayim, Israel

    General operating support

    $150,000
  67. The Children's FoundationDetroit, MI

    To support the Michigan Central Station Children's Endowment Campaign

    $150,000
  68. United Jewish FoundationBloomfield Hills, MI

    To fund the WDF Employee Matching Gift Philanthropic Fund

    $150,000
  69. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support the Nova Music Festival Pop-Up Exhibit in Detroit and a screening of the movie "We Will Dance Again" about the October 7 attack on the Nova Music Festival

    $125,000
  70. Institute for Curriculum ServicesBerkeley, CA

    General operating support

    $100,000
  71. Israel Education Resource CenterNorthbrook, IL

    To support a Midwest cohort of Jewish educators

    $100,000
  72. ISRAEL-isTel Aviv, Israel

    General operating support

    $100,000
  73. Michigan Israel Business Accelerator FoundationDetroit, MI

    General operating support

    $100,000
  74. Downtown Detroit Partnership IncDetroit, MI

    To support the 11th Detroit Homecoming

    $75,000
  75. JPRO Network IncNew York, NY

    To support the 2025 JPro Conference in partnership with Jewish Federations

    $60,000
  76. Congregation Shaarey ZedekSouthfield, MI

    For general operating support and support for the development of a campus and facilities master plan

    $57,500
  77. Jewish Funders NetworkNew York, NY

    For 2025 membership dues and to provide supplemental general operating support

    $55,000
  78. Areivim Philanthropic Group IncNew York, NY

    Membership dues and for general operating support

    $50,000
  79. College for Creative StudiesDetroit, MI

    To support Design Core Detroit's 2024 Detroit Month of Design

    $50,000
  80. Jewish Funders NetworkNew York, NY

    To support 2024 International Conference

    $50,000
  81. Mechon HadarNew York, NY

    To support the Pedagogy of Partnership's Midwest Fellowship and the Children and Family Division

    $50,000
  82. Michigan Founders FundAnn Arbor, MI

    To support Michigan Tech Week 2024 taking place at Michigan Central in Detroit

    $50,000
  83. OneTableNew York, NY

    To support the "OneTable Turns 10" event to honor Rob Orley in New York City

    $50,000
  84. The Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit, MI

    To support the 2024 DIA Gala

    $50,000
  85. Washington Institute for Near East PolicyWashington, DC

    To support the 2024 Scholar-Statesman Award Gala in New York City

    $50,000
  86. Yeshivath Beth YehudahSouthfield, MI

    To support the Annual Dinner

    $50,000
  87. Council of Michigan Foundations IncDetroit, MI

    2025 Membership Dues

    $42,000
  88. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy IncDetroit, MI

    To support a consulting engagement of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

    $30,000
  89. Adamah IncReisterstown, MD

    To support Hazon's Detroit-based efforts

    $25,000
  90. Detroit Historical SocietyDetroit, MI

    To support the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan's new temporary exhibit in the Community Gallery of the Detroit Historical Museum, In the Neighborhood: Everyday Life on Hastings Street

    $25,000
  91. Friends of the Israel Defense ForcesNew York, NY

    To sponsor the 2024 Michigan Night of Solidarity Annual Dinner

    $25,000
  92. Detroit Parks CoalitionDetroit, MI

    To support the "3v3 in the D", the 2nd annual youth basketball tournament at the Detroit Riverfront

    $20,000
  93. Midtown Detroit IncDetroit, MI

    To sponsor the 50th annual Noel Night

    $20,000
  94. Hillel The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (Hillel International)Washington, DC

    For a Host Committee sponsorship of the Here's to 100: Centennial Celebration and Dinner in New York City

    $10,000

Approved for future payment

14 grants

Approved in 2024 and not yet paid.

  1. AFSNC IncNew York, NY

    For general operating support for Start Up Nation Central

    $2,500,000
  2. Wexner FoundationNew Albany, OH

    To support the Wexner Davidson Fellowship, completion of Davidson Scholars program, and the alumni program for Davidson Scholars

    $2,225,000
  3. The Schechter Institutes IncPhiladelphia, PA

    To support the TALI Education Fund, the Schechter Institute Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and for general operating support

    $1,250,000
  4. The Jewish People Policy InstituteJerusalem, Israel

    To support the William Davidson Distinguished Fellow and for general operating support

    $1,200,000
  5. Momentum Unlimited IncRockville, MD

    General operating support

    $1,000,000
  6. Detroit Symphony Orchestra IncDetroit, MI

    To support the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series and for general operating support

    $850,000
  7. Adamah IncReisterstown, MD

    To support Adamah Detroit and Adamah on Campus

    $550,000
  8. Industrial Sewing and Innovation CenterDetroit, MI

    To support the HUB Capital Campaign

    $250,000
  9. Jewish Federation of DetroitBloomfield Hills, MI

    To support the Lauder Impact Initiative in Detroit

    $250,000
  10. Jewish Theological Seminary of AmericaNew York, NY

    For general operating support for the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education

    $250,000
  11. Institute for Curriculum ServicesBerkeley, CA

    General operating support

    $100,000
  12. Sixpoint IncSaint Petersburg, FL

    General operating support

    $100,000
  13. Jewish Federations of North AmericaNew York, NY

    To support research into current patterns in the surge of Jewish life, attitudes and behaviors of the Jewish community due to antisemitism and the events of October 7th.

    $75,000
  14. Jewish Funders NetworkNew York, NY

    To support 2025 International Conference

    $30,000

Where the money goes

By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.

  1. Philanthropy and grantmaking15 grants $17,370,00035% of the total
  2. International aid12 grants $11,997,44924% of the total
  3. Religion14 grants $6,375,00013% of the total
  4. Arts and culture6 grants $5,225,00011% of the total
  5. Community development12 grants $4,597,7739% of the total
  6. Education8 grants $2,750,0006% of the total
  7. 2 other causes5 grants $675,0001% of the total

By State

Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.

  1. Michigan41 grants $28,112,273
  2. New York26 grants $16,865,000
  3. District of Columbia8 grants $3,675,000
  4. Maryland4 grants $2,525,000
  5. Ohio1 grant $1,000,000
  6. Pennsylvania1 grant $1,000,000
  7. Georgia1 grant $707,449
  8. Massachusetts2 grants $400,000
  9. California2 grants $375,000
  10. Illinois1 grant $100,000

Officers, directors and trustees

11 people as filed

As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.

  • See StatementSEE STATEMENT Hours 1Pay $0
  • Eli SaulsonCLASS A DIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0
  • Ethan DavidsonCLASS D DIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0
  • Jonathan AaronCLASS A DIRECTOR AND CHAIRMAN Hours 1Pay $0
  • Karen DavidsonCLASS A DIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0
  • Mary AaronCLASS A DIRECTOR AND SECRETARY Hours 1Pay $0
  • Ralph GersonCLASS A DIRECTOR AND TREASURER Hours 1Pay $0
  • See StatementSEE STATEMENT Hours 1Pay $0
  • See StatementSEE STATEMENT Hours 1Pay $0
  • Darin McKeeverPRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Hours 40Pay $936,950
  • Danielle Stewart HansonVice president AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Hours 40Pay $573,500

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