Endowment / Foundation

Updated:

Leon Levy Foundation

The Leon Levy Foundation was created in 2004 from the estate of Wall Street investor Leon Levy. Shelby White, his widow, serves as founding trustee and has...

Leon Levy Foundation logo

Leon Levy Foundation

The Leon Levy Foundation was created in 2004 from the estate of Wall Street investor Leon Levy. Shelby White, his widow, serves as founding trustee and has guided the foundation's grant-making since inception. The foundation's work centers on six program areas. It has funded the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve in the Bahamas and supported the Metropolitan Museum of Art through named galleries and collections. Additional commitments include the Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center in Israel and ongoing neuroscience fellowships. Meredith Ross currently serves as president. The foundation reported an estimated $32.3 million in annual giving in its most recent available figures. No investment activity beyond legacy holdings and pass-through partnerships has been disclosed in the last 24 months.

General information

Firm type

Endowment / Foundation

Year founded

2004

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

New York

Corporate office

One Rockefeller Plaza, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10020

Principals

Shelby White

Founding Trustee

Meredith Ross

President

Sector focus

Ancient WorldArts & HumanitiesHuman RightsJewish CultureNature & GardensNeuroscience

Frequently asked questions

Who runs investment decisions at the Leon Levy Foundation?

Shelby White serves as founding trustee. Meredith Ross holds the role of president. No separate investment committee or CIO is named in public records.

What asset classes does the Leon Levy Foundation hold?

The foundation maintains direct ownership of real estate, land preserves, and art collections. It also holds pass-through partnership interests in financial services.

Does the Leon Levy Foundation make new grants or only manage legacy assets?

The foundation continues to make grants in its six stated program areas. Recent activity includes sponsorship of neuroscience symposia and biography lectures.

Where does the underlying wealth of the Leon Levy Foundation come from?

The endowment originated from the estate of Leon Levy, who built his fortune as a mutual fund manager and investor.

How is the Leon Levy Foundation governed?

Governance rests with a board of trustees that includes Shelby White, Elizabeth B. Moynihan, and John W. Bernstein. Meredith Ross serves as president.

Profile maintained by using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.

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