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The David Geffen Foundation
The David Geffen Foundation was established in 1986 in Los Angeles by record executive and film producer David Geffen. Its grant-making centers on HIV/AIDS,...
The David Geffen Foundation
The David Geffen Foundation was established in 1986 in Los Angeles by record executive and film producer David Geffen. Its grant-making centers on HIV/AIDS, civil liberties, the arts, Jewish community concerns, and health care, with additional support for education and human services. The foundation holds limited partnership interests in Coatue Offshore Fund Ltd and TCV IX (A) L.P. It also maintains direct ownership of multiple residential properties across Beverly Hills, Malibu, East Hampton, and New York. Geographic exposure centers on the United States with additional holdings in global art and marine assets. Assets include the David Geffen Art Collection valued at an estimated $2.3 billion and several high-value estates. The foundation reported corporate stock investments of $71.3 million in its 2024 990-PF filing. J. Dallas Dishman serves as Executive Director. The foundation operates through a single dedicated vehicle with no disclosed succession structure or external advisory board. Its architecture ties directly to the personal holdings and relationships of David Geffen.
General information
Firm type
Private Foundation
Year founded
1986
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Los Angeles
Corporate office
12011 San Vicente Blvd Ste 606, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Principals
J. Dallas Dishman
Executive Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at The David Geffen Foundation?
J. Dallas Dishman serves as Executive Director and oversees operations. Investment holdings appear in annual 990-PF filings without named internal CIO or external mandate details.
Does The David Geffen Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The foundation holds limited partnership interests in Coatue Offshore Fund Ltd and TCV IX (A) L.P. It also owns direct real estate and art assets.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Wealth originates from David Geffen's founding of Asylum Records, Geffen Records, and co-founding of DreamWorks SKG.
What investment stages does The David Geffen Foundation typically target?
Holdings include venture capital and private equity funds without disclosed stage preferences or minimum check sizes.
Does The David Geffen Foundation maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
The foundation itself serves as the primary grant-making entity. Notable donations include $50 million to LACMA and $100 million to MoMA.
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