# The Educational Foundation of America

The Educational Foundation of America is an Endowment / Foundation based in New York, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** New York, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** PO Box 5016, New York, NY 10524, United States
- **Founded:** 1959
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** theefa.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/theeducationalfoundationofamerica

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The Educational Foundation of America was established in 1959 by Richard Prentice Ettinger and Elsie P. Ettinger. The couple built their fortune through Prentice-Hall Publishing. Third-generation family members now oversee the foundation's board and operations. The foundation allocates across public equities, venture capital, and private investments with an impact lens. Holdings include commitments to DBL Partners III, Generation IM Global Equity Fund and Illumen Capital II. Confirmed positions also include exited holdings in Tesla, Nest, and SolarCity through early DBL funds. Capital deploys primarily in the United States with additional exposure to global sustainable strategies. The foundation employs 11 professionals and maintains an administrative office in Bethesda, Maryland. It participates in networks including Philanthropy New York, Mission Investors Exchange, Confluence Philanthropy, and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. In February 2026 the foundation sponsored the virtual event Creative Power, Civic Purpose focused on arts and democracy. The foundation operates as a private family vehicle with direct family governance across three generations. This structure allows coordinated grantmaking and shareholder advocacy through vehicles such as Rhia Ventures without external LP constraints.

## Sectors

- Impact Investing
- Philanthropy
- Climate

## Offices

- Bethesda, MD, United States

## People

- Heidi Ettinger — President and Director
- Wendy Ettinger — Vice President and Director
- Bobbi Hapgood — Treasurer and Director
- Christian Ettinger — Director

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at The Educational Foundation of America?

Heidi Ettinger serves as president and director. Wendy Ettinger, Bobbi Hapgood, and Christian Ettinger also sit on the board. External advisors include Godeke Consulting for impact investments and SRI Wealth Management for portfolio management.

### How does The Educational Foundation of America source proprietary deal flow?

The foundation participates in impact-focused networks such as Mission Investors Exchange and Confluence Philanthropy. It maintains relationships with funds including DBL Partners and Illumen Capital.

### Does The Educational Foundation of America participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The foundation acts primarily as a limited partner in funds such as DBL Partners III, DBL Partners IV, Generation IM Global Equity Fund, and Illumen Capital II.

### What investment stages does The Educational Foundation of America typically target?

Commitments span early-stage venture through growth equity via fund vehicles. Public equity holdings provide additional liquidity and shareholder engagement opportunities.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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