Funding search · EIN 133157570 · Greenwich, CT

The Common Sense Fund

A private foundation (files IRS Form 990-PF). Most private foundations do not take unsolicited applications; the route in is usually a program officer.

120
grants reported
$9.6M
total given
2022–2024
filing years
$63,500
median grant

Based on grants this organization reported to the IRS for tax years 20222024. This is what they filed, not a complete record of their giving, and recent years may be incomplete because filings lag.

What they fund

buildthroughpubliccommunitypeoplecommunitieseducationmore

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Funding pattern

What this funder pays for, at what size, and how to position adjacent work. Read from their filings, with every number checked against the record.

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Top recipients

Repeat recipients are the strongest signal of whether a funder has an open door or quietly re-funds the same organizations.

  • Pef Israel Endowment Fund3 grants · $1.6M
  • Schwab Charitable Fund3 grants · $450,000
  • Acadia Center3 grants · $300,000
  • Natural Capitalism Solutions3 grants · $300,000
  • The Heschel Center for Sustainability3 grants · $300,000
  • Inside Climate News3 grants · $300,000
  • Sustainable Ct3 grants · $300,000
  • Save the Sound3 grants · $290,000
  • Making Books Sing3 grants · $265,000
  • Peoples Action for Clean Energy3 grants · $260,000

Giving over time

$2.8M
2022
$3.0M
2023
$3.8M
2024

Grant history

The 100 largest of 120 grants.

  • $1.0M

    Pef Israel Endowment Fund · New York, NY · 2024

    To enable the organization's direct distribution of funds to selected and approved charitable organizations in israel.

  • $325,000

    Pef Israel Endowment Fund · New York, NY · 2023

    To enable the organization's direct distribution of funds to selected and approved charitable organizations in israel.

  • $272,000

    Pef Israel Endowment Fund · New York, NY · 2022

    To enable the organization's direct distribution of funds to selected and approved charitable organizations in israel.

  • $150,000

    Schwab Charitable Fund · San Francisco, CA · 2024

    Contribution to a donor-advised fund account.

  • $150,000

    Schwab Charitable Fund · San Francisco, CA · 2023

    Contribution to a donor-advised fund account.

  • $150,000

    Schwab Charitable Fund · San Francisco, CA · 2022

    Contribution to a donor-advised fund account.

  • $125,000

    Making Books Sing · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to empower children to experience the performing arts and literature as captivating, accessible vehicles for their imaginations, artistic expression and learning.

  • $110,000

    Groundswell · Brooklyn, NY · 2023

    To support groundswell's mission to bring together youth, artists, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world. Groundswell's projects beautify neighborhoods, read all
  • $100,000

    Acadia Center · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's committment to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Characterized by reliable information, comprehensive advocacy and problem solving through innovation and collaboratio read all
  • $100,000

    Inside Climate News · Brooklyn, NY · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to produce clear, objective stories that give the public and decision-makers the information they need to navigate the heat and emotion of climate and energy debates.

  • $100,000

    Natural Capitalism Solutions · Longmont, CO · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to build an economy in service to life through education, innovative solutions and youth empowerment. Help companies, communities and countries implement more regenerative practices read all
  • $100,000

    Peoples Action for Clean Energy · West Simsbury, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to work throughout connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy and encourage others to join in on the conversation

  • $100,000

    Save the Sound · New Haven, CT · 2024

    To support the organizations mission to fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems.

  • $100,000

    Sustainable Ct · Willimantic, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to provide municipalities with a menu of coordinated, voluntary actions, to continually become more sustainable; to provide resources and tools to assist municipalities in implement read all
  • $100,000

    The Heschel Center for Sustainability · 2024

    To support the work of the heschel center sustainability in israel in their work to build and strengthen the rapidly growing sustainaility movement in israel.

  • $100,000

    Acadia Center · Hartford, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's committment to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Characterized by reliable information, comprehensive advocacy and problem solving through innovation and collaboratio read all
  • $100,000

    Inside Climate News · Brooklyn, NY · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to produce clear, objective stories that give the public and decision-makers the information they need to navigate the heat and emotion of climate and energy debates.

  • $100,000

    Natural Capitalism Solutions · Longmont, CO · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to build an economy in service to life through education, innovative solutions and youth empowerment. Help companies, communities and countries implement more regenerative practices read all
  • $100,000

    Save the Sound · New Haven, CT · 2023

    To support the organizations mission to fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems.

  • $100,000

    Sustainable Ct · Willimantic, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to provide municipalities with a menu of coordinated, voluntary actions, to continually become more sustainable; to provide resources and tools to assist municipalities in implement read all
  • $100,000

    The Heschel Center for Sustainability · 2023

    To support the work of the heschel center sustainability in israel in their work to build and strengthen the rapidly growing sustainaility movement in israel.

  • $100,000

    Acadia Center · Hartford, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's committment to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Characterized by reliable information, comprehensive advocacy and problem solving through innovation and collaboratio read all
  • $100,000

    Cambodian Living Arts · Marion, MA · 2022

    To support the mission of cambodian living arts to facilitate the transformation of cambodia through the arts. The organization works in collaboration with others to create an environment where cambodian arts empower an read all
  • $100,000

    Inside Climate News · Brooklyn, NY · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to produce clear, objective stories that give the public and decision-makers the information they need to navigate the heat and emotion of climate and energy debates.

  • $100,000

    Natural Capitalism Solutions · Longmont, CO · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to build an economy in service to life through education, innovative solutions and youth empowerment. Help companies, communities and countries implement more regenerative practices read all
  • $100,000

    Sustainable Ct · Willimantic, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to provide municipalities with a menu of coordinated, voluntary actions, to continually become more sustainable; to provide resources and tools to assist municipalities in implement read all
  • $100,000

    The Heschel Center for Sustainability · 2022

    To support the work of the heschel center sustainability in israel in their work to build and strengthen the rapidly growing sustainaility movement in israel.

  • $95,000

    Stuttering Association for the Young · New York, NY · 2024

    To support stutterin association for the young's mission to build a community of acceptance where young people who stutter gain confidence and communication skills through summer camp, speech therapy, and creative expre read all
  • $93,000

    American Friends of Yedidim · Encino, CA · 2023

    To support american friends of yedidim's mission to increase awareness & raise funds for yedidim is israel.

  • $92,000

    Glassroots · Newark, NJ · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to empower nj residents of all ages to think creatively and realize new visions of their futures through the art of glassmaking. Renowned for excellence in collaborative programming read all
  • $90,000

    Hartford Performs · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support hartford performs mission to bring visiting artists into hartford public schools to teach curriculum in creative new ways. The organization takes hartford kids out to area arts organizations to ensure they ex read all
  • $90,000

    Save the Sound · New Haven, CT · 2022

    To support the organizations mission to fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems.

  • $80,000

    Making Books Sing · New York, NY · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to empower children to experience the performing arts and literature as captivating, accessible vehicles for their imaginations, artistic expression and learning.

  • $80,000

    Community Partners in Action · Hartford, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to partner with the state, us government, private funders, organizations, and businesses, the organization works to make a positive impact on the lives of adults and youth throughou read all
  • $80,000

    New Israel Fund Washington Dc · Washington, DC · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to mobilize israelis to make positive, progressive change by strengthening israeli civil society and fighting the inequality, injustice, and extremism that diminish israel.

  • $80,000

    Peoples Action for Clean Energy · West Simsbury, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to work throughout connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy and encourage others to join in on the conversation

  • $80,000

    Peoples Action for Clean Energy · West Simsbury, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to work throughout connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy and encourage others to join in on the conversation

  • $75,000

    American Friends of Yedidim · Encino, CA · 2024

    To support american friends of yedidim's mission to increase awareness & raise funds for yedidim is israel.

  • $75,000

    Cambodian Living Arts · Marion, MA · 2024

    To support the mission of cambodian living arts to facilitate the transformation of cambodia through the arts. The organization works in collaboration with others to create an environment where cambodian arts empower an read all
  • $75,000

    Colab Theater Group · New York, NY · 2024

    To enable the organization to provide individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts.

  • $75,000

    Community Partners in Action · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to partner with the state, us government, private funders, organizations, and businesses, the organization works to make a positive impact on the lives of adults and youth throughou read all
  • $75,000

    Glassroots · Newark, NJ · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to empower nj residents of all ages to think creatively and realize new visions of their futures through the art of glassmaking. Renowned for excellence in collaborative programming read all
  • $75,000

    Groundswell · Brooklyn, NY · 2024

    To support groundswell's mission to bring together youth, artists, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world. Groundswell's projects beautify neighborhoods, read all
  • $75,000

    Interwine Arts · New York, NY · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to inspire creativity, joy, and self-confidence through free-form weaving for people of all ages with disabilities or chronic illness.

  • $75,000

    Justice Dance Performance · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's mission of using the wisdom of the body in dance, spoken word, visual art, and song to call attention to pressing issues and marginalized people.

  • $75,000

    Music Haven · New Haven, CT · 2024

    To support music havens mission which is to use a string quartet to build a vibrant urban community through performance and music education that empowers young people, their families, and professional musicians.

  • $75,000

    Orchestrating Dreams · New York, NY · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to provide high-quality innovative and adaptive education programs that strengthen communities and help individuals develop a lifelong love for learning. Develop a lifelong love for read all
  • $75,000

    The Connecticut News Project · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's mission is to produce original, in-depth, non-partisan journalism that informs connecticut residents about the impact of public policy, holds government accountable, and amplifies diverse v read all
  • $75,000

    Cambodian Living Arts · Marion, MA · 2023

    To support the mission of cambodian living arts to facilitate the transformation of cambodia through the arts. The organization works in collaboration with others to create an environment where cambodian arts empower an read all
  • $75,000

    Colab Theater Group · New York, NY · 2023

    To enable the organization to provide individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts.

  • $75,000

    Hartford Performs · Hartford, CT · 2023

    To support hartford performs mission to bring visiting artists into hartford public schools to teach curriculum in creative new ways. The organization takes hartford kids out to area arts organizations to ensure they ex read all
  • $75,000

    Justice Dance Performance · Hartford, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's mission of using the wisdom of the body in dance, spoken word, visual art, and song to call attention to pressing issues and marginalized people.

  • $75,000

    Music Haven · New Haven, CT · 2023

    To support music havens mission which is to use a string quartet to build a vibrant urban community through performance and music education that empowers young people, their families, and professional musicians.

  • $75,000

    Stutterin Association for the Young · New York, NY · 2023

    To support stutterin association for the young's mission to build a community of acceptance where young people who stutter gain confidence and communication skills through summer camp, speech therapy, and creative expre read all
  • $75,000

    Clay Art Center · Port Chester, NY · 2022

    To support the organization in advancing its mission of growing the education, exhibitions, artist residency and outreach programs, which are all focused "to kindle a passion for the ceramic arts and to provide a sharin read all
  • $72,000

    Colab Theater Group · New York, NY · 2022

    To enable the organization to provide individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts.

  • $70,000

    Jazz Power Initiative · New York, NY · 2024

    To promote youth development, and build more creative and inclusive communities through jazz music, theater and dance education and performance.

  • $68,500

    Music Haven · New Haven, CT · 2022

    To support music havens mission which is to use a string quartet to build a vibrant urban community through performance and music education that empowers young people, their families, and professional musicians.

  • $65,000

    Spring Street Climate Fund · Brooklyn, NY · 2024

    To support high-impact policy campaigns that can make new york a model state for climate progress. To identify opportunities to win scalable climate solutions and invest in the grassroots climate campaigns that can succ read all
  • $65,000

    Spring Street Climate Fund · Brooklyn, NY · 2023

    To support high-impact policy campaigns that can make new york a model state for climate progress. To identify opportunities to win scalable climate solutions and invest in the grassroots climate campaigns that can succ read all
  • $62,000

    Real Art Ways · Hartford, CT · 2024

    General operating

  • $60,000

    Clay Art Center · Port Chester, NY · 2024

    To support the organization in advancing its mission of growing the education, exhibitions, artist residency and outreach programs, which are all focused "to kindle a passion for the ceramic arts and to provide a sharin read all
  • $60,000

    Climate Science Legal Defense Fund · New York, NY · 2024

    To support the climate science legal defense fund's (csldf)mission to protect the scientific endeavor by providing support and resources to scientists who are threatened, harassed or attacked for doing their job.

  • $60,000

    Science Friday Initiative · New York, NY · 2024

    To support the organizations missing to covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, science friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and oth read all
  • $60,000

    The Gunk Foundation · Woodstock, NY · 2024

    Expenditure responsibility grant

  • $60,000

    Clay Art Center · Port Chester, NY · 2023

    To support the organization in advancing its mission of growing the education, exhibitions, artist residency and outreach programs, which are all focused "to kindle a passion for the ceramic arts and to provide a sharin read all
  • $60,000

    Climate Science Legal Defense Fund · New York, NY · 2023

    To support the climate science legal defense fund's (csldf)mission to protect the scientific endeavor by providing support and resources to scientists who are threatened, harassed or attacked for doing their job.

  • $60,000

    Making Books Sing · New York, NY · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to empower children to experience the performing arts and literature as captivating, accessible vehicles for their imaginations, artistic expression and learning.

  • $60,000

    Orchestrating Dreams · New York, NY · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to provide high-quality innovative and adaptive education programs that strengthen communities and help individuals develop a lifelong love for learning. Develop a lifelong love for read all
  • $60,000

    Science Friday Initiative · New York, NY · 2023

    To support the organizations missing to covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, science friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and oth read all
  • $60,000

    Union of Concerned Scientists · Cambridge, MA · 2023

    To support the mission of the union of concerned scientists to put rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country by combining technical anal read all
  • $60,000

    American Friends of Yedidim · Encino, CA · 2022

    To support american friends of yedidim's mission to increase awareness & raise funds for yedidim is israel.

  • $60,000

    Community Partners in Action · Hartford, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to partner with the state, us government, private funders, organizations, and businesses, the organization works to make a positive impact on the lives of adults and youth throughou read all
  • $60,000

    Girl Be Heard · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organization's use of theater as a vehicle to empower young women to become brave, confident, socially conscious leaders and explore their own challenging circumstances.

  • $60,000

    Glassroots · Newark, NJ · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to empower nj residents of all ages to think creatively and realize new visions of their futures through the art of glassmaking. Renowned for excellence in collaborative programming read all
  • $60,000

    Groundswell · Brooklyn, NY · 2022

    To support groundswell's mission to bring together youth, artists, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world. Groundswell's projects beautify neighborhoods, read all
  • $60,000

    Hartford Performs · Hartford, CT · 2022

    To support hartford performs mission to bring visiting artists into hartford public schools to teach curriculum in creative new ways. The organization takes hartford kids out to area arts organizations to ensure they ex read all
  • $60,000

    Judy Dworin Performance Project · Hartford, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's mission that the arts can be a powerful agent for social change. Programs include having teaching artists engage in continuing multi-arts collaborative performance projects with the women i read all
  • $60,000

    Stutterin Association for the Young · New York, NY · 2022

    To support stutterin association for the young's mission to build a community of acceptance where young people who stutter gain confidence and communication skills through summer camp, speech therapy, and creative expre read all
  • $55,000

    Spring Street Climate Fund · Brooklyn, NY · 2022

    To support high-impact policy campaigns that can make new york a model state for climate progress. To identify opportunities to win scalable climate solutions and invest in the grassroots climate campaigns that can succ read all
  • $50,000

    Arts Ignite · New York, NY · 2024

    To support young people in discovering the joy and power of making artto share their voices, tell their stories, and transform their lives.

  • $50,000

    Connecticut Public Broadcasting · Hartford, CT · 2024

    To support the organization's efforts to serve diverse communities with a mix of educational, new, public affairs, children's, and entertainment programming and services.

  • $50,000

    Conservation Law Foundation · Boston, MA · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to use law, economics and science to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of new england.

  • $50,000

    New Israel Fund Washington Dc · Washington, DC · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to mobilize israelis to make positive, progressive change by strengthening israeli civil society and fighting the inequality, injustice, and extremism that diminish israel.

  • $50,000

    Our Climate Education Fund · Seattle, WA · 2024

    To support the organization's mission to mobilize and empower young people to educate the public and elected officials about science-based, equitable climate policy solutions that build a livable world.

  • $50,000

    Songwriting With · Nashville, TN · 2024

    To transform lives by using collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths.

  • $50,000

    Arts Ignite · New York, NY · 2023

    To support young people in discovering the joy and power of making artto share their voices, tell their stories, and transform their lives.

  • $50,000

    Connecticut Public Broadcasting · Hartford, CT · 2023

    To support the organization's efforts to serve diverse communities with a mix of educational, new, public affairs, children's, and entertainment programming and services.

  • $50,000

    Interwine Arts · New York, NY · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to inspire creativity, joy, and self-confidence through free-form weaving for people of all ages with disabilities or chronic illness.

  • $50,000

    Our Climate Education Fund · Seattle, WA · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to mobilize and empower young people to educate the public and elected officials about science-based, equitable climate policy solutions that build a livable world.

  • $50,000

    Songwriting With · Nashville, TN · 2023

    To transform lives by using collaborative songwriting to build creativity, connections, and strengths.

  • $50,000

    Arts Ignite · New York, NY · 2022

    To support young people in discovering the joy and power of making artto share their voices, tell their stories, and transform their lives.

  • $50,000

    Climate Science Legal Defense Fund · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the climate science legal defense fund's (csldf)mission to protect the scientific endeavor by providing support and resources to scientists who are threatened, harassed or attacked for doing their job.

  • $50,000

    Connecticut Public Broadcasting · Hartford, CT · 2022

    To support the organization's efforts to serve diverse communities with a mix of educational, new, public affairs, children's, and entertainment programming and services.

  • $50,000

    Living Arts International · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organization in incubating cultural initiatives that contribute to a peaceful, sustainable future, using the living arts as a catalyst for change.

  • $50,000

    Orchestrating Dreams · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to provide high-quality innovative and adaptive education programs that strengthen communities and help individuals develop a lifelong love for learning. Develop a lifelong love for read all
  • $50,000

    Our Climate Education Fund · Seattle, WA · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to mobilize and empower young people to educate the public and elected officials about science-based, equitable climate policy solutions that build a livable world.

  • $50,000

    Riders Alliance · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organizataion's mission to fight for reliable, affordable, world-class public transit in order to build a more just and sustainable new york.

  • $50,000

    Saori Arts Nyc · New York, NY · 2022

    To support the organization's mission to inspire creativity, joy, and self-confidence through free-form weaving for people of all ages with disabilities or chronic illness.

  • $45,000

    Conservation Law Foundation · Boston, MA · 2023

    To support the organization's mission to use law, economics and science to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of new england.

View all 120 grants →

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Source: IRS Form 990-PF, Part XV, as filed by the foundation. These are grants already paid — a record of what this funder backs, not an open call.