B H Breslauer Foundation Inc

The B H Breslauer Foundation Inc is a private, independent, charitable foundation operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is based in New York, NY, and has been tax-exempt since October 1999. The Foundation's primary objective is to provide grants to libraries and not-for-profit institutions in the United States that collect rare books and manuscripts. It also supports U.S. affiliates of foreign charitable organizations.

Purpose and Activities

The Foundation focuses on funding major acquisitions of manuscripts, printed books, and bookbindings for institutional libraries. It encourages applications for grants, which should be accompanied by detailed documentation of the intended acquisition, including provenance and pricing. Due to the fast-paced nature of the rare book market, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of making timely decisions regarding grant applications.

History

The Foundation was established by Dr. Bernard H. Breslauer, a renowned antiquarian bookseller and bibliographer. Born in 1918, Bernard Breslauer was the son of Martin Breslauer, who founded a prominent European bibliographic firm in Berlin in 1898. Bernard Breslauer not only revived his family's business but also became a leading expert in rare books and historical bookbindings. He moved to New York in 1977 and significantly contributed to bibliographical scholarship, including the purchase of the Gutenberg Bible for the Württembergische Landesbibliothek in Stuttgart.

Financial Overview

In recent years, the Foundation's financial activities have focused on charitable disbursements. For instance, in fiscal years around 2022, it reported expenses of approximately $497,000, primarily allocated towards charitable grants. The Foundation's assets have varied over time, reflecting its commitment to supporting rare book collections and institutions.

Notable Grants and Contributions

The Foundation has provided substantial support to various libraries and institutions. Its grants are aimed at enhancing rare book collections and promoting bibliographical scholarship in the United States. Additionally, Dr. Bernard Breslauer personally established endowments at institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Houghton Library at Harvard, reflecting his dedication to the preservation and development of rare book collections.

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is led by a board of directors selected by Dr. Breslauer. Key figures involved with the Foundation include Felix Oyens as President and Ivan S. Rosenblum and William Voelkle in other leadership roles.

Legacy

The B H Breslauer Foundation Inc continues Dr. Bernard H. Breslauer's legacy by fostering the growth of rare book collections in libraries and institutions across the United States. Its contributions have significantly impacted the field of bibliography and have helped preserve valuable historical literary and manuscript materials for future generations.