February 10, 2014 | Read Time: 1 minute
Amount donated in 2013: $65-million
Beneficiary: Juilliard School
Background: Mr. Kovner is chairman of Caxton Alternative Management, a hedge fund.
The Kovners made two commitments totaling $65-million to the school. In October, the couple pledged $60-million over five years. The bulk of that money will cover the full cost of 52 classical-music students at Juilliard—tuition, housing, and an expense allowance for after-class activities. A portion of the gift also provides scholarships to students who are studying other subjects at the school for the performing arts. In March the couple provided $5-million to match other donors’ gifts to the school’s drama department for its new master’s-degree program.
Mr. Kovner, 68, has been chairman of Juilliard’s Board of Trustees since 2001 and a board member since 1995. Mrs. Kovner, 45, is a member of its Drama Council.
The Philanthropy 50: Browse the full list of America’s most generous donors in 2013.
Learn more: See these donors’ listing in our database of major gifts, America’s Top Donors.
