She set up the foundation in 1976 at the bequest of her husband according to provisions in his will with assets of some $6 million derived from the sale of his works.
It was Gottlieb's wish that his legacy of giving to fellow artists was continued after his death.
The foundation offers grants to painters, sculptors and printmakers through two programmes: an annual Individual Support Grant and a separate programme to assist visual artists in cases of catastrophic events.
The Individual Support Grant has a fixed annual deadline: "The Foundation wishes to encourage artists who have dedicated their lives to developing their art, regardless of their level of commercial success.
The foundation also maintains an archive on the art and life of Adolph Gottlieb and organizes exhibitions of his work.