Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Berkeley, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.0 million in 122 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $110,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.0 million
- Number of grants122
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$110,000
- Assets$16.9 million
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.9 million the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.8 million | 119 | $20.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.9 million | 123 | $16.3 million |
| 2025 | $2.0 million | 122 | $16.9 million |
How to apply
Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 120 | $2.0 million |
| New York | 1 | $15,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services for Children | Law school practicum and intern program | $110,000 |
| Regents of the University of California - Goldman School of Public Policy | Fellowship program | $75,000 |
| St Vincent's Day Home | General support | $75,000 |
| Bay Area Community Resources | Mental health services to berkeley public schools | $45,000 |
| Blue Skies for Children | Tuition support/mental health program | $45,000 |
| Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement | General preschool support | $40,000 |
| International Child Resource Institute | Hearts leap preschools | $40,000 |
| YMCA of the East Bay | Annual fund/apprenticeship prgm. | $35,000 |
| East Bay Agency for Children | Hawthorne family r. Center and tns | $27,500 |
| East Bay Children's Law Offices | General support | $27,500 |
| Soar for Youth | General support | $27,500 |
| Advokids | Foster children programs | $25,000 |
| Alameda Health System Foundation | Dulce program - highland hospital | $25,000 |
| Berkeley Public Schools Fund | 2025 sponsorship | $25,000 |
| Center for Early Intervention on Deafness | Sunshine inclusionary preschool | $25,000 |
| Mount Diablo Unified School District | General support | $25,000 |
| Regents of the University of California - Cal Performances | K-12 programming | $25,000 |
| Individual | Mental health scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Tandem | General support and y-eb programs | $25,000 |
| We Care Services for Children | General support | $25,000 |
| Legal Aid Association of California | Lsfn support/fellowship program | $22,500 |
| Alameda Boys & Girls Club | General support | $20,000 |
| Alameda Family Services | Early education programs | $20,000 |
| Berkeley Symphony | Music in the schools program | $20,000 |
| Casa of Alameda County | General support | $20,000 |
| Early Childhood Mental Health Program | General support | $20,000 |
| Family Justice Center of Contra Costa County | Navigation programs | $20,000 |
| Lincoln Families | Early childhood mental health consultation program | $20,000 |
| Mindful Life Project | General support | $20,000 |
| Nia House Preschool | General support | $20,000 |
| Safe Passages | School site support | $20,000 |
| Side by Side | Real alternative program | $20,000 |
| St Mary's Center | St. Mary's preschool program | $20,000 |
| Step One School | Scholarship/financial aid support | $20,000 |
| Youth Alive | General support | $20,000 |
| Youth Enrichment Strategies - Yes Nature to Neighborhoods | General support | $19,000 |
| Alameda County Community Food Bank | Children's food programs | $17,500 |
| St Vincent de Paul Contra Costa County | General support | $17,500 |
| A Better Way | Foster children programs | $15,000 |
| Building Futures With Women and Children | Children's programs | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kenneth Kuchman
- Brenda Harbin-Forte
- Mary Friedman
- Lisa Karplus
- Troy L Nunley
- Cheri Mezzapelle
- David Bonelli
- Stella Ngai
Questions people ask
Does Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation give?
$2.0 million in tax year 2025, across 122 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kenneth Kuchman (Chair and President), Brenda Harbin-Forte (Vice President), Mary Friedman (Secretary) and Lisa Karplus (Treasurer) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Bernard E & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.