Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation is a private foundation in Corona del Mar, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.3 million in 22 grants; the typical grant was $37,800 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$2.3 million
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$37,800
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.7 million the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.5 million | 13 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $2.7 million | 20 | $1.1 million |
| 2025 | $2.3 million | 22 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
Eric and Sheila Samson 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 Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 14 | $1.9 million |
| Illinois | 1 | $250,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $57,800 |
| Missouri | 1 | $50,000 |
| New York | 3 | $46,041 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $39,600 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tarbut Vtorah Community Day School | Donation | $1.0 million |
| USC for University Gift Advancement | Donation | $308,000 |
| Together With Israel | Donation | $250,000 |
| Chabad of North Irvine | Donation | $136,764 |
| Congregation of Adat Yeshrun | Donation | $90,851 |
| Chabad Student Center | Donation | $72,000 |
| Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine | Donation | $72,000 |
| Wow Inc | Donation | $57,800 |
| H F Epstein Hebrew Academy | Donation | $50,000 |
| Chabad of Irvine | Donation | $41,000 |
| Tulane Chabad | Donation | $39,600 |
| Cong Agudas Achim Jewish Burial | Donation | $36,000 |
| Plaza Synagogue DBA Young Jewish Professionals | Donation | $36,000 |
| Irvine Hebrew Day School | Donation | $36,000 |
| Standing Together US | Donation | $27,539 |
| Rockland Religious Services and Education | Donation | $14,902 |
| Orange Country Friendship Circle | Donation | $10,000 |
| Chabad Jewish Center of Laguna | Donation | $5,400 |
| Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County | Donation | $5,000 |
| Project Inspire | Donation | $5,000 |
| Valley Friendship Circle | Donation | $3,600 |
| Friends of the Mishpacha Orphanage Odessa | Donation | $3,600 |
Officers and trustees
- Sheila Samson
- Franki Cohen
- Steven Cohen
Questions people ask
Does Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $37,800.
Who runs Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Sheila Samson (President/Director), Franki Cohen (Secretary/Director) and Steven Cohen (Treasurer/Director).
What does Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and faith communities.