Melvin Garb Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Melvin Garb Foundation is a private foundation in Encinitas, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 22 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $260,000. 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$1.6 million
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$260,000
- Assets$20.2 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.9 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 | $1.5 million | 17 | $18.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.9 million | 22 | $17.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 22 | $20.2 million |
How to apply
Melvin Garb 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 Melvin Garb Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 21 | $1.5 million |
| New York | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Roots | Sustainable agriculture, food justice, ancient jewish wisdom | $260,000 |
| Diabetes Research Connection | Diabetes research | $200,000 |
| Hillel of San Diego | Mentors and educators to provide students with valuable tools and opportunities to be jewish leaders | $150,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | Support jewish democratic values and fighting antisemitism | $112,000 |
| Jewish Family Services | Working to create a stronger, healthier community where everyone can thrive | $100,000 |
| Seacrest Foundation | Supports senior housing and healthcare | $100,000 |
| Vehicles for Change - San Diego | To provide automobiels to people experiencing extreme poverty and in need of reliable transportation | $100,000 |
| Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego | Provide zero-interest loans to support those facing financial challenges or investing in their life dreams | $75,000 |
| Leap to Success | Programs for women | $75,000 |
| American Joint Distribution Committee | Disaster relief response to emergent crises and ongoing development needs | $50,000 |
| Interfaith Community Services | Empowers people in need to stabilize and improve their lives through programs with faith communities | $50,000 |
| Kitchens for Good | Provide technical and life skills for individuals to find meaningful careers in hospitality industry | $50,000 |
| SD Memorial Society | Provide support during difficult times | $50,000 |
| Temple Israel of Hollywood | Support for synagogue | $50,000 |
| Empowered Endings Foundation | To humanize healthcare and ensure no one faces grief alone | $25,000 |
| Jewish Community Center of San Diego | Jcc programs | $25,000 |
| Pendleton Community Fund | Support for servicemen: specifically providing car seats for children | $25,000 |
| Burn Institute | Supporting individuals affected by burn trauma | $20,000 |
| Circle TLC Ranch | Support camps | $15,000 |
| Mama's Kitchen | Improve health and wellbeing of individuals vulnerable to malnutrition | $15,000 |
| East County Youth Symphony | Support young musicians with orchestral education and performance opportunities | $10,000 |
| Thinc Foundation | Advancing a more constructive vision for K-12 education dedicating transparency, honesty and integrity in the classroom | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael D Berlin
- David Winkler
- Estee Aaronson
- Robin Rubin
Questions people ask
Does Melvin Garb Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Melvin Garb Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Melvin Garb Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael D Berlin (Director), David Winkler (Director), Estee Aaronson (Director) and Robin Rubin (Director).
What does Melvin Garb Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, health and human services.