Stern Leichter Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Stern Leichter Foundation is a private foundation in Encinitas, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $511,500 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $80,000. 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$511,500
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$80,000
- Assets$7.7 million
- New grantees58%
Giving in 2025 was up from $203,000 the year before.
58% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $413,800 | 28 | $6.1 million |
| 2024 | $203,000 | 13 | $6.6 million |
| 2025 | $511,500 | 19 | $7.7 million |
How to apply
Stern Leichter 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 Stern Leichter Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 17 | $491,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Roots Farm | Sustainable agriculture, food justice, ancient jewish wisdom | $80,000 |
| Hillel of San Diego | Mentors and educators to provide students with valuable toolds and opportunities to be jewiish leaders | $60,000 |
| Interfaith Community Services | Empowers people in need to stabilize and improve their lives through programs with faith communities | $50,000 |
| La Jolla Playhouse | Provide opportunities for a community of artists of all backgrounds and abilities | $45,000 |
| KPBS | Support media programs and educational programming for san diego residents | $35,000 |
| Community Resource Center | Help bridge the gap between researchers and communities | $30,000 |
| North Coast Rep Theater | Create a platform where artisits and audiences thrive through the intimacy of live theatre | $30,000 |
| Diabetes Research Center | Diabetes research | $25,000 |
| Mazon | National organization fighting to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the us and israel | $25,000 |
| San Diego Jewish Community Center | Jcc programs | $25,000 |
| Seacrest Foundation | Supports senior housing and healthcare | $25,000 |
| Oncology for Kids | Camp for kids with cancer | $20,000 |
| Kitchens for Good | Provide technical and life skills for individuals to find meaningful careers in hospitality industry | $15,000 |
| American Friends of Peace of Mind | Support israel psychotrauma and idf veterans | $10,000 |
| Doors of Change | Help homeless youth of san diego county get access to living supplies and safe housing | $10,000 |
| Rails to Trails | Advocate for funding of trials and active transportation inspiring people to make trails part of their lives | $10,000 |
| Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA | To put christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all | $7,500 |
| Pro Kids First Tee | Challenge underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values | $7,500 |
| Litvak Dance Studio | Crafting an artistic experience that engages and challenges diverse audiences | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael D Berlin
Questions people ask
Does Stern Leichter Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Stern Leichter Foundation give?
$511,500 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Stern Leichter Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael D Berlin (President/Director).
What does Stern Leichter Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, food and hunger and youth programs.