The Emily Benatar Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Emily Benatar Foundation is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $365,349 in 31 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $253,290. 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$365,349
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$253,290
- Assets$13.2 million
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2025 was up from $335,681 the year before.
57% 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 | $400,769 | 44 | $11.1 million |
| 2024 | $335,681 | 51 | $13.0 million |
| 2025 | $365,349 | 31 | $13.2 million |
How to apply
The Emily Benatar 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Emily Benatar Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 21 | $350,564 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 3 | $1,200 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $1,035 |
| Nevada | 1 | $1,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $500 |
| Oregon | 1 | $50 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Minds Africa | General & unrestricted | $253,290 |
| Palo Alto Art Center Foundation | General & unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Sf-Marin Food Bank | General & unrestricted | $15,000 |
| New Venture Fund | General & unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Ada's Cafe | General & unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Insight Meditation Center of the Peninsula | General & unrestricted | $6,400 |
| California Academy of Sciences | General & unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Kqed | General & unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Individual | Payment of medical expenses - amputee | $3,418 |
| Camp Kesem National | General & unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Ecumenical Hunger Program | General & unrestricted | $2,100 |
| Help Myanmar | General & unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Philanthropic Ventures Foundation - Afghan Family Resettlement | General & unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Lily of the Valley | Assisted living for kevin decico | $1,500 |
| Philanthropic Ventures Foundation - Lesedi Schools & Clinic | General & unrestricted | $1,080 |
| Bay Area Friendship Circle | General & unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | General & unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Resident Impact Project | General & unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Tahoe Fund | General & unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Tipping Point Community | General & unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Israel Guide Dog Center | General & unrestricted | $535 |
| Child Advocates of Silicon Valley | General & unrestricted | $500 |
| Mendocino Land Trust | General & unrestricted | $500 |
| The MMRF | General & unrestricted | $500 |
| Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania | General & unrestricted | $500 |
| Wikimedia Foundation | General & unrestricted | $500 |
| Various Charities - Hotel Slo LLC Passthrough | General & unrestricted | $226 |
| Hospicare | General & unrestricted | $100 |
| Uniondocs Center for Documentary Art | General & unrestricted | $100 |
| Portland Friends of the Dhamma | General & unrestricted | $50 |
| Sati Center for Buddhist Studies | General & unrestricted | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- Darrell Benatar
- Isabel Benatar
- Lisa Benatar
Questions people ask
Does The Emily Benatar Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Emily Benatar Foundation give?
$365,349 in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Emily Benatar Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Darrell Benatar (Secretary, Treasurer), Isabel Benatar (Director) and Lisa Benatar (President).
What does The Emily Benatar Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, food and hunger and education.