The Monica Lester Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
The Monica Lester Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $600,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $150,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$600,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$12.6 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2024 was up from $400,000 the year before.
31% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $580,000 | 8 | $12.9 million |
| 2023 | $400,000 | 11 | $12.9 million |
| 2024 | $600,000 | 16 | $12.6 million |
How to apply
The Monica Lester Charitable Trust 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 The Monica Lester Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 8 | $515,000 |
| New York | 6 | $65,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | Supporting medical research | $150,000 |
| Loyola Marymount University | Supporting higher education | $125,000 |
| City of Hope | Funding cancer research | $100,000 |
| Children's Hospital | Supporting medical research | $60,000 |
| Prostate Cancer Foundation | Funding cancer research | $50,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Providing community services | $20,000 |
| Chabad's Terror Victims Project | Providing community service | $10,000 |
| Friends of United Hatzalah | Providing community service | $10,000 |
| International Fellowship of Christians and Jews | Providing community service | $10,000 |
| Jewish Community Foundation | Supporting higher education | $10,000 |
| The Mahler Foundation | Supporting musical production | $10,000 |
| Colel Chabad | Providing community services | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles Regional Food Bank | Providing community services | $10,000 |
| Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps | Providing community services | $10,000 |
| Selfhelp Community Services Foundation | Providing community services | $10,000 |
| Federation of Jewish Communities of Cis (Ukraine) | Providing community service | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Frank Lee
- Joel Levine
- Paul Lester
Questions people ask
Does The Monica Lester Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Monica Lester Charitable Trust give?
$600,000 in tax year 2024, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Monica Lester Charitable Trust?
Its 2024 filing lists Frank Lee (Trustee), Joel Levine (Trustee) and Paul Lester (Trustee).
What does The Monica Lester Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, science and research and education.