Mesnikoff Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Mesnikoff Foundation is a private foundation in Washington, District of Columbia. In tax year 2025 it gave $125,000 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $15,000. 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$125,000
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2025 was up from $100,000 the year before.
33% 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 | $111,500 | 18 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $100,000 | 14 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $125,000 | 18 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
Mesnikoff 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 Mesnikoff Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 8 | $54,500 |
| California | 5 | $38,500 |
| Maryland | 2 | $14,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 2 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County Community Foodbank | Educational | $15,000 |
| Capitol Area Food Bank | Educational | $15,000 |
| Mazon | Educational | $15,000 |
| Open Medicine Foundation - Harvard Research | Educational | $13,000 |
| Hebrew Immigration Aid Society | Educational | $12,000 |
| Oxfam America (Yemen and Refugee Crisis) | Educational | $10,000 |
| East Bay SPCA | Educational | $6,000 |
| Good Neighbors Capital Hill | Educational | $6,000 |
| Humane Rescue Alliance | Educational | $6,000 |
| Advocates for Community Alternatives | Educational | $4,000 |
| Kids of Katmandu | Educational | $4,000 |
| Capitol Hill Community Foundation | Educational | $3,500 |
| Democracy Forward | Educational | $3,000 |
| Disability Rights International | Educational | $3,000 |
| Kids Connection Haiti | Educational | $3,000 |
| Lake Merritt Institute | Educational | $3,000 |
| Rural Dog Rescue | Educational | $2,000 |
| Friends of Oakland Animal Services | Educational | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Joel Mesnikoff
- Rachel Mesnikoff Guggenheim
- Steven Guggenheim
- Ann Mesnikoff Crystal
- Howard Crystal
Questions people ask
Does Mesnikoff Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Mesnikoff Foundation give?
$125,000 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Mesnikoff Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joel Mesnikoff (Director), Rachel Mesnikoff Guggenheim (Director), Steven Guggenheim (Director) and Ann Mesnikoff Crystal (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Mesnikoff Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, human services and animals.