Jack Chester Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Jack Chester Foundation is a private foundation in Orlando, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $475,000 in 84 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$475,000
- Number of grants84
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$9.9 million
- New grantees18%
Giving in 2025 was up from $442,000 the year before.
18% 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 | $505,000 | 84 | $8.8 million |
| 2024 | $442,000 | 84 | $9.4 million |
| 2025 | $475,000 | 84 | $9.9 million |
How to apply
Jack Chester 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 Jack Chester Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 32 | $250,000 |
| New York | 29 | $160,000 |
| New Jersey | 5 | $17,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $14,000 |
| Georgia | 4 | $12,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $11,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $4,000 |
| Maryland | 2 | $3,000 |
| California | 2 | $2,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Miami Jewish Federation | General operating | $100,000 |
| Pef Israel Endowment Funds | General operating | $45,000 |
| Holocaust Memorial Committee | General operating | $30,000 |
| Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami | General operating | $25,000 |
| Michael Ann Russell Jewish Comm Ctr | General operating | $18,000 |
| Hillel Foundation at Univ Florida | General operating | $17,000 |
| Friends of Israel Defense Forces | General operating | $12,000 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom | General operating | $10,000 |
| Temple Menorah | General operating | $10,000 |
| American Friends of Alyn Hospital | General operating | $7,000 |
| American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro | General operating | $6,000 |
| American Friends of Natal | General operating | $6,000 |
| Impactisrael | General operating | $6,000 |
| The Institute for the Advancement of Education in Jaffa Inc | General support | $6,000 |
| Algemeiner Inc | General operating | $5,000 |
| American Friends of Leket Israel | General operating | $5,000 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation | General operating | $5,000 |
| Eli the Israel Association for Child | General operating | $5,000 |
| Foundation for Jewish Camp | General operating | $5,000 |
| Jewish Leadership Institute | General operating | $5,000 |
| Kesher LD Inc | General operating | $5,000 |
| Ramah Darom | General operating | $5,000 |
| American Friends of Tel Aviv University | General operating | $4,000 |
| Colel Chabad | General operating | $4,000 |
| Hadassah | General operating | $4,000 |
| Israel Guide Dog Center | General operating | $4,000 |
| Jewish Community Services of South Fla | General operating | $4,000 |
| Jewish National Fund | General operating | $4,000 |
| La Liga Contra El Cancer | General operating | $4,000 |
| Miami's Leo Martin March of the Living | General operating | $4,000 |
| Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies | General operating | $4,000 |
| Aish South Florida | General operating | $3,000 |
| Brandeis University | General operating | $3,000 |
| Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center | General operating | $3,000 |
| David Posnack Jewish Day School | General operating | $3,000 |
| Greater Miami Hillel Foundation | General operating | $3,000 |
| Hatzolah of Israel Inc | General operating | $3,000 |
| Hillel at Eckerd College | General operating | $3,000 |
| Hillel of the Florida Suncoast | General operating | $3,000 |
| Hillel at Florida Interantional Univ | General operating | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Pedro Szwarc
- Jorge Lerman
- Norman H Lipoff
Questions people ask
Does Jack Chester Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Jack Chester Foundation give?
$475,000 in tax year 2025, across 84 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Jack Chester Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Pedro Szwarc (Trustee), Jorge Lerman (Trustee) and Norman H Lipoff (Trustee).
What does Jack Chester Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and health.