The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Miami, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $818,175 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $255,000. 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$818,175
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$255,000
- Assets$21.0 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $675,775 the year before.
44% 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 | $645,535 | 18 | $15.5 million |
| 2024 | $675,775 | 19 | $17.8 million |
| 2025 | $818,175 | 18 | $21.0 million |
How to apply
The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc 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 Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 12 | $576,675 |
| New York | 2 | $225,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $10,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $5,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Miami Jewish Federation | Community benefit | $255,000 |
| The New York Botanical Garden | Community benefit | $200,000 |
| Miami Country Day School | Community benefit | $100,000 |
| United Way of Miami-Dade | Community benefit | $72,500 |
| Catholic Charities Legal Services | Community benefit | $50,000 |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Community benefit | $28,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Community benefit | $25,000 |
| Goodwill Industries of South Florida | Community benefit | $25,000 |
| Fairchild Tropical Garden | Community benefit | $20,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | Community benefit | $10,000 |
| Montgomery Botanical Center | Community benefit | $10,000 |
| History Miami Museum | Community benefit | $10,000 |
| National Tropical Botanical Garden | Community benefit | $5,000 |
| Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | Community benefit | $5,000 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | Community benefit | $1,000 |
| The Richard Lapidus Endowed Scholarship | Community benefit | $1,000 |
| The Frederick Gunn School | Community benefit | $500 |
| Junior League of Miami Inc | Community benefit | $175 |
Officers and trustees
- Leonard L Abess
- Jayne Harris Abess
- Ashley Abess
- Matthew U Abess
- Brett U Abess
Questions people ask
Does The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc give?
$818,175 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Leonard L Abess (President/Director), Jayne Harris Abess (Vice Chair/Director), Ashley Abess (Secretary/Director) and Matthew U Abess (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Jayne and Leonard Abess Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, environment and conservation and human services.