Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation is a private foundation in Niles, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $47,390 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $7,010. 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$47,390
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$7,010
- Assets$940,266
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was down from $62,020 the year before.
60% 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 | $101,670 | 13 | $892,376 |
| 2024 | $62,020 | 11 | $896,601 |
| 2025 | $47,390 | 20 | $940,266 |
How to apply
Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family 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 Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 10 | $24,160 |
| Illinois | 4 | $15,010 |
| New Jersey | 5 | $6,220 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Misc Organized Charities | Educational /social | $7,010 |
| American Friends of Darchei Noam | Educational | $6,300 |
| Chicago Chesed Fund | Welfare | $4,000 |
| Yeshiva Chasam Sofer | Educational | $3,600 |
| Congregation Emunas Yisroel | House of worship | $3,400 |
| Cong Zichron Avos | House of worshiphouse of worship | $2,860 |
| Congregation Khal Chasidim | House of worship | $2,500 |
| American Friends of Leket Israel | Food service non for profit | $2,000 |
| American Friends of Shalva | Welfare | $2,000 |
| Mifal Chesed | Educational | $2,000 |
| Womens League for Comm SRVCS | House of worship | $2,000 |
| Congregation Kehillath Jacob | House of worship | $1,500 |
| Congregation Agudath Israel | Educational non for profit | $1,220 |
| Chasdei Sara Toyba Inc | Religous non for profit | $1,000 |
| Chaverim Israel Family Services | Medical aid non for profit | $1,000 |
| Friends of Yad Sarah | Non for profit | $1,000 |
| Girls Town Jerusalem | Non for profit organziation | $1,000 |
| Mosdot Botoshan Inc | Non for profit | $1,000 |
| Pef Israel Endowment Funds | Non profit organization | $1,000 |
| Yeshiva Bais Yisorel | Educatonal non for profit | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Allan Isenberg
- Yisroel Rich
- Shoshana Rich
Questions people ask
Does Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation give?
$47,390 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Allan Isenberg (Director), Yisroel Rich (Director) and Shoshana Rich (Director).
What does Sam & Sara Mermelstein Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and faith communities.