The Beker Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Beker Foundation is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.4 million in 141 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$2.4 million
- Number of grants141
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$52.9 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.1 million 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.1 million | 131 | $50.9 million |
| 2024 | $2.4 million | 141 | $52.9 million |
How to apply
The Beker 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Beker Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 97 | $1.7 million |
| New York | 22 | $393,300 |
| California | 7 | $177,300 |
| New Jersey | 4 | $21,150 |
| Colorado | 1 | $20,000 |
| Georgia | 5 | $12,800 |
| Illinois | 2 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Jewish Philanthropies | General operating | $150,000 |
| Central Synagogue Boston | Capital grant; general operating | $135,000 |
| Prizmah | Stronger together project; general operating; conference sponsor | $113,500 |
| Keshet | General operating; boston institutional training | $98,000 |
| Brandeis University | Architectural plans for center for jewish life; hillel; mkap essentials fund; fine arts dept. | $89,500 |
| Solomon Schechter Day School | General operating; just imagine grants | $85,090 |
| Brigham & Womens Hospital | Center for visual arts in healthcare; dei in medical education | $85,000 |
| Moishe House | For base boston | $75,000 |
| Metrowest Jewish Day School | General operating; clear the path campaign; just imagine grants | $68,828 |
| Gann Academy | Annual fund, just imagine grants | $56,960 |
| Grubstreet | Writers fellowship | $50,000 |
| Jewish Studio Project | Boston expansion 1 of 2 | $50,000 |
| Lehrhaus Center for Jewish Life and Learning | Educational programming | $50,000 |
| Shalem Foundation | General operating | $50,000 |
| Jewish Family & Children's Services | Circles of connection | $42,850 |
| JCC Greater Boston | Phase 1 circles of connection; general operating | $40,750 |
| Sar Academy | Cooper fund; general operating | $40,000 |
| Gateways | For think:kids trainings and certification; in-school therapy | $39,830 |
| M2 Institute for Jewish Experiential Learning | Yamim and yated programs in boston | $36,000 |
| Yad Chessed Fund | General operating | $31,000 |
| Hebrew College | Gala sponsorship; miller center | $30,000 |
| Wondermore | Bps expansion | $30,000 |
| Maimonides School | Just imagine grants, annual fund | $25,987 |
| Dayenu | General operating | $25,000 |
| Esplanade Association | Gala sponsorship and general operating | $25,000 |
| Harvard University | Hks fund | $25,000 |
| Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston | General operating | $25,000 |
| New York University | Beker scholarship | $25,000 |
| Alternatives for Community and Environment | General operating | $20,000 |
| Bamidbar | For boston programming | $20,000 |
| Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education | Ma teachers professional development programs | $20,000 |
| Boston Explorers | General operating | $20,000 |
| Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | For thinking through art | $20,000 |
| Ncsy New England | For public school expansion | $20,000 |
| One Can Help | General operating | $20,000 |
| Transformational Prison Project | General operating | $20,000 |
| Israaid (US) | General operating | $18,000 |
| Circus Up | General operating | $15,000 |
| Jalsa | For jfs metrowest collaboration | $15,000 |
| Jewish Family Services of Metrowest | For jalsa collaboration | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Harvey Beker
- Jayne Beker
- Gregg Buckbinder
- Sheri Gurock
- Alison Judd
- Emily Beker
Questions people ask
Does The Beker Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Beker Foundation give?
$2.4 million in tax year 2024, across 141 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Beker Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Harvey Beker (President & Treasurer), Jayne Beker (VP & Secretary), Gregg Buckbinder (Asst Secretary & Asst Trea) and Sheri Gurock (Executive Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Beker Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and arts and culture.