LJ Bender Foundation
Preselected recipients only
LJ Bender Foundation is a private foundation in Pennington, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $333,000 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 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$333,000
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$7.2 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was up from $284,294 the year before.
22% 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 | $285,000 | 7 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $284,294 | 11 | $6.8 million |
| 2025 | $333,000 | 9 | $7.2 million |
How to apply
LJ Bender 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 LJ Bender Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 5 | $158,000 |
| Wyoming | 3 | $150,000 |
| New York | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hole Jewish Community | Unrestricted general | $100,000 |
| Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services | Unrestricted general | $50,000 |
| Congregation Beth Yeshurun | Unrestricted general | $40,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Unrestricted general | $25,000 |
| Sky High for Kids | Unrestricted general | $25,000 |
| Chabad of West Houston Inc | Unrestricted general | $25,000 |
| Community Center for the Arts | Unrestricted general | $25,000 |
| Grand Teton National Park Foundation | Unrestricted general | $25,000 |
| Beth Yeshurun Cemetery Association | Unrestricted general | $18,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joel A Bender
- Lisa A Bender
- Melissa A Bender
Questions people ask
Does LJ Bender Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does LJ Bender Foundation give?
$333,000 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs LJ Bender Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joel A Bender (President/ Chair), Lisa A Bender (V. President/Director) and Melissa A Bender (V. President/Director).
What does LJ Bender Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities.