The Essel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Essel Foundation is a private foundation in Purchase, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $14.8 million in 8 grants; the typical grant was $183,037 and the largest $10.8 million. 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$14.8 million
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$183,037
- Largest grant$10.8 million
- Assets$307 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2024 was up from $5.7 million the year before.
63% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $13.2 million | 7 | $121 million |
| 2023 | $5.7 million | 5 | $121 million |
| 2024 | $14.8 million | 8 | $307 million |
How to apply
The Essel 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 The Essel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Maryland.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 2 | $11.0 million |
| New York | 3 | $3.4 million |
| Florida | 1 | $180,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $157,000 |
| California | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Lieber Institute for Brain Dev-See Attached | Unrestricted grant | $10.8 million |
| Brain & Behavior Research Foundation-See Attached | Unrestricted grant | $2.9 million |
| Columbia University | Unrestricted grant | $400,000 |
| The Lieber Institute for Brain Development | Unrestricted grant | $186,074 |
| Poynter Institute | Unrestricted grant | $180,000 |
| The Carter Center Inc | Unrestricted grant | $157,000 |
| Brain & Behavior Research Foundation | Unrestricted grant | $65,388 |
| San Francisco Study Center | Unrestricted grant | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Janice Lieber
- Mary E Rubin
- Geoffrey Simon
Questions people ask
Does The Essel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Essel Foundation give?
$14.8 million in tax year 2024, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $183,037.
Who runs The Essel Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Janice Lieber (secretary), Mary E Rubin (Treasurer) and Geoffrey Simon (president).
What does The Essel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research.