The Shemesh Joester Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Shemesh Joester Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $101,991 in 52 grants; the typical grant was $250 and the largest $49,408. 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$101,991
- Number of grants52
- Typical grant$250
- Largest grant$49,408
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees69%
Giving in 2025 was down from $105,601 the year before.
69% 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 | $39,442 | 23 | $827,458 |
| 2024 | $105,601 | 22 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $101,991 | 52 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
The Shemesh Joester 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 Shemesh Joester Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to New York. It also paid $585 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 30 | $89,449 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $5,385 |
| Georgia | 2 | $2,320 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $1,000 |
| California | 1 | $912 |
| Missouri | 1 | $700 |
| Virginia | 2 | $600 |
| Texas | 2 | $450 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $325 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Door | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $49,408 |
| Friends Without Borders | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $17,658 |
| Delivering Good | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $10,498 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| Adventures For The Mind Foundation Inc | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $2,450 |
| Arthritis Foundation | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $1,840 |
| World Central Kitchen | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $1,500 |
| The Filmmakers | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $1,287 |
| UNICEF USA | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $1,250 |
| Artists Fellowship | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Earthjustice | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $912 |
| Save the Children | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $800 |
| Oceana | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $750 |
| Waterorg | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $700 |
| The Light Fund | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $585 |
| International Rescue Committee | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $500 |
| Nature Conservancy | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $500 |
| Oxzfam USA | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $500 |
| The Carter Center | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $500 |
| Charity Water | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $480 |
| Amnesty USA | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $450 |
| Feed the Children | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $335 |
| Whitney Museum | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $325 |
| Human Rights Watch | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $300 |
| ACLU | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Americans United | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Childrens AID NYC | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Global Wildlife | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Long island Cares | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| NO Kid Hungry | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Partners In Health | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| South Hampton | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Union CNCRND Scientist | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Wildlife Conservation | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $250 |
| Wnyc | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $207 |
| Defenders of Wildlife | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $200 |
| EDFOrg | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $200 |
| Fountain House | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $200 |
| Mercy ShipsOrg | Carry out tax exempt purpose | $200 |
Officers and trustees
- Debra Joester
- stephen joester
- ely shemesh
Questions people ask
Does The Shemesh Joester Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Shemesh Joester Foundation give?
$101,991 in tax year 2025, across 52 grants, with a typical grant of $250.
Who runs The Shemesh Joester Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Debra Joester (president), stephen joester (treasurer) and ely shemesh (director).
What does The Shemesh Joester Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, youth programs and arts and culture.