Samis Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Samis Foundation is a private foundation in Seattle, Washington. In tax year 2024 it gave $8.8 million in 73 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $1.6 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$8.8 million
- Number of grants73
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$1.6 million
- Assets$199 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2024 was up from $8.7 million the year before.
43% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8.7 million | 70 | $200 million |
| 2024 | $8.8 million | 73 | $199 million |
How to apply
Samis 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 Samis Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 42 | $6.7 million |
| New York | 18 | $1.2 million |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $118,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $95,000 |
| New Jersey | 3 | $85,180 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $50,000 |
| California | 2 | $46,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $20,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $180 |
| Georgia | 1 | $180 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Yeshiva High School | Educational & humanitarian | $1.6 million |
| Seattle Hebrew Academy | Educational & humanitarian | $1.5 million |
| Jewish Day School | Educational & humanitarian | $1.0 million |
| Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder | Educational & humanitarian | $861,189 |
| Seattle Jewish Community School | Educational & humanitarian | $734,862 |
| Pef Israel Endowment Funds | Educational & humanitarian | $416,980 |
| Nli USA Inc | Educational & humanitarian | $250,000 |
| Central Fund of Israel | Educational & humanitarian | $200,000 |
| Torah Day School | Educational & humanitarian | $182,913 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle | Educational & humanitarian | $181,442 |
| Israel Nature & Heritage of America | Educational & humanitarian | $100,000 |
| Sephardic Adventure Camp | Educational & humanitarian | $88,366 |
| Camp Solomon Schechter | Educational & humanitarian | $81,180 |
| Urj Camp Kalsman | Educational & humanitarian | $81,000 |
| Harold Grinspoon Foundation | Educational & humanitarian | $65,000 |
| The Jewish Education Project | Educational & humanitarian | $60,000 |
| Jewish Federation of North America Inc | Educational & humanitarian | $60,000 |
| American Friends of Nefesh B'nefesh | Educational & humanitarian | $50,000 |
| Amit Children | Educational & humanitarian | $50,000 |
| Friends of Bshvil Hamachar | Educational & humanitarian | $50,000 |
| M2 Institue for Experiential Jewish Education | Educational & humanitarian | $49,209 |
| Jewish Family Service | Educational & humanitarian | $36,000 |
| American Friends of Sami Shamoon College of Engineering | Educational & humanitarian | $35,000 |
| Impact Israel | Educational & humanitarian | $30,000 |
| Congregation Beth Shalom | Educational & humanitarian | $27,620 |
| West Coast Ncsy | Educational & humanitarian | $26,000 |
| American Friends of Natal | Educational & humanitarian | $25,000 |
| Friends of the Jerusalem College of Technology | Educational & humanitarian | $25,000 |
| Holocaust Center for Humanity | Educational & humanitarian | $24,000 |
| American Yedidim Inc | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Congregation Beth Israel | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Foundation for Jewish Camp | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Temple Beth Hatfiloh | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Temple de Hirsch Sinai | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Eastside Torah Center | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Israel American Council | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| Prizmah Center for Jewish Day School | Educational & humanitarian | $20,000 |
| B'nai Brith Youth Organization | Educational & humanitarian | $18,000 |
| Jewish Funders Network | Educational & humanitarian | $15,000 |
| Mercaz Seattle | Educational & humanitarian | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Constance Kanter
- David Ellenhorn
- Rabbi Benjamin Hassan
- Eli Genauer
- Louis Treiger
- Greg Roer
- Victor Alhadeff
- Eli Almo
- Jack Almo
- Dave Azose
- Dana Behar
- Jerry Cohen
- Hart Cole
- Maria Erlitz
- Barry Ernstoff
Questions people ask
Does Samis Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Samis Foundation give?
$8.8 million in tax year 2024, across 73 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Samis Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Constance Kanter (Chief Executive Officer), David Ellenhorn (Chair (From 03/24)), Rabbi Benjamin Hassan (Rabbi) and Eli Genauer (Chair (Thru 02/24), Member at Large) among 15 officers and trustees.
What does Samis Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and youth programs.