The Esther And William Benenson
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various causes, primarily in the fields of education and social affairs. Its mission reflects a commitment to social justice and community support, particularly through grants to educational institutions and advocacy groups. The foundation also engages in health-related charitable activities, indicating a broader concern for community well-being. It predominantly supports Jewish organizations, highlighting its focus on the Jewish community. The foundation's funding activities are primarily concentrated in New York, with additional support extending to organizations in other states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A New York–based or New York-focused education, Jewish-community, or social-affairs nonprofit with an established track record and an existing relationship or referral into the foundation’s network.
Good Fit
- • Primary programs or beneficiaries located in New York.
- • Work in education, social affairs/advocacy, or Jewish community support.
- • Request size aligned with observed grants (mostly small awards, with occasional larger one-time gifts).
- • An existing connection, referral, or history of collaboration with recurring grantees or foundation officers.
- • Clear, demonstrable program outcomes suitable for one-time or project-specific support.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in New York—about 89% of dollars—despite grants touching a handful of other states, so the observed footprint is effectively local to New York.
Recipient Variety
Sixteen distinct recipients were funded in the latest year, which shows a reasonably broad recipient set for a small private foundation, but the portfolio is relationship-driven: 14 recipients repeated from the prior observed year and a large share of dollars went to a few top recipients.
New Applicants
The foundation declares it funds only preselected applicants, observed recipient turnover is very low (only two new recipients in the latest year), and there is no public website or clear submission route, so unfamiliar applicants appear unlikely to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
