The Zahava & Moshael J Straus Family Fo
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various philanthropic causes, with a strong emphasis on Jewish education and community initiatives. Its mission reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, particularly through funding early childhood centers and universities, as well as supporting health-related initiatives and food security efforts. The foundation primarily serves Jewish educational institutions and community organizations, demonstrating a focus on both religious and secular educational programs. Additionally, it engages in philanthropy that addresses broader community needs, including emergency campaigns and food pantries.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established Jewish educational or community institutions (regional universities, day schools, early childhood centers, or established Jewish service organizations) with existing ties or referrals into the Straus family/community network.
Good Fit
- • Organizational mission aligns with Jewish education, religious education, or local community philanthropy.
- • Institutional scale and fiscal capacity to absorb six-figure grants.
- • Established presence in New York / New Jersey region or demonstrated partnership with local grantees.
- • Existing relationship, board-level introduction, or referral from a current grantee or community leader.
Geography
Grants appear in three states across the observed years, but giving is regionally concentrated: in 2024 about 85% of dollars were directed to New York, with the foundation based in New Jersey.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded seven distinct recipients in 2024 and eleven in 2023, showing multiple independent beneficiaries across years, though dollars are heavily concentrated among a few top recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new grantees exists (several new recipients in recent years), but the foundation explicitly declares it funds only preselected applicants and no public application or contact route is visible, so an unfamiliar applicant is unlikely to enter the portfolio without a referral or relationship.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
