The Zegar Family Foundation
The Zegar Family Foundation is a private, invitation-only family foundation based in New York, founded by Charles and Merryl Zegar. It supports grantmaking across areas including environment, science & medicine, education, human services and arts/culture and appears to operate at scale per recent 990-PF filings.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid‑to‑large nonprofits, research institutions, or national intermediaries working in the foundation's stated areas (environment, science/medicine, education, human services, arts/culture) with demonstrated capacity and existing or reputational links to major funders or intermediaries.
Good Fit
- • Work aligns with environment, climate, science/research, education, civil rights, or human services priorities.
- • Organizational capacity to manage mid‑to‑large grants ($100K to $3M+).
- • Existing relationships with funder staff, trustees, or known intermediaries/advisors.
- • Membership in national collaboratives or participation in pooled funds the foundation supports.
Geography
Observed grants span 17 states in the latest year, with a clear national footprint but a concentration in New York (about 44% of dollars) alongside substantial out‑of‑state giving.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 104 grants to 98 distinct recipients, with a mix of returning grantees and 45 new recipients, indicating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
The foundation publicly states it funds only preselected/invited applicants, which limits unsolicited entry, but the observed addition of 45 new recipients in the latest year and published application information suggest there are pathways for new entrants—likely via outreach, intermediaries, or curated selection rather than open unsolicited applications.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
