Theodore & Wilda Leiser Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to charitable giving, with a strong emphasis on supporting religious institutions, educational initiatives, and health-related causes. Its mission reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through grants to various charities, including the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, and local churches. The foundation serves a diverse range of beneficiaries, focusing on both local and national organizations that address critical social issues. While its primary operations are based in Pennsylvania, it also supports organizations in other states, indicating a broader philanthropic reach.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small or regional charity, faith-based congregation, local school, or regional chapter of a national health nonprofit with established ties to the foundation's community and the expectation of modest one-year grants (~$5–15k).
Good Fit
- • Has existing local presence or relationships in Pennsylvania (or the foundation's known recipient network).
- • Mission aligns with charity, religion, education, or regional health organizations that the foundation has funded.
- • Seeks a modest, single-year operational or program grant in the $5k–$15k range.
- • Is known or recommended by current or past grantees (relationship route).
Geography
Grants appear across five states rather than only a single city or county, though roughly half of dollars remain in the foundation's home state (Pennsylvania).
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds 11 distinct recipients each year spanning charities, religious congregations, and a local high school, showing a moderate spread, but the same recipient list largely recurs across years.
New Applicants
The foundation declares it only funds preselected recipients and the observed history shows ten returning recipients with only one new grantee in the latest year, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
