Richard S Ziman Foundation
The organization is a private foundation focused on supporting educational initiatives, particularly through fellowships, and providing assistance to indigent families. Its mission emphasizes the importance of education and community support, particularly within the Jewish community, as evidenced by its funding of various Jewish organizations and educational institutions. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including universities and cultural institutions, primarily in California and Washington, D.C. It demonstrates a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing social welfare needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
California-based educational or Jewish-cultural organizations that run fellowships or similar programs and can be nominated or introduced by intermediaries or local institutions.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in California (Los Angeles area preferred).
- • Programmatic focus on fellowships, higher education, or Jewish community initiatives.
- • Capacity to manage a grant in the $5K–$50K range.
- • An existing relationship or credible nomination from a university, community leader, or prior grantee.
Geography
Giving is concentrated in California (about 82% of 2024 dollars) with a smaller share to Washington/DC; the footprint is effectively state-level with limited out-of-state grants.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows four distinct recipients, while an earlier year shows 12 distinct recipients; across the observed history the foundation has funded a range of independent charities rather than a single captive beneficiary.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly accepts only preselected applicants; although new organizations appeared among recent grantees, no public application path is provided, so an unfamiliar applicant is unlikely to gain funding without nomination or a direct introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
