The Sarah Shamah Foundation Incorporated
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting charitable and educational initiatives, particularly within the Jewish community. Its mission focuses on providing unrestricted funding to various religious congregations and educational institutions, reflecting a commitment to faith-based and educational causes. The foundation primarily serves Jewish organizations, with a significant emphasis on yeshivas and community congregations. While it operates mainly in New York, it also extends support to some organizations in New Jersey.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A New York-based (or nearby New Jersey) Jewish congregation, religious school, or faith-based educational nonprofit with an existing local relationship or referral into the foundation’s network.
Good Fit
- • Established Jewish religious or education organization operating in NY or NJ.
- • An existing connection or referral to the foundation’s board, staff, or current grantees.
- • Request size matching past awards (roughly several thousand to low five‑figure dollars).
- • Programs that align with unrestricted charitable or educational support.
Geography
Observed giving is regional: most dollars (about 79% in 2024) stayed in New York with a smaller share to New Jersey, and grants were distributed across two states.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a moderate number of distinct independent recipients each year (10–13 annually), mostly separate congregations and education nonprofits; the portfolio is institutionally consistent (religious/education) rather than broadly mission-diverse.
New Applicants
Across three years only a small number of new grantees appeared (2 of 13 in 2024) and most recipients are repeat; the foundation explicitly indicates it funds only preselected organizations and no public application route or contact details are visible, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to gain entry without a referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
