Norman And Lela Beren Jacoby
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various causes, primarily focusing on Jewish organizations and educational institutions. Its mission emphasizes the furtherance of charitable purposes, particularly within the Jewish community, as evidenced by its funding patterns. The foundation provides grants to a range of recipients, including religious institutions, community centers, and educational nonprofits, reflecting a commitment to cultural heritage and community engagement. While it primarily operates in California, it also supports organizations in other states, underscoring its broader commitment to Jewish education and community support.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-medium Jewish community organizations, educational institutions, camps, or synagogues—especially those based in California—with programs that match the foundation’s pattern of education, faith-based, and community support.
Good Fit
- • Based in California or serving California Jewish communities.
- • Mission tied to Jewish education, community institutions, synagogues, or cultural heritage.
- • Program or organizational size compatible with grant amounts typically between a few thousand and around $75K.
- • Existing relationships or known introductions via local federations, schools, or recurring grantees.
Geography
Giving is heavily California-focused: roughly 85% of dollars went to California in the latest year, although small grants also reached four other states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 21 distinct recipients (21 grants) across multiple institutional types (schools, federation, camp, foundations) and 16 returning grantees, indicating a broad recipient set for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly indicates it only funds preselected applicants and there is no public website or submission route; although some new grantees appear in recent years, direct evidence that an unfamiliar applicant can submit a proposal is lacking.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
