Seniel & Dorothy Ostrow Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, primarily focusing on civil rights, health, and social justice. Its mission emphasizes empowerment, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ communities, as evidenced by its funding of organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. The foundation provides general operating support to a diverse range of nonprofits, including those in the arts and mental health sectors. It primarily serves organizations that promote social equity and community welfare, with a notable concentration of grants directed towards initiatives in California and New York.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small or mid-sized charitable organizations with an operational presence in California—particularly those focused on civil rights, reproductive/health services, local arts, or community services—seeking modest, flexible general operating support and connected to the foundation’s local network.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in California or has significant California programming.
- • Work aligns with civil rights, reproductive health, local arts, or community service priorities evident in past grants.
- • Existing relationship, referral, or previous engagement with the foundation’s trustees or recurring grantees.
- • Asks for modest unrestricted or general operating support (typical single grants under $10k).
Geography
Giving is concentrated in California—about 69% of 2023 dollars—but grants also reached four other states in the latest year, with five states represented overall.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 32 distinct recipients funded, across arts, health, and civil-rights organizations; although the top five receive a sizable share, the foundation supports many independent organizations with many small unrestricted gifts.
New Applicants
Across three observed years the majority of grantees recur (25 repeat grantees) and the foundation explicitly states it funds only preselected applicants; combined with no public website or submission route, this makes entry for unfamiliar applicants unlikely.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
