Albert & Ethel Herzstein
The Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Houston, Texas. It supports nonprofit organizations through grants, with a stated preference for eligible organizations in the Houston area and elsewhere in Texas.
Albert & Ethel Herzstein at a glance
In short: Albert & Ethel Herzstein gave $5.9M across 320 grants in 2024 (avg $18K), mostly in Texas. 24% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $5,876,300
- +15.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 320
- +9.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $18,363
- +5.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $132,253,761
- +4.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 24% first-time grantees (76 of 315, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (90% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Albert & Ethel Herzstein
- How to Apply
-
Submit a proposal through the online application portal. The Foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, according to its 2024 filing.
- Review Cycle
- None listed on the 2024 filing. The website says proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Deadline
- None listed on the 2024 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Justina Renee Masaryk
Mailing address: 6131 Westview, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: (713) 681-7868
Website: https://herzsteinfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Albert & Ethel Herzstein
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Grant
Albert & Ethel Herzstein
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Grant
Albert & Ethel Herzstein
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling
General Grant Program
Albert & Ethel Herzstein
Amount
Approximately $5,000,000 annually
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Albert & Ethel Herzstein funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Inc ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $2.6M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,468 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,415 grants of 1,468 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s application guidelines give preference to eligible organizations in the Houston area or elsewhere in Texas. In 2024, 90% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas; other recipient states included the District of Columbia (4%), Virginia (2%), New York (1%), and California (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 320 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Albert & Ethel Herzstein open to new grantees?
24%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 76 of 315 grantees (24%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $20K. How we count
Medians: $6K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 59% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 41% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.7M (2022) to $5.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 320 grants totaling $5.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Inc Houston, TX | Towards Support of the Building Tomorrows Campaign. | $1,000,000 |
| Texas Public Policy Foundation Austin, TX | Towards support of strengthening Texas and America through election integrity and border security reform. | $500,000 |
| The Emeryweiner Center for Jewish Education Houston, TX | Towards Support of the Elevating Excellence Campaign. | $300,000 |
| The Irvin M Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Isreal Houston, TX | Towards support of the shlenker school building for the future campaign. | $150,000 |
| Camp Young Judaea Inc Bellaire, TX | Towards Support of the Forward Together Campaign. | $100,000 |
| Chinquapin Preparatory School Highlands, TX | Towards Support of General Operations. | $100,000 |
| Heritage Foundation Washington, DC | Toward support of fighting for secure elections and secure borders. | $100,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Houston, TX | Towards Support of the Community Security Initiative. | $100,000 |
| Remember the Alamo Foundation San Antonio, TX | Towards the support of the alamo plan capital campaign. | $100,000 |
| Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America Houston, TX | Towards support of general operations in memory of the honorable george w. Strake, jr. | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Albert & Ethel Herzstein?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The Foundation’s 2024 filing reports 320 grants.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $132,253,761 | $19,919,271 | $6,955,708 | $5,876,300 | 320 | $6,404,766 | $19,415,256 | $5,566,078 |
| 2023 | $126,529,173 | $9,391,085 | $6,163,060 | $5,088,500 | 292 | $5,733,385 | $8,749,619 | $5,861,202 |
| 2022 | $125,541,648 | $4,698,650 | $5,069,683 | $3,729,805 | 251 | $4,349,741 | $5,442,595 | $6,063,652 |
| 2021 | $124,850,543 | $10,997,711 | $5,307,425 | $4,161,100 | 248 | $4,733,776 | $6,210,276 | $5,197,108 |
| 2020 | $99,878,594 | $7,243,231 | $5,376,434 | $3,973,803 | 357 | — | $5,032,047 | $4,106,810 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Albert & Ethel Herzstein reported a distributable amount of $5.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation says its work is guided by Judeo-Christian beliefs and American values, including free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, equality of opportunity, self-sufficiency, hard work, and resourcefulness. It identifies education, community strengthening, support for people overcoming adversity, heritage preservation, and personal potential as part of its mission.
Its 2024 grants illustrate support for varied nonprofit work. Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas says its mission is to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Chinquapin Preparatory School describes its work as providing college-preparatory education to motivated youth from under-resourced communities and schools in the greater Houston area. The EmeryWeiner Center for Jewish Education says it develops students’ intellect, moral character, and Jewish identity. Remember the Alamo Foundation says it supports the Alamo Trust’s preservation, educational outreach, and public programs.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 320 grants totaling $5,876,300. Grant amounts ranged from $2,000 to $1,000,000, with a median of $10,000.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $1,000,000 to Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas for the Building Tomorrows Campaign; $500,000 to the Texas Public Policy Foundation for work related to election integrity and border security reform; and $300,000 to the EmeryWeiner Center for Jewish Education for the Elevating Excellence Campaign. Other notable awards included $150,000 to the Irvin M. Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel and $100,000 each to Camp Young Judaea, Chinquapin Preparatory School, the Heritage Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Remember the Alamo Foundation, Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and St. Thomas High School.
The Foundation’s website says proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the Board quarterly. It describes a review process that includes financial assessment, evaluation of potential impact, and collaborative discussions; site visits and meetings may be scheduled based on availability. Applicants should submit no more than one request in any 12-month period, and grants are limited to qualified nonprofit organizations. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, and lobbying individual directors may result in adverse consideration. The 2024 filing lists the requested materials as the amount requested, charitable purpose, and the requesting organization’s tax-exempt status.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Justina Renee Masaryk as president; Michael Viator as chairman; Bryan Miller as vice president; Steven Sheldon as secretary/treasurer; and Craig Loewenstern, George W. Strake III, and Robert Shoss as directors. George W. Strake Jr. and Richard Loewenstern are listed as emeritus advisory directors.
Albert & Ethel Herzstein is led by Justina Renee Masaryk, President since 2024 (on filings since 2023); all 9 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Justina Renee Masaryk
President
Executive Director & Interim President → President, 2024
On filings since 2023
28 hrs/week
$123K (2023) → $152K (2024)
Michael Viator
Chairman
Director → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$20K (2021) → $30K (2024)
George W. Strake III
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Robert Shoss
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $30K (2024)
Craig Loewenstern
Director
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$20K (2021) → $20K (2024)
Bryan Miller
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $20K (2024)
George W. Strake Jr.
Emeritus Advisory Director
Chairman → Emeritus Advisory, 2023
Emeritus Advisory → Emeritus Advisory Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $3K (2024)
Richard Loewenstern
Emeritus Advisory Director
Vice President → Emeritus Advisory, 2023
Emeritus Advisory → Emeritus Advisory Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$30K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Steven Sheldon
Secretary & Treasurer
Director → Secretary & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $30K (2024)
Former officers (3)
- Former: L. Michael Hajtman (2020–2023) — President
- Former: Renee Masaryk (2020–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Landon Clay Fisher (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $152K, to Justina Renee Masaryk (President). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Albert & Ethel Herzstein
How much does Albert & Ethel Herzstein give each year?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein gave $5.9M across 320 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.1M across 292 grants.
What is Albert & Ethel Herzstein's typical grant size?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $18,363, across 320 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Albert & Ethel Herzstein that year got $14K on average.
Where does Albert & Ethel Herzstein give grants?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein gives mostly in Texas: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Houston, TX (196 grants), Washington, DC (13 grants), Austin, TX (10 grants) and New York, NY (4 grants).
Does Albert & Ethel Herzstein give general operating support?
Yes: 46% of Albert & Ethel Herzstein's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (148 of 320) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Albert & Ethel Herzstein's largest grantees?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein's largest 2024 grantees include Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas Inc ($1,000,000), Texas Public Policy Foundation ($500,000) and The Emeryweiner Center for Jewish Education ($300,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Albert & Ethel Herzstein?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein reported $132.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Albert & Ethel Herzstein fund?
The Foundation says its work is guided by Judeo-Christian beliefs and American values, including free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, equality of opportunity, self-sufficiency, hard work, and resourcefulness. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Albert & Ethel Herzstein?
Submit a proposal through the online application portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Albert & Ethel Herzstein's EIN?
Albert & Ethel Herzstein's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-6070484. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Albert & Ethel Herzstein funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/albert-and-ethel-herzstein-morg_4afa499d6a374338807390857916fb7d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_746070484_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Albert \& Ethel Herzstein funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/albert-and-ethel-herzstein-morg_4afa499d6a374338807390857916fb7d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Albert & Ethel Herzstein's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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