American Jewish World Service Inc
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is a public charity based in New York, NY. Founded in 1985, it works to advance human rights and end poverty in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
American Jewish World Service Inc at a glance
In short: American Jewish World Service Inc gave $2.2M across 31 grants in 2025 (avg $72K), mostly in New York. 10% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,235,639
- +6.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 31
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $72,117
- +6.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $78,852,735
- +0.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (3 of 31, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (51% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to American Jewish World Service Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 45 West 36Th Street, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 792-2900
Website: https://ajws.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who American Jewish World Service Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Myriad USA ($563K). Together the top 10 received $1.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
156 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 119 grants of 156 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AJWS’s stated international focus is Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It reports that its FY2025 grantmaking supported organizations in 17 countries. Its filing data show that 2025 itemized grant dollars went primarily to recipients in New York (51%) and Washington, D.C. (27%), followed by Massachusetts (8%), California (6%), and Pennsylvania (3%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 31 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is American Jewish World Service Inc open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 31 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $76K. How we count
Medians: $40K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2021) to $2.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 31 grants totaling $2.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Myriad USA New York, NY | General Purpose | $562,865 |
| National Public Radio Washington, DC | General Purpose | $500,000 |
| Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Cambridge, MA | General Purpose | $180,000 |
| Global Action for Trans Equality New York, NY | General Purpose | $127,476 |
| Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice New York, NY | General Purpose | $102,000 |
| Singh Foundation New York, NY | General Purpose | $70,498 |
| Action Alliance Hanover, PA | General Purpose | $65,000 |
| Mother Nature Cambodia Lafayette, CA | General Purpose | $60,000 |
| New Narratives Brooklyn, NY | General Purpose | $50,000 |
| Rohingya Healthcare Committee Saratoga, CA | See Part IV | $50,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,852,735 | $44,917,779 | $42,880,101 | $2,235,639 | 31 | $2,738,022 |
| 2024 | $78,471,993 | $42,700,367 | $46,525,148 | $2,109,693 | 31 | $1,579,104 |
| 2023 | $81,251,462 | $42,598,085 | $44,153,854 | $1,713,131 | 32 | $384,558 |
| 2022 | $71,781,906 | $45,997,172 | $46,991,300 | $1,537,372 | 33 | $395,697 |
| 2021 | $78,564,070 | $65,333,616 | $46,286,265 | $1,464,081 | 29 | $2,328,033 |
| 2020 | $54,416,985 | $44,452,378 | $42,515,528 | $1,490,856 | 32 | $49,259 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
AJWS’s mission is to realize human rights and end poverty, inspired by the Jewish commitment to justice. Its four issue areas are sexual health and rights; civil and political rights; land, water and climate justice; and disaster and humanitarian response.
AJWS supports grassroots and advocacy organizations, including groups working with women, girls, LGBTQI+ people, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized populations. Examples among its 2025 grantees illustrate the range of work: Global Action for Trans Equality describes itself as an international advocacy organization promoting justice and equality for trans and gender-diverse communities. The International Accountability Project says it works with communities, civil society, and social movements to change development practices. Global Greengrants Fund says it channels donations to local environmental-justice projects and grassroots campaigns.
Grantmaking
AJWS reports that in FY2025 it awarded 647 grants to 499 human-rights organizations in 17 countries, and supported an additional 21 grantees in five countries through a donor-advised fund. Its 2025 grantmaking materials also report support for 498 organizations and $33.4 million invested in grantmaking, accompaniment, and advocacy. These program figures are distinct from the 2025 itemized grants in the filing data: 31 grants totaling $2,235,639. Those itemized grants ranged from $9,500 to $562,865, with a median of $25,000.
The largest listed grants included $562,865 to Myriad USA, $500,000 to National Public Radio, $180,000 to Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, $127,476 to Global Action for Trans Equality, and $102,000 to Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. The filing lists the purposes of most of these grants as “general purpose.”
AJWS describes a grant-selection process that begins with contextual analysis to identify funding gaps. Staff and consultants conduct virtual or in-person site visits, consult other funders and partners, and develop a shortlist. Stated selection considerations include alignment with AJWS strategies, program and organizational effectiveness, financial management, inclusive leadership, community-driven priorities, and local credibility.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Robert Bank as president and CEO. It also lists Jill Minneman as secretary and chair as of March 2025; Scott Waxman as vice chair; Bruce Rosenblum as treasurer; and Shuli Karkowsky as secretary. Trustees listed include Brad Abelow, Elana Bildner, Jay Cohan, Michael Delfiner, and Marty Friedman. The filing identifies Abelow as chair through June 2024 and as a trustee.
American Jewish World Service Inc is led by Brad Abelow, Chair & Trustee since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 14 of 42 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Robert Bank
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$356K (2020) → $431K (2025)
Brad Abelow
Chair & Trustee
Trustee → Chair, 2021
Chair → Chair & Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Minneman
Secretary & Chair
Trustee → Secretary & Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rori Kramer
Director of Us Advocacy & Govt Affairs
Director of Us Advocacy → Director of Us Advocacy & Govt Affairs, 2025
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$168K (2023) → $182K (2025)
Tanyanika Davis
Director of Media Relat. & Leadership
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$175K (2023) → $192K (2025)
Suzanne S. Lee
Director of Institutional Giving
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$185K (2025)
Carol Yanowitz Miller
Trustee
Trustee → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Galatin Seth
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Cohan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judith Stern
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Levin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marty Friedman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nathalie Rubens
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Lehman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Leslie
Trustee
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Offit
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Schecter
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elana Bildner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gamal Palmer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jayne Lipman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Goldstein
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eunice Lim
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ida Posner
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stacy Mason
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Haynes
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Delfiner
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Lowenberg
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yolanda Salvage-Narva
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Analucia Lopezrevoredo
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margo Bloom
Vice President for Development
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$319K (2020) → $379K (2025)
Shari Turitz
Vice President for Programs
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$246K (2020) → $292K (2025)
Venus Devnani
Executive Vice President
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$342K (2023) → $371K (2025)
Dionne Wiggins
Vice President for People & Culture
On filings since 2024
45 hrs/week
$236K (2024) → $245K (2025)
Julieta Mendez
Associate Vice President for Programs
On filings since 2024
45 hrs/week
$193K (2024) → $201K (2025)
Peter Taback
Vice President of Communications
On filings since 2024
45 hrs/week
$184K (2024) → $258K (2025)
Joshua Fried
Chief of Staff - Executive Team
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$165K (2025)
Kk Kendrick
Vice President of Dei & Racial Justice
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$219K (2025)
Risa Zoll
Associate Vice President for Development
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$211K (2025)
Ruddy Miller
Vice President for Finance & Info Tech
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$188K (2025)
Bruce Rosenblum
Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2022
Trustee & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Waxman
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shuli Karkowsky
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (30)
- Former: Danielle Edwards (2020–2025) — Former Vice President for Finance & Administrator · Filing note: Thru 022024
- Former: Irit Houvras (2022–2025) — Former Vice President for Strategic Learning · Filing note: Thru 042024
- Former: Alon Shalev (2020–2024) — Executive Director & Western Region · Filing note: Thru 012024
- Former: Bradley Sugar (2020–2024) — Director of Midwest Region
- Former: Eric Sahn (2020–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Howard Mandel (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Tracey Gurd (2020–2024) — Snr. Director of Cpr & Advocacy · Filing note: Thru 042024
- Former: Derek Kaufman (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Kristen Kendrickpromo (2024) — Vice President of Dei & Racial Justice
- Former: James Koshland (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Marc Greenwald (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Monte Dube (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: William Resnick (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Carol Joseph (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Corey Lutsky (2020–2022) — Director of Info. Tech.
- Former: Eileen Epstein (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ruth Messinger (2020–2022) — Global Ambassador
- Former: Stuart Schear (2020–2022) — Vice President for Communications
- Former: Thomas Dubin (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Eva Kolodner (2022) — Director of Eastern Region
- Former: Amy Pasquale (2020–2021) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Marion Bergman (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Michael Hirschhorn (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Rabbi Elyse Frishman (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Samantha Wolthuis (2021) — Associate Vice President of Program, Dis. & Hum.
- Former: Barbara Dobkin (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jacqueline Hart (2020) — Vice President for Strategic Learning Res.
- Former: James Dubey (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jolie Schwab (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Kristine Stallone (2020) — Vp-Finance & Administrator
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $431K, to Robert Bank (President & CEO). 16 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about American Jewish World Service Inc
How much does American Jewish World Service Inc give each year?
American Jewish World Service Inc gave $2.2M across 31 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.1M across 31 grants.
What is American Jewish World Service Inc's typical grant size?
American Jewish World Service Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $72,117, across 31 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Jewish World Service Inc that year got $33K on average.
Where does American Jewish World Service Inc give grants?
American Jewish World Service Inc gives mostly in New York: 51% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were District of Columbia (27%) and Massachusetts (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (10 grants), Washington, DC (6 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (3 grants).
Does American Jewish World Service Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 97% of American Jewish World Service Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (30 of 31) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are American Jewish World Service Inc's largest grantees?
American Jewish World Service Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Myriad USA ($562,865), National Public Radio ($500,000) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee ($180,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 56% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is American Jewish World Service Inc?
American Jewish World Service Inc reported $78.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $44.9M.
What does American Jewish World Service Inc fund?
AJWS’s mission is to realize human rights and end poverty, inspired by the Jewish commitment to justice. Its four issue areas are sexual health and rights; civil and political rights; land, water and climate justice; and disaster and humanitarian response. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Jewish World Service Inc?
American Jewish World Service Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ajws.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is American Jewish World Service Inc's EIN?
American Jewish World Service Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2584370. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 23, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 21, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 19, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). American Jewish World Service Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/american-jewish-world-service-inc-morg_7d488beed54f41ababa66545c1bb26b7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_222584370_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{American Jewish World Service Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/american-jewish-world-service-inc-morg_7d488beed54f41ababa66545c1bb26b7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 American Jewish World Service Inc'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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