Atran Foundation Inc
Atran Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Englewood, New Jersey. Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in Jewish research and culture, journalism, labor, medicine, human rights, and other areas.
Atran Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Atran Foundation Inc gave $901K across 29 grants in 2024 (avg $31K), mostly in New York. 7% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $900,500
- -9.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 29
- -21.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $31,052
- +15.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $20,197,214
- +5.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 7% first-time grantees (2 of 29, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (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 Atran Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Proposals should describe the project, its objectives and significance, the plan and timeline, an itemized budget showing total cost and other contributions alongside the amount requested, plans for continuation and further funding, and how results will be disseminated. Applicants must include a copy of their federal tax-exemption ruling; only tax-exempt organizations should apply. The foundation asks recipients to submit periodic progress reports and a final narrative report with a detailed statement of disbursements. Unspent funds must be returned. Contact the foundation’s listed proposal contact, Mr. Judah Fischer.
- Contact
Application contact: Mr Judah Fischer
Mailing address: 155 North Dean St 3Rd Floor Ste 3D, Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: (201) 569-9677
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Atran Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Yivo Institute for Jewish Research ($130K). Together the top 10 received $660K.
Grant Size Distribution
170 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 138 grants of 170 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 90% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 8% to New Jersey, and 1% to Florida. Examples include New York recipients YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and The Forward Association, and the Office of Concern Food Pantry at St. Cecilia’s in Englewood, New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Atran Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
7%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 29 grantees (7%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $18K; repeat grants $32K. How we count
Medians: $18K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 93% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 87% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 85% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 $695K (2022) to $7.2M (2021). In 2024 it made 29 grants totaling $901K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yivo Institute for Jewish Research New York, NY | Challenge Grant and New Archive Project | $130,000 |
| The Forward Association New York, NY | Investigative Fund and the Forverts | $120,000 |
| Workmen's Circlearbeter Inc New York, NY | Yiddishfest and cultural programs, campership incentive program, jewish literacy project, and youth stand up for justice program | $120,000 |
| The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene New York, NY | General Support | $60,000 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | Atran Professor of Yiddish and Fellowship Support | $50,000 |
| Jewish Labor Committee New York, NY | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY | East harlem outreach project, human rights program, and bioethics national conference | $40,000 |
| Workers Defense League New York, NY | General Support | $35,000 |
| Center for Traditional Music & Dance Inc New York, NY | General Support | $30,000 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom New York, NY | General Support | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Atran Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $20,197,214 | $2,234,356 | $1,191,323 | $900,500 | 29 | $946,979 | $2,168,611 | $1,117,893 |
| 2023 | $19,072,210 | $503,208 | $1,248,821 | $995,000 | 37 | $1,088,990 | $440,269 | $1,046,853 |
| 2022 | $19,911,835 | $853,708 | $1,098,882 | $695,000 | 26 | $908,746 | $764,448 | $1,066,007 |
| 2021 | $20,053,071 | $4,508,916 | $7,533,088 | $7,178,250 | 38 | $7,284,380 | $4,408,279 | $1,289,461 |
| 2020 | $23,076,283 | $1,583,134 | $1,508,758 | $1,265,500 | 40 | — | $1,535,860 | $1,242,145 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Atran Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for Jewish research and cultural programs, journalism, labor organizations, medical and community programs, human rights work, and a food pantry.
The grantees describe their own work in varied terms. YIVO Institute for Jewish Research says it studies Jewish life in Eastern Europe and Russia and preserves related archives and library collections. The Forward Association says it strengthens engagement with Jewish ideas and communities through media and public events. The Jewish Labor Committee says it connects trade unions and the Jewish community through education and mobilization. T’ruah says it organizes and trains Jewish clergy for human rights work.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $900,500. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $130,000, with a median of $15,000.
The largest reported awards included $130,000 to YIVO Institute for Jewish Research for a challenge grant and new archive project; $120,000 to The Forward Association for its investigative fund and The Forverts; and $120,000 to Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring for YiddishFest and cultural programs, a campership incentive program, a Jewish literacy project, and a youth justice program. Other awards included $60,000 to The National Yiddish Theatre–Folksbiene for general support; $50,000 to Columbia University for the Atran Professor of Yiddish and fellowship support; and $50,000 to the Jewish Labor Committee for general operating support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Alison Fischer as president; Robert A. Kaplan as vice president; Samuel Norich as treasurer; and Harris K. Atran as secretary. Directors listed are Edward R. Burns, Judah Fischer, David Muller, Jeffrey Novak, Susan J. Atran, and Zachary Atran.
Atran Foundation Inc is led by Alison Fischer, President on every filing since 2020; 1 of 16 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Alison Fischer
President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$600 (2020) → $0 (2024)
David Muller
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$600 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Edward R. Burns
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$100 (2021) → $0 (2024)
Jeffrey Novak
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$100 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Judah Fischer
Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$88K (2020) → $107K (2024)
Arieh Lebowitz
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Brent
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Dettelbach
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michele Novak
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Fishman-Feddersen
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan J. Atran
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Zachary Atran
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Toback
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Harris K. Atran
Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$600 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Robert A. Kaplan
Vice President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$600 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Samuel Norich
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$600 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Peter Pepper (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Barnett Zumoff (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 $107K, to Judah Fischer (Director).
Frequently asked questions about Atran Foundation Inc
How much does Atran Foundation Inc give each year?
Atran Foundation Inc gave $901K across 29 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $995K across 37 grants.
What is Atran Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Atran Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $31,052, across 29 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Atran Foundation Inc that year got $18K on average.
Where does Atran Foundation Inc give grants?
Atran Foundation Inc gives mostly in New York: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New Jersey (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (19 grants).
Does Atran Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 69% of Atran Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 29) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Atran Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Atran Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Yivo Institute for Jewish Research ($130,000), The Forward Association ($120,000) and Workmen's Circlearbeter Inc ($120,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 41% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Atran Foundation Inc?
Atran Foundation Inc reported $20.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $947K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Atran Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for Jewish research and cultural programs, journalism, labor organizations, medical and community programs, human rights work, and a food pantry. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Atran Foundation Inc?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Atran Foundation Inc's EIN?
Atran Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-5566548. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Atran Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Atran Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Jersey
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports a broad range of causes, including arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, through donor-directed and other charitable funds. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $19,759, with awards ranging widely; its current health grant opportunity serves Morris and Somerset counties. Eligible New Jersey nonprofits may apply to specific grant opportunities, subject to each opportunity’s guidelines.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports charitable organizations, including those working in healthcare and social services, children’s services, recreation, and basic needs, with grants across multiple states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds capital projects in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most awards are $5,000–$20,000, with a 2024 median of $10,000, for eligible nonprofits in New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey. It accepts applications through an online portal during its stated application periods; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in New Jersey
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Atran Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/atran-foundation-inc-morg_59c474b07d1f4be7b7c2d7f642f1cb71
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_135566548_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Atran Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/atran-foundation-inc-morg_59c474b07d1f4be7b7c2d7f642f1cb71},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Atran Foundation 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.
Atran Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?