Charina Endowment Fund Inc
Charina Endowment Fund Inc is a private foundation based in New York, NY. It supports other charitable organizations through contributions; the foundation states that it does not conduct direct charitable activities.
Charina Endowment Fund Inc at a glance
In short: Charina Endowment Fund Inc gave $17.0M across 69 grants in 2024 (avg $247K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $17,017,000
- -1.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 69
- +1.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $246,623
- -2.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $150,000
- Total assets
- $370,474,581
- +1.2% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (77% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Charina Endowment Fund Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it contributes only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: Richard Menschel 375 Park Ave 360, New York, NY 10152
Phone: (973) 472-6250
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Charina Endowment Fund Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Cornell University ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $5.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
258 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 123 grants of 258 (48%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, New York recipients received 77% of grant dollars, Massachusetts recipients 7%, District of Columbia recipients 6%, Washington recipients 3%, and Florida recipients 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 69 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Charina Endowment Fund Inc gives
- 20% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+9%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 99% 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 (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 $14.9M (2020) to $18.4M (2022). In 2024 it made 69 grants totaling $17.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cornell University Ithaca, NY | General Support | $1,000,000 |
| Hunter College Foundation Inc New York, NY | General Support | $600,000 |
| Gates Philanthropy Partners Seattle, WA | General Support | $500,000 |
| Harvard TH Chan Schol of Public Health Boston, MA | General Support | $500,000 |
| Hospital for Special Surgery New York, NY | General Support | $500,000 |
| New York Botanical Garden Bronx, NY | General Support | $500,000 |
| Nightingale-Bamford School New York, NY | General Support | $500,000 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse, NY | General Support | $500,000 |
| The Morgan Library & Museum New York, NY | General Support | $500,000 |
| Trustees for Harvard University Cambridge, MA | General Support | $500,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Charina Endowment Fund 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 | $370,474,581 | $65,701,405 | $21,280,800 | $17,017,000 | 69 | $17,676,123 | $65,096,645 | $17,843,326 |
| 2023 | $366,223,161 | $12,727,509 | $15,419,844 | $17,259,000 | 68 | $17,982,615 | $11,874,719 | $17,501,730 |
| 2022 | $362,645,351 | $6,648,771 | $20,137,832 | $18,393,000 | 69 | $19,137,717 | $8,119,945 | $18,063,927 |
| 2021 | $412,312,876 | $22,984,707 | $22,093,749 | $15,633,000 | 51 | $16,345,489 | $22,109,643 | $18,974,511 |
| 2020 | $363,479,233 | $10,798,958 | $20,474,508 | $14,910,000 | 1 | — | $10,105,219 | $16,550,993 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Charina Endowment Fund Inc reported a distributable amount of $17.8M 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
The foundation’s stated primary purpose is to support charitable organizations through contributions. Its 2024 grants included general support for organizations whose own missions span areas such as plant research and public understanding of the natural world (New York Botanical Garden), global development, global health, and U.S. education (Gates Philanthropy Partners), and university scientific, literary, and educational activities (Trustees for Harvard University).
Other 2024 grantees describe missions involving justice-system reform and work with impacted communities (Vera Institute of Justice), improving government and nonprofit performance (Fund for the City of New York), protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom (Scholars at Risk), and arts education for young people and adults (Harlem School of the Arts).
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 69 grants totaling $17,017,000. Grants ranged from $50,000 to $1,000,000, with a median of $150,000. The largest grants included $1,000,000 to Cornell University; $600,000 to Hunter College Foundation; and $500,000 each to Gates Philanthropy Partners, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Botanical Garden, Nightingale-Bamford School, Syracuse University, The Morgan Library & Museum, Trustees for Harvard University, and Wildlife Conservation Society. These grants were listed for general support.
Other reported 2024 grants included $400,000 to the City University of New York, $300,000 to the Vera Institute of Justice, $225,000 to the Fund for the City of New York, and $150,000 each to Scholars at Risk and Harlem School of the Arts.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Richard L. Menschel as chairman and director; Ronay A. Menschel as president and director; Celene A. Menschel as treasurer and director; and Charis B. Menschel and Sabina C. Menschel as co-secretaries and directors.
Charina Endowment Fund Inc is led by Ronay A. Menschel, President & Director since 2022 (on filings since 2020); none of the 5 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ronay A. Menschel
President & Director
Secretary & Director → President & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard L. Menschel
Chairman & Director
President, Treasurer & Director → Chairman & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Celene A. Menschel
Treasurer & Director
Director → Treasurer & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sabina C. Menschel
Co-Secretary & Director
Director → Co-Secretary & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Charis B. Menschel
Co-Secretary & Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Charis B. Drant (2020–2023) — Co-Secretary & Director
- Former: Robert B. Menschel (2020–2022) — Former 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.
Frequently asked questions about Charina Endowment Fund Inc
How much does Charina Endowment Fund Inc give each year?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc gave $17.0M across 69 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $17.3M across 68 grants.
What is Charina Endowment Fund Inc's typical grant size?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc's median grant in 2024 was $150,000, and its average grant was $246,623, across 69 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Charina Endowment Fund Inc give grants?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc gives mostly in New York: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Massachusetts (7%) and District of Columbia (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (42 grants), Washington, DC (4 grants), Bronx, NY (3 grants) and Boston, MA (2 grants).
Does Charina Endowment Fund Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Charina Endowment Fund Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (69 of 69) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Charina Endowment Fund Inc's largest grantees?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Cornell University ($1,000,000), Hunter College Foundation Inc ($600,000) and Gates Philanthropy Partners ($500,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 12% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Charina Endowment Fund Inc?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc reported $370.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $17.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $17.8M (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 Charina Endowment Fund Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated primary purpose is to support charitable organizations through contributions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Charina Endowment Fund Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it contributes only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Charina Endowment Fund Inc's EIN?
Charina Endowment Fund Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3675545. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Charina Endowment Fund Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, 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 Charina Endowment Fund Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
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
Charina Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Charina Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations across varied fields, with most 2025 grant dollars going to recipients in New York and Massachusetts. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $750,000, with a median of $7,500. It funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.1M
Grants
279
Total Given
$3.8M
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
LISC funds affordable housing, community development, small businesses, and related efforts that strengthen inclusive communities, providing grants as well as loans, equity, and technical assistance across the country. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $40,000, though amounts varied widely. Application access is program-specific: for its Rhode Island child care facilities planning grants, applicants are instructed to consult program staff before submitting a request.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports human rights and social and economic justice, including work on climate, the environment, civic engagement, and Jewish causes, in the United States and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with amounts ranging from $500 to $9.75 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; it plans to end grantmaking by the end of 2028.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Charina Endowment Fund Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/charina-endowment-fund-inc-morg_bebc8608264d4c33861d2955c36b74f0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_133675545_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Charina Endowment Fund Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/charina-endowment-fund-inc-morg_bebc8608264d4c33861d2955c36b74f0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Charina Endowment Fund 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.
Charina Endowment Fund Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?