Empower Foundation
Empower Foundation is a private foundation based in Jersey City, New Jersey. It says it supports positive change and personal freedom by contributing to vetted nonprofits, charitable organizations, institutions, groups, and individuals whose work aligns with its stated principles.
Empower Foundation at a glance
- Total assets
- $406,569
- +6.5% vs 2024
- Revenue (2025)
- $25,500
- -68.3% vs 2024
- Qualifying distributions (2025)
- $658
- -96.8% vs 2024
- Expenses (2025)
- $658
- -96.8% vs 2024
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Empower Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. It states that it contributes only to preselected charitable organizations, using its internal vetting process. It gives no application materials or further application instructions.
- Contact
Mailing address: 532 Jersey Ave Suite 204, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (386) 589-5022
Website: https://www.empowerfoundation.us
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Empower Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
23 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 23 grants of 23 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Its listed 2024 recipients are based in New Jersey, California, and Texas; the available information does not state a geographic focus.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Is Empower Foundation open to new grantees?
100%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 12 grantees (100%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $331. How we count
- 0% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 109% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 3% 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 (2021–2024). 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 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2K (2021) to $6K (2023). In 2024 it made 12 grants totaling $4K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 911 Memorial and Museum New York, NY | To support the 9 11 Memorial and Museum which is a tribute of remembrance honoring the 2,977 people killed in the atrocious acts of September 11 2001 that took place at the World Trade Center site and at the Pentagon. The Memorial and Museum honors the ongoing sacrifice of rescue recovery and relief workers and the survivors and members of the broader lower Manhattan community who are sick or have died from exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of 9 11. It also recognizes the courage selflessness and perseverance of the men and women of the rescue and recovery effort. 9 11 Memorial and Museum is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3 | $336 |
| Childrens Health Defense Franklin Lakes, NJ | To end childhood health epidemics by working aggressively to eliminate harmful exposures hold those responsible accountable and establish safeguards to prevent future harm. Ending corruption mass surveillance and censorship that put profits before people as well as advocating for worldwide rights to health freedom and bodily autonomy. CHD is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| Vaccine Safety Research Center VSRF Los Altos, CA | To advance COVID-19 vaccine safety through scientific research public education and advocacy and to support the vaccine injured. Supporting research and compilation of relevant information on COVID-19 and public health policies free from corporate press agenda-driven narratives and sponsorships with conflicts of interest. Supporting and encouraging questions and an open dialogue of transparency on any medical and scientific information presented. VRSF is a special initiative of the Kirsch Foundation a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| React 19 Not Applicable, DC | To provide financial physical and emotional support for those suffering from long term COVID-19 vaccine adverse events globally. To bring healing to humans who are facing life altering adverse side effects from their COVID-19 vaccine. To build bridges between patients and research institutions to develop a better understanding of vaccine complications. Programs fall into 3 categories of assistance being financial physical and emotional. React19 is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| Truth for Health Foundation Tuscon, AZ | To provide truthful balanced medically sound research-based information and cutting-edge updates on prevention and treatment of common medical conditions including COVID-19 and other infectious diseases that affect health quality of life and longevity. To advocate and provide legal defense of basic human and civil rights related to preservation of life the right to bodily integrity health and quality of life medical freedom and securing the autonomy of the doctor-patient relationship and the ability to engage in unconstrained professional medical decision-making tailored to the needs of the individual person. THF is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| Physicians for Informed Consent Newport Beach, CA | To deliver data on infectious diseases and vaccines and unite doctors scientists healthcare professionals attorneys and families who support voluntary vaccination. To create an environment where doctors and the public can evaluate the data on infectious diseases and vaccines objectively and voluntarily engage in informed decision-making about vaccination. PIC is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| Phinance Technologies | To solve the issue of regulatory institutions being captured by financial and political interests thus either unwilling or unable to get to the truth of the issues they set out to investigate and regulate on behalf of the individuals in society. Without unbiased and comprehensive research there is a risk of misguided policy decisions at best and at worst negligence and malpractice. Never has this been more apparent than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Supporting the need for independent agents to act as gatekeepers of the public interests and to provide high-quality research to other individuals and institutions who seek similar outcomes. Phinance Technologies Humanity Projects is a private research and education group. | $333 |
| Citizen Journalism Foundation Austin, TX | To promote truth and transparency through investigative journalism plus whistleblowing support protection and encouragement. Overall having an encompassing focus on First Amendment defense. CJF is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| Satoshi Action Fund Oxford, MA | To promote the responsible propagation of monetary digital assets across the USA with the belief that monetary digital assets and the process of mining for these assets have the potential to positively impact our environment our power grids our economy and society. Satoshi Action Fund works with lawmakers regulators and the general public nationwide to ensure that monetary digital assets are adopted so all Americans have the opportunity to benefit from this technology. Satoshi Action Fund is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
| US Freedom Flyers Denver, NC | To focus on bringing accountability and to prevent future illegal mandates set forth by government organizations and enforced by the airline industry. US Freedom Flyers actively defends the health safety and freedom of pilots flight crew and passengers and is working to find solutions to help those who have been negatively affected over the years. US Freedom Flyers is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under section 501c3. | $333 |
Ready to take the next step with Empower Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $406,569 | $25,500 | $658 | — | — | $658 | — | $26,138 |
| 2024 | $381,727 | $80,500 | $20,434 | $3,966 | 12 | $20,434 | — | $15,531 |
| 2023 | $321,661 | $130,014 | $46,632 | $6,000 | 6 | $46,632 | — | $13,379 |
| 2022 | $238,279 | $105,400 | $460 | — | — | $460 | — | $9,183 |
| 2021 | $133,339 | — | $2,241 | $1,900 | 5 | $2,241 | — | $6,771 |
| 2020 | $135,580 | $73,039 | $145 | — | — | — | $17,240 | $4,751 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Empower Foundation reported a distributable amount of $26K for 2025 — 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 states that its mission is to support positive change and enhance personal freedom. Its website says it considers work that is charitable, scientific, educational, literary, supportive of religious liberty, protective of children and animals, or aimed at enhancing individual free will and autonomy. It also says its giving should empower recipients and leave them and their communities better off.
Among the 2024 recipients, Children’s Health Defense describes its mission as protecting children’s health by addressing environmental toxins; Physicians for Informed Consent says it delivers information on infectious diseases and vaccines and supports health freedom in vaccination; and the McCullough Foundation says it investigates public-health conditions and policies and educates the public on medical topics.
Grantmaking
The foundation reported 12 grants totaling $3,966 in 2024, an average of about $331 per grant. In 2023, it reported six grants totaling $6,000, an average of $1,000 per grant. It reported no grants in 2025.
Named 2024 recipients include Children’s Health Defense ($333), Physicians for Informed Consent ($333), and the McCullough Foundation ($300).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Vishal Shah is listed as Executive Trustee on the 2025 filing.
Empower Foundation is led by Vishal P Shah, Executive Trustee on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Vishal P Shah
Executive Trustee
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$40K (2023) → $0 (2025)
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 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $16K, to Vishal Shah (Executive Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about Empower Foundation
How large is Empower Foundation?
Empower Foundation reported $407K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $658 in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $26K (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 Empower Foundation fund?
The foundation states that its mission is to support positive change and enhance personal freedom. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Empower Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does Empower Foundation make grants?
The foundation is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Its listed 2024 recipients are based in New Jersey, California, and Texas; the available information does not state a geographic focus.
What is Empower Foundation's EIN?
Empower Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-6530204. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Empower Foundation 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
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 25, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 1, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 13, 2026)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 30, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 30, 2023)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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