Esserman Family Foundation
The Esserman Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Miami, Florida. Its 2023 filing is marked as a final return, so the foundation appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking.
Key facts about Esserman Family Foundation
In short: Esserman Family Foundation gave $125K across 14 grants in 2023 (avg $9K), mostly in Florida. 23% of 2023 grantees were new. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 20-2074738
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $124,975
- Grants made (2023)
- 14
- Average grant
- $8,927
- Median grant
- $8,738
- New grantees (estimate)
- 23% first-time grantees (3 of 13, 2023)
- Total assets
- $2,047,201
- Primary geography
- Florida (54% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The filing instructs interested applicants to contact Charlene Esserman about application materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.0M
+27.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$125K
+3.1% YoY
Grant Count
14
+27.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$9K
-19.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Esserman Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $76K for 2023 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Esserman Family Foundation open to new grantees?
23%
first-time grantees, 2023
In 2023, 3 of 13 grantees (23%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $9K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $9K repeat.
- 77% of 2023 grantees were also funded in 2022. Method
- Giving grew 24% from 2020 to 2023. Method
- In 2023 it paid out 165% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2023). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No foundation mission is stated in the available information. Its 2023 grants included support for organizations whose own missions include serving Jewish communities, advancing healthcare research, presenting performing arts, inspiring nature conservation, and preventing gun violence.
For example, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation describes its work as mobilizing resources to serve Jewish people in Miami, Israel, and elsewhere, and to strengthen Jewish education and community life. Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative describes its mission as supporting healthcare research organizations, particularly in breast cancer research and treatment. The Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation says it raises private contributions to help present performances and educational programs for South Florida’s diverse community.
Grantmaking
In 2023, the foundation reported 14 grants totaling $124,975. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $20,000, with a median of $8,738.
Review Cycle
, and award restrictions. Because the filing is marked as a final return, these instructions should not be treated as current application guidance.
Ready to take the next step with Esserman Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2023, 54% of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida, 24% to California, 12% to Maryland, and 4% each to New Jersey and Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $101K (2020) to $125K (2023). In 2023 it made 14 grants totaling $125K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Greater Miami Jewish Federation ($20K). Together the top 10 received $118K.
Grant Size Distribution
43 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 43 grants of 43 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Miami Jewish Federation Miami, FL | Meet the needs and safeguard the freedoms of all. | $20,000 |
| UCSF Director's Circle San Francisco, CA | Support the University's work locally, nationally. | $20,000 |
| American Jewish Committee Miami, FL | Works to impact policy and opinion on some of the most important issues facing the Jewish people. | $15,000 |
| University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation Baltimore, MD | Serve the University community. | $15,000 |
| Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative San Francisco, CA | To improve human health for all through personalized medicine | $10,000 |
| Zoo Miami Foundation Miami, FL | Fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo. | $10,000 |
| Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation Miami, FL | Connect our community to the performing arts and to each other. | $10,000 |
| Temple Beth Am Pinecrest, FL | General and Judaic Studies, enhance the academic and religious development of our children. | $7,475 |
| ACLU of Florida New York, NJ | Defend and preserve individual rights and liberties. | $5,000 |
| Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence Washington, DC | Create an America free from gun violence. | $5,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2,047,201 | $465,225 | $138,507 | $124,975 | 14 |
| 2022 | $1,603,983 | $63,850 | $145,470 | $121,195 | 11 |
| 2021 | $1,685,603 | $491,320 | $115,345 | $100,500 | 9 |
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,047,201 | $1,603,983 | $1,685,603 |
| Revenue | $465,225 | $63,850 | $491,320 |
| Expenses | $138,507 | $145,470 | $115,345 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $124,975 | $122,270 | — |
| Net Investment Income | $453,209 | $47,128 | $476,475 |
| Distributable Amount | $75,732 | $94,065 | $86,808 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2023 filing lists the following directors: Estate of Ron Esserman, James N Esserman, Laura J Esserman, Lisa E Esserman, Susan G Esserman, and Charlene Esserman.
Esserman Family Foundation's 2023 filing lists 6 officers; none of the 6 officers listed in 2023 report compensation.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Charlene Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Estate of Ron Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
James N Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Laura J Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Lisa E Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Susan G Esserman
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2023. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Charlene Esserman
Mailing address: 10455 Nw 12Th Street, Miami, FL 33172
Phone: (305) 477-4001
Frequently asked questions about Esserman Family Foundation
How much does Esserman Family Foundation give each year?
Esserman Family Foundation gave $125K across 14 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $121K across 11 grants.
What is Esserman Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Esserman Family Foundation's median grant in 2023 was $8,738, and its average grant was $8,927, across 14 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Esserman Family Foundation that year got $11K on average.
Where does Esserman Family Foundation give grants?
Esserman Family Foundation gives mostly in Florida: 54% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (24%) and Maryland (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Miami, FL (7 grants) and San Francisco, CA (2 grants).
Does Esserman Family Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 7% of Esserman Family Foundation's 2023 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 14) were for general or operating support, per its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Esserman Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Esserman Family Foundation's largest 2023 grantees include Greater Miami Jewish Federation ($20,000), UCSF Director's Circle ($20,000) and American Jewish Committee ($15,000), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 44% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
How large is Esserman Family Foundation?
Esserman Family Foundation reported $2.0M in total assets on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $125K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $76K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Esserman Family Foundation fund?
No foundation mission is stated in the available information. Its 2023 grants included support for organizations whose own missions include serving Jewish communities, advancing healthcare research, presenting performing arts, inspiring nature conservation, and preventing gun violence. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Esserman Family Foundation?
The filing instructs interested applicants to contact Charlene Esserman about application materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Esserman Family Foundation's EIN?
Esserman Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-2074738. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2023.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Esserman Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Esserman Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
United Way Miami Inc
Miami, FL
United Way Miami funds education, economic mobility, health and wellbeing, and resilient-community programs, with its community focus in Miami-Dade County. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,082 to $1,693,432, with a median of $18,410; published opportunities include selected awards of up to $153,000. It publishes specific grant opportunities and application details; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$157.2M
Grants
562
Total Given
$32.6M
Jewish Community Federation of San
San Francisco, CA
Jewish Federation Bay Area funds programs that strengthen Jewish life, combat antisemitism, respond to crises, support people in need, and advance justice and inclusion. Its work focuses on the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond; 2025 grants had a median of $22,750, though amounts varied widely. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about its process, but no current opportunities are listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles supports human services, health, education, Jewish life, arts and culture, and nonprofit capacity and facilities, with grants in Los Angeles, Israel, and beyond. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. General Community grants are invitation-only and do not accept unsolicited requests; all 2025 grantmaking is by invitation only.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,063
Total Given
$142.2M
The Florman Family Foundation Inc
Plantation, FL
The foundation’s 2025 grants supported general operations at a Florida university foundation and a Miami health system foundation. Recent giving ranged from $75,000 to $181,974 in 2025, though its 2024 grants totaled $8.4 million; all 2025 grants went to Florida recipients. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$257K
Publix Super Markets Charities Inc
Lakeland, FL
Publix Super Markets Charities supports nonprofits addressing hunger, homelessness and housing, youth, education, and community needs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Its 2024 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged widely; it accepts online requests from eligible organizations, with application periods varying by program.
Assets
$233.8M
Grants
3,269
Total Given
$52.5M
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Inc
Jacksonville, FL
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida supports nonprofits and civic work in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties, with interests including neighborhoods, education, aging adults, arts, women and girls, young children, and early literacy. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though amounts varied widely; most donor-advised grants are not open to applications, but eligible nonprofits can apply through competitive programs when application windows are open.
Assets
$708.7M
Grants
2,470
Total Given
$78.0M
Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Inc
Tampa, FL
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay funds nonprofits addressing economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, health, education, and community vitality in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. Its annual competitive grants are typically $10,000–$50,000; it also accepts year-round requests for urgent, unforeseen needs of up to $250,000. Apply through the relevant grant opportunity; the profile does not state whether general unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
698
Total Given
$54.3M
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Venice, FL
Gulf Coast Community Foundation funds arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, the environment, health and human services, and disaster response, with a focus on its Florida service area. Community grants provide up to $25,000 per organization per fiscal year; larger catalytic grants are available, and 2025 grants had a median of $16,251. It accepts unsolicited requests through scheduled Community Grant cycles; catalytic grants start with a letter of inquiry, and initiative grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$533.7M
Grants
651
Total Given
$45.0M
Early Learning Coalition of Broward
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Early Learning Coalition of Broward funds child care reimbursement and early-learning providers, including programs supporting child care and preschool, primarily in Broward County, Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,127 to $3,994,863, with a median of $158,921. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$15.9M
Grants
636
Total Given
$152.2M
Leslie L Alexander Foundation Inc
Delray Beach, FL
The Leslie L Alexander Foundation supports animal rescue, education, children’s services, and other charitable work. In 2024, grants ranged from $600 to $1 million, with a median of $35,000; giving was concentrated in Florida and Texas, with awards also made elsewhere. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
622
Total Given
$28.4M
CSX Foundation Inc
Jacksonville, FL
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
607
Total Given
$13.7M
The Community Foundation of Sarasota CO
Sarasota, FL
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County funds nonprofits working in areas including human services, education, arts, health, economic stability, animal welfare, and community resilience. Its typical grants are around $10,000–$25,000, with a 2025 median of $18,798, for programs serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$518.5M
Grants
540
Total Given
$41.2M
More Funders in Florida
Esserman Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?