Focus Central America is a 501(c)(3) public charity and grantmaking foundation based in Warren, New Jersey. Founded in 2021 by philanthropist Barry Segal, it operates as his third foundation alongside the Segal Family Foundation and Focus for Health Foundation. The organization supports locally led organizations through community-based partnerships across Central America, empowering community leaders to solve issues in their communities and improve living conditions.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$11.5M
+39.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+20.3% YoY
Grant Count
110
-26.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
+64.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Focus Central America reported a distributable amount of $425K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Focus Central America supports organizations in Central America that offer innovative and systemic solutions to the root causes of forced migration and factors affecting a population's ability to live with dignity. The foundation works across multiple sectors with particular interest in locally-led organizations and seeks to elevate the leadership of both women and indigenous people.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Agriculture/Food Security — Investing in sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity, protect natural resources, and build resilient communities capable of withstanding economic and environmental challenges
- Child Protection — Supporting initiatives that safeguard children's rights, promote physical and emotional well-being, and provide safe and nurturing environments
- Civil Engagement — Promoting civic participation to help build stronger, more inclusive communities where diverse perspectives are valued and collective action is encouraged
Grantmaking
Focus Central America made 42 grants totaling approximately $469,200 in 2023. Recent grantees include:
Ready to take the next step with Focus Central America?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Central America
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 (Most Recent)
- Revenue: $6,906,783
- Expenses: $2,981,380
- Net Income: $3,925,403
- Total Assets: $11.5M
- Total Liabilities: $1.89M
2023
- Total Revenues: $1,997,924
- Total Expenses: $2,550,491
- Total Assets: $8,205,141
- Grants Made: $469,200 (42 grants)
2022
- Total Grants, Contributions: $3,589,176
- Investment Income and Dividends: $88,280
The organization has experienced significant growth in investment income (317% increase from 2022 to 2023) while grant contributions declined 70.4% during the same period.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $11,454,853 | $8,205,141 | $7,976,215 |
| Revenue | $6,906,783 | $1,997,924 | $7,482,929 |
| Expenses | $2,981,380 | $2,550,491 | $1,562,707 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,092,963 | $2,708,149 | $1,441,974 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,945,079 | $853,158 | $3,863,020 |
| Distributable Amount | $424,663 | $345,289 | $209,283 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
161 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Other Organizations ($55,000), Agua Para El Pueblo ($40,000), Amigos of Costa Rica ($35,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A BETTER LIFE GUATEMALA PINE BEACH, NJ | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $20,000 |
| ABESUCHI | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $7,000 |
| ACCION HONDURAS | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $5,000 |
| ACD GUATEMALA | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $30,000 |
| ADISA | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $25,000 |
| ADIT | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $7,500 |
| AGUA PARA EL PUEBLO | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $40,000 |
| AIDEPCE | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $2,500 |
| AJKUN PA LE QATINIMIT | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $24,000 |
| AJUBI | CHARITABLE PURPOSE | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Barry Segal — Founder (1935-2025) Barry's entrepreneurial career was built on the principle of fighting for fairness. He sold his company, Bradco, in 2008 and founded the Segal Family Foundation and Focus for Health Foundation before creating Focus Central America at age 86.
Martin Segal — President Martin graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2004 and served as Vice President of Operations for Bradco Supply. He joined the Segal Family Foundation full-time in 2010 as a managing director and focuses the foundation on making efficient investments in projects that improve lives of people around the world. He is also a real estate investor and manager of several real estate partnerships.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARRY SEGAL | PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| JENNIFER SHORE | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MARTIN SEGAL | VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER | 3 | — |
| SHARON HARRISON | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Focus Central America fund?
Focus Central America supports organizations in Central America that offer innovative and systemic solutions to the root causes of forced migration and factors affecting a population's ability to live with dignity. The foundation works across multiple sectors with particular interest in locally-led organizations and seeks to elevate the leadership of both women and indigenous people. **Primary Focus Areas:** • **Agriculture/Food Security** — Investing in sustainable agricultural practices to en…
How do I apply for a grant from Focus Central America?
Focus Central America made 42 grants totaling approximately $469,200 in 2023. Recent grantees include: • Semilla Nueva ($30,000) • Tierra Nueva ($25,000) • Clean International ($20,000) The foundation pairs funding with community building and educational opportunities for organizational strengthening. Funding is aimed at populations historically underserved by philanthropy.
Where does Focus Central America make grants?
Central America
What size grants does Focus Central America award?
In 2024, Focus Central America awarded 110 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $18K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Focus Central America required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Focus Central America reported a distributable amount of $425K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Focus Central America's EIN?
Focus Central America's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-1440781. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Focus Central America's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Laborers Intl Union of 472 Hcl
NEWARK, NJ
Assets
$61.5M
Grants
1
Total Given
$179K
The Community Chest of Englewood
ENGLEWOOD, NJ
Assets
$491K
Grants
5
Total Given
$38K
Margaret a Darrin Charitable Trust
FLORHAM PARK, NJ
Assets
$111.3M
Grants
61
Total Given
$6.9M
Anplr Religious Education Inc
PASSAIC, NJ
Assets
$19K
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The William & Phyllis Mack Family
FORT LEE, NJ
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
53
Total Given
$3.2M
New Digital Trade Coalition Ndtc
NORTH BERGEN, NJ
Assets
$300
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Focus Central America on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Focus Central America to a real strategy.