Joseph and Vera Zilber Family
The Joseph and Vera Zilber Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1961 by Joseph J. Zilber and his wife Vera, it supports organizations and communities in Milwaukee and Hawaii, with a mission to increase access to social and economic opportunity.
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family at a glance
In short: Joseph and Vera Zilber Family gave $18.8M across 319 grants in 2025 (avg $59K), mostly in Wisconsin. 25% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $18,783,762
- +22.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 319
- +9.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $58,883
- +11.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $7,500
- Total assets
- $422,285,700
- +6.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (38 of 155, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (82% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- 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 Joseph and Vera Zilber Family
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Organizations aligned with its economic stability priorities may introduce their mission and focus for consideration; only invited organizations receive application instructions.
- Review Cycle
- The next listed 2026 request date is October 19, 2026, for Foundation consideration on December 10 and notification by December 16. The Foundation says dates are approximate and subject to confirmation.
- Deadline
- The next listed 2026 request date is October 19, 2026, for Foundation consideration on December 10 and notification by…
- Contact
Application contact: Joseph Vera Zilber Charitable
Mailing address: 710 N Plankinton Ave Suite 1200, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 274-2447
Email: info@zilberfamilyfoundation.org
Website: https://zilberfamilyfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Joseph and Vera Zilber Family funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was UWM Foundation ($3.5M). Together the top 10 received $9.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,362 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 947 grants of 1,362 (70%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s strategic plan identifies Milwaukee, particularly Lindsay Heights, Clarke Square, and Layton Boulevard West, and Hawaii, particularly Oahu, as places where it has worked. In 2025, 82% of grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin and 12% to recipients in Hawaii; smaller shares went to New York, California, and Washington, D.C.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 319 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Joseph and Vera Zilber Family open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 38 of 155 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $53K; repeat grants $143K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $57K repeat.
- 69% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 66% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 110% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $7.1M (2020) to $18.8M (2025). In 2025 it made 319 grants totaling $18.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UWM Foundation Milwaukee, WI | UWM Zilber College of Public Health | $3,500,000 |
| Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin Inc Milwaukee, WI | Aurora Zilber Family Hospice | $800,000 |
| The Bridge Project New York City, NY | Milwaukee Cash Transfer Program | $562,500 |
| Le Jardin Academy Kailua, HI | Let's Build on This Campaign | $500,000 |
| Community Development Alliance Milwaukee, WI | CDA King Park Scattered Sites MKE | $500,000 |
| Community Development Alliance (CDA) Milwaukee, WI | Down Payment Assistance | $500,000 |
| Revitalize Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI | Neighborhood Roofing Project | $500,000 |
| Sojourner Foundation Milwaukee, WI | Hope in Action | $400,000 |
| Housing Resources Inc Milwaukee, WI | General Operations | $355,000 |
| Layton Boulevard West Neighbors Inc DBA via CDC Milwaukee, WI | Strong and Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative | $350,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Joseph and Vera Zilber Family?
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 | $422,285,700 | $23,276,959 | $18,969,873 | $18,783,762 | 319 | $21,151,791 | $24,762,213 | $19,281,733 |
| 2024 | $396,066,804 | $23,310,960 | $34,789,288 | $15,313,280 | 291 | $16,937,260 | $22,812,552 | $17,351,972 |
| 2023 | $356,779,401 | $24,039,017 | $14,400,461 | $12,376,705 | 316 | $13,814,230 | $26,514,576 | $14,841,064 |
| 2022 | $301,880,639 | $24,555,392 | $14,068,164 | $11,343,658 | 250 | $12,633,508 | $24,542,772 | $13,967,331 |
| 2021 | $281,524,864 | $21,372,942 | $7,806,154 | $8,051,201 | 186 | — | $22,466,022 | $11,698,498 |
| 2020 | $222,792,049 | $14,759,051 | $12,534,586 | $7,056,232 | 114 | — | $31,423,256 | $9,792,460 |
| 2019 | $200,392,482 | $9,025,381 | $7,620,937 | $10,037,895 | 161 | — | $7,844,604 | $9,392,922 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Joseph and Vera Zilber Family reported a distributable amount of $19.3M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to increase access to social and economic opportunity. Its four program areas are Economic Stability, Basic Needs, Sector Supports, and Joseph & Vera Zilber Partners. These include work to create pathways to safe and stable housing, cash, and capital; address immediate needs; support a healthy nonprofit ecosystem; and continue projects initiated by the founders.
The Foundation describes its grantmaking as support for strategically aligned organizations, including general operations, programs and services, and future aspirations. Examples of grantees’ work include the Community Development Alliance’s efforts to advance racial equity and affordable homeownership in Milwaukee, and Housing Resources Inc.’s work preparing people for sustainable homeownership and financial empowerment. Revitalize Milwaukee describes its work as providing free critical home repairs and services to low-income people, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. These are grantees’ stated missions, not the Foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 319 grants totaling $18,783,762. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $3,500,000, with a median of $7,500. Its largest reported grants included $3,500,000 to the UWM Foundation for the UWM Zilber College of Public Health, $800,000 to Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin for Aurora Zilber Family Hospice, and $562,500 to The Bridge Project for a Milwaukee cash transfer program. Other notable awards included $500,000 each to Le Jardin Academy for its “Let’s Build on This” campaign and the Community Development Alliance for two projects, and $500,000 to Revitalize Milwaukee for its neighborhood roofing project.
The Foundation’s website says grants are by invitation. Organizations whose priorities align with its economic stability priorities may introduce their mission and focus for consideration; invited organizations receive instructions for applying through the online grants portal. The website says Milwaukee-based Basic Needs and Sector Supports grants, and all grants supporting work in Hawaii, are by invitation. The Foundation reviews and awards grants three times per year.
The Foundation’s 2023 filing said it typically invites proposals responding to its priorities rather than funding unsolicited proposals. It listed exclusions including individual assistance, for-profit organizations, political parties or candidates, endowments, annual fund appeals, fundraising events, conferences or workshops, and individual scholarships, fellowships, loans, or projects. It also stated that grant recipients must report on progress every six months, with disbursements dependent on staff approval of narrative and financial reports.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Marcy C. Jackson as president and director; Shane M. Jackson as treasurer and director; Mark Madigan as secretary/vice president and director; and Marilyn Zilber, Melissa S. A. Jackson, James F. Janz, Paul Tilleman, Julianne Kaufmann, and Lasharele Borg as directors.
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family is led by Marcy C. Jackson, President & Director on every filing since 2019; all 9 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Marcy C. Jackson
President & Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$20K (2019) → $25K (2025)
James F. Janz
Director
Vice President & Director → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$20K (2019) → $6K (2025)
Marilyn Zilber
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $25K (2025)
Melissa S. A. Jackson
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $25K (2025)
Shane M. Jackson
Treasurer & Director
Director → Treasurer & Director, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $25K (2025)
Paul Tilleman
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
$25K (2024) → $25K (2025)
Julianne Kaufmann
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
$25K (2025)
Lasharele Borg
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
$25K (2025)
Mark Madigan
Secretary & Vice President Director
Director → Secretary & Director, 2023
Secretary & Director → Secretary & Vice President Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$10K (2022) → $25K (2025)
Former officers (3)
- Former: Michael P Mervis (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: John K Tsui (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Stephan J Chevalier (2019–2023) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $25K, to Marcy C Jackson (President/Director). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Joseph and Vera Zilber Family
How much does Joseph and Vera Zilber Family give each year?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family gave $18.8M across 319 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $15.3M across 291 grants.
What is Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's typical grant size?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's median grant in 2025 was $7,500, and its average grant was $58,883, across 319 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Joseph and Vera Zilber Family that year got $53K on average.
Where does Joseph and Vera Zilber Family give grants?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family gives mostly in Wisconsin: 82% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Hawaii (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (207 grants), Honolulu, HI (47 grants), Kailua, HI (12 grants) and New York City, NY (6 grants).
Does Joseph and Vera Zilber Family give general operating support?
Yes: 36% of Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (114 of 319) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Gratitude Grant" (87 grants) and "Holiday Giving 2024" (20 grants).
Who are Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's largest grantees?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's largest 2025 grantees include UWM Foundation ($3,500,000), Revitalize Milwaukee ($905,000 across 4 grants) and Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin Inc ($880,000 across 3 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Joseph and Vera Zilber Family?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family reported $422.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $21.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $19.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Joseph and Vera Zilber Family fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to increase access to social and economic opportunity. Its four program areas are Economic Stability, Basic Needs, Sector Supports, and Joseph & Vera Zilber Partners. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Joseph and Vera Zilber Family?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's EIN?
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-2076346. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Joseph and Vera Zilber Family 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 October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 14, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 1, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 24, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Joseph and Vera Zilber Family's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds nonprofit programs, projects, general operations and capital needs, with priorities including early childhood education, housing, basic needs, health, arts and culture, and scientific research. Its competitive grants primarily serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties; in 2024, the median grant was about $27,800, though awards varied widely. It runs competitive grant cycles, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
838
Total Given
$66.8M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Herbert H Kohl Charities Inc
Milwaukee, WI
Herbert H Kohl Charities funds charitable organizations, with its affiliated philanthropy emphasizing education, civic engagement, and community initiatives in Milwaukee and Wisconsin; most 2025 grant dollars went to Wisconsin recipients. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $2 million, with a median of $5,000, and Homegrown Grants offer up to $5,000. It makes contributions only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
258
Total Given
$14.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Joseph and Vera Zilber Family funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/joseph-and-vera-zilber-family-morg_2e7e3011a35f4f3eb9b1c237ae942a07
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_392076346_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Joseph and Vera Zilber Family funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/joseph-and-vera-zilber-family-morg_2e7e3011a35f4f3eb9b1c237ae942a07},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Joseph and Vera Zilber Family'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.
Joseph and Vera Zilber Family down — hundreds of funders to go?