Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc
The Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc is a private foundation located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in several states, including New York and New Mexico.
Key facts about Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc
In short: Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc gave $152K across 24 grants in 2024 (avg $6K), mostly in New York. 13% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 04-6114436
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $152,000
- Grants made (2024)
- 24
- Average grant
- $6,333
- Median grant
- $3,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (3 of 24, 2024; small sample)
- Total assets
- $2,293,690
- Primary geography
- New York (68% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.3M
-5.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$152K
-0.7% YoY
Grant Count
24
-22.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$6K
+28.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $175K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 24 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. With only 24 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $7K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 83% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−19%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 87% 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 (2020–2024). 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 mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants went to organizations working in areas including arts access, children’s services, food assistance, public media, education, animal welfare, and community services. For example, Culture for One says it enriches the lives of children in New York City foster care through the arts. New Mexico Children’s Foundation describes its work as serving children’s and families’ physical, mental, educational, and social needs. Española Valley Humane Society says it provides humane shelter, adoption, spay-neuter, and other animal-welfare programs.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 24 grants totaling $152,000. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $30,000, with a median of $3,000. Among the largest were $30,000 each to Central Fund of Israel and Culture for One; $10,000 each to Albuquerque Jewish Community Center, CSU Foundation, Move NYC Foundation, and Think New Mexico; and $9,000 to Food Bank for NYC. Other reported recipients included WNET and New Mexico Children’s Foundation, each receiving $2,000, and Española Valley Humane Society, receiving $1,000.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 68% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 18% to recipients in New Mexico. Colorado received 7%, Florida 3%, and Minnesota 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $87K (2022) to $188K (2021). In 2024 it made 24 grants totaling $152K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Central Fund of Israel ($30K). Together the top 10 received $124K.
Grant Size Distribution
136 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 136 grants of 136 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central Fund of Israel Cedarhurst, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $30,000 |
| Culture for One New York, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $30,000 |
| Albuquerque Jewish Community Center Albuquerque, NM | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $10,000 |
| CSU Foundation Fort Collins, CO | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $10,000 |
| Move NYC Foundation New York, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $10,000 |
| Think New Mexico Santa Fe, NM | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $10,000 |
| Food Bank for NYC New York, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $9,000 |
| Doe Foundation New York, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $5,000 |
| Shake-a-Leg Miami Miami, FL | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $5,000 |
| The Door New York, NY | Enable Donee's Exempt Function | $5,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant total | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,293,690 | $103,004 | $240,848 | $152,000 | 24 |
| 2023 | $2,431,534 | −$156,306 | $233,744 | $153,000 | 31 |
| 2022 | $2,821,584 | −$62,017 | $191,155 | $86,500 | 18 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,293,690 | $2,431,534 | $2,821,584 |
| Revenue | $103,004 | $-156,306 | $-62,017 |
| Expenses | $240,848 | $233,744 | $191,155 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $152,000 | $153,000 | $86,500 |
| Net Investment Income | $46,158 | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | $174,586 | $160,801 | $176,439 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Daniel F Haft as president, treasurer, and director; Roger Scoville as clerk; and Nicole Werkmeister Esq as director.
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc is led by Daniel F. Haft, President, Treasurer & Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Daniel F. Haft
President, Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2020
25 hrs/week
$31K (2020) → $49K (2024)
Nicole Werkmeister Esq.
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roger Scoville
Clerk
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Burt Haft (2020) — 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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $49K, to Daniel F Haft (President, Treasurer, Director).
Contact
Mailing address: 7 Avenida Vista Grande 160, Santa Fe, NM 87508
Phone: (505) 466-1575
Frequently asked questions about Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc
How much does Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc give each year?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc gave $152K across 24 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $153K across 31 grants.
What is Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $3,000, and its average grant was $6,333, across 24 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc that year got $3K on average.
Where does Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc give grants?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc gives mostly in New York: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New Mexico (18%) and Colorado (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (10 grants) and Santa Fe, NM (5 grants).
Who are Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Central Fund of Israel ($30,000), Culture for One ($30,000) and Albuquerque Jewish Community Center ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc reported $2.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $152K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $175K (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 Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants went to organizations working in areas including arts access, children’s services, food assistance, public media, education, animal welfare, and community services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's EIN?
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-6114436. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation 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.
Here's the math on researching Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Mexico
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Dreamspring
Albuquerque, NM
DreamSpring primarily provides loans, training, and business support to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses, rather than grants; recent filings report no grants, though a 2020 grant of $15,000 is recorded. It serves entrepreneurs in 27 states, and no typical grant size or process for unsolicited grant requests is stated.
Assets
$66.4M
Grants
356
Total Given
$4.8M
Santa Fe Community Foundation
Santa Fe, NM
The Santa Fe Community Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health, education, economic opportunity, the environment, arts and culture, and other community priorities; its main focus is Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe counties, though some funds support work statewide. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,250 to $1,517,500, with a median of $16,006. It accepts proposals through competitive grant cycles and fund-specific opportunities; no grants were open at the time described.
Assets
$144.1M
Grants
302
Total Given
$12.4M
Albuquerque Community Foundation
Albuquerque, NM
The Albuquerque Community Foundation funds nonprofit work in health care, human services, arts and culture, education, environment and historic preservation, and economic and workforce development, serving Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $16,000 and ranged from $5,200 to $663,352; its annual grant cycle has a minimum award of $10,000.
Assets
$160.6M
Grants
245
Total Given
$6.9M
PNM TNMP Foundation
Albuquerque, NM
The PNM TNMP Foundation supports nonprofits working in education, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality, with grants also benefiting a range of community services. It funds organizations in New Mexico and Texas; 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $75,000, with a median grant of $5,000. Its website provides an application for the 2026 PNM Power Grant, but the profile does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$14.2M
Grants
169
Total Given
$1.3M
JF Maddox Foundation
Hobbs, NM
The JF Maddox Foundation funds education, community development, and social services projects that benefit residents of Lea County, New Mexico, including work by public charities and government entities. Grants vary widely; its 2024 filing shows a median award of $5,000, and it accepts unsolicited requests through an online application.
Assets
$247.3M
Grants
159
Total Given
$4.2M
Thornburg Foundation
Santa Fe, NM
The Thornburg Foundation supports New Mexico nonprofits working on education, water, land and agriculture, good governance, federal funding, homelessness, and community needs. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $225,000, with a median of $25,000; most funding went to New Mexico. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations.
Assets
$179.4M
Grants
144
Total Given
$6.4M
Marshall L and Perrine D McCune
Santa Fe, NM
The foundation funds unrestricted operating support for community-based work benefiting New Mexicans in health, education, the environment, culture, and spiritual life; most of its giving goes to New Mexico. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,850 to $200,000, with a median of $15,000, and it accepts applications during an annual open cycle.
Assets
$97.6M
Grants
139
Total Given
$3.2M
Slayton Foundation
Roswell, NM
The Slayton Foundation supports Christian organizations and related work in humanitarian aid, housing, pregnancy support, poverty relief, meals, and children’s care, with much of its 2024 giving going to Texas and New Mexico. Its 2024 grants ranged from $345 to $101,600, with a median of $7,000. It funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$30.1M
Grants
129
Total Given
$1.5M
Central Valley Electric Education
Artesia, NM
Central Valley Electric Education funds undergraduate scholarships for active Central Valley Electric Cooperative members and their immediate family members attending accredited colleges or universities. Its 2024 awards were typically $3,500 (ranging from $1,500 to $3,500), primarily to recipients in New Mexico, with a small share in Texas. It accepts scholarship applications through its cooperative scholarship webpage; the annual deadline is April 15.
Assets
$2.9M
Grants
121
Total Given
$327K
Latitude Charitable Foundation
Albuquerque, NM
Assets
$538K
Grants
118
Total Given
$104K
More Funders in New Mexico
Joseph C & Esther Foster Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?