Leichtag Foundation
The Leichtag Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation based in Encinitas, California. Established in 1991, the foundation honors the legacy of Lee and Toni Leichtag through philanthropic work focused on vibrant Jewish life, self-sufficiency, and social entrepreneurship. The foundation maintains a staff of 14 employees and operates as an active grantmaking organization.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$83.2M
+2.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.7M
-32.4% YoY
Grant Count
49
-41.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$56K
+14.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leichtag Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Leichtag Foundation's mission is to honor the legacy of Lee and Toni Leichtag through igniting and inspiring vibrant Jewish life, advancing self-sufficiency, and stimulating social entrepreneurship in coastal North San Diego County and Jerusalem.
The foundation supports programs and educational activities inspired by ancient Jewish traditions that connect people to community, food, the land, and social justice. Key focus areas include:
- Vibrant Jewish life and community connection
- Self-sufficiency and social entrepreneurship
- Food justice, including access to fresh, healthy, affordable, and culturally-appropriate food
- Fair treatment of workers
- Compassionate treatment of animals
- Agricultural education and organic farming
- Nonprofit human services
Grantmaking
Since its inception in 1991, the Leichtag Foundation has granted over $145 million to 496 different organizations. Of this amount, over $130 million has been granted since becoming independent in late 2007, with approximately 21% remaining in Encinitas as of December 2023.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary geographic focus areas include:
- Coastal North San Diego County, California
- Jerusalem
- Secondary funding presence in California, New York, and Texas
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending September 2024:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | $83,247,408 |
| Total Revenue | $6,266,297 |
| Total Expenses | $10,235,862 |
| Net Income | -$3,969,565 |
| Net Assets | $78,302,254 |
| Total Liabilities | $4,950,000 |
Historical Context:
- Annual revenue (most recent data): $5,060,742
- Tax-exempt status: Since September 1991
- EIN: 33-0466189
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $83,247,408 | $81,527,220 | $83,988,032 |
| Revenue | $6,266,297 | $4,419,092 | $7,577,497 |
| Expenses | $10,235,862 | $11,118,438 | $10,972,140 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,468,014 | $5,859,660 | $6,897,913 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,107,618 | $732,076 | $3,725,058 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,977,717 | $4,084,389 | $4,338,621 |
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
249 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Jerusalem Philanthropic Initiatives ($793,459), Coastal Roots Farm 1 ($494,334), Impact Cubed ($363,383).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 70 FACES MEDIA NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| ADVANCING STUDENTS FORWARD SAN DIEGO, CA | TO SUPPORT SAN DIEGO GIVES COM | $500 |
| ALLIANCE SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO, CA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $500 |
| ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS NEW YORK, NY | EMPOWER FUND | $1,000 |
| BIPOC SUPPORT FOUNDATION - 1 ESCONDIDO, CA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $250 |
| BRAIN & BEHAVIOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $500 |
| CALIF STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS FOUND SAN MARCOS, CA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $600 |
| CHILDREN'S CORRECTIVE SURGERY SOCIETY SAN DIEGO, CA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $500 |
| COASTAL ROOTS FARM 1 ENCINITAS, CA | FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $494,334 |
| COASTAL ROOTS FARM 1 ENCINITAS, CA | 2024 FARM FOUNDERS CIRCLE MEMB | $2,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Jim Farley: Executive Chair
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMILY EINHORN | VICE CHAIR | 2 | $4,000 |
| JAMES FARLEY | CHAIRPERSON, PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $588,027 |
| LEO SPIEGEL | DIRECTOR | 2 | $4,000 |
| CHARLENE SEIDLE | SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE VP | 40 | $340,528 |
| ANGELICA BERRIE | DIRECTOR | 2 | $4,000 |
| LEILANI RASMUSSEN | TREASURER, VP FINANCE & OPERATIONS | 40 | $300,274 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Jewish Community Foundation announced plans to reunite with the Leichtag Foundation, indicating significant organizational developments in the foundation's structure and operations.
Jewish Community Foundation to Reunite with Leichtag Foundation \u2013 San\Frequently Asked Questions
What does Leichtag Foundation fund?
The Leichtag Foundation's mission is to honor the legacy of Lee and Toni Leichtag through igniting and inspiring vibrant Jewish life, advancing self-sufficiency, and stimulating social entrepreneurship in coastal North San Diego County and Jerusalem. The foundation supports programs and educational activities inspired by ancient Jewish traditions that connect people to community, food, the land, and social justice. Key focus areas include: • Vibrant Jewish life and community connection • Self-s…
How do I apply for a grant from Leichtag Foundation?
Since its inception in 1991, the Leichtag Foundation has granted over $145 million to 496 different organizations. Of this amount, over $130 million has been granted since becoming independent in late 2007, with approximately 21% remaining in Encinitas as of December 2023. **Recent Grant Activity (2024):** • Total giving: $2,722,451 • Typical award range: $40–$1,946,581 • Notable 2024 grant: Impact Cubed received $363,383 for General Operating Support The foundation makes contributions to pre-s…
Where does Leichtag Foundation make grants?
The foundation's primary geographic focus areas include: • Coastal North San Diego County, California • Jerusalem • Secondary funding presence in California, New York, and Texas
What size grants does Leichtag Foundation award?
In 2024, Leichtag Foundation awarded 49 grants totaling $2.7M — an average of about $56K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Leichtag Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Leichtag Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.0M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Leichtag Foundation's EIN?
Leichtag Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 33-0466189. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Leichtag Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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