Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr is a private foundation based in New York, NY. In filing year 2025, it reported 71 grants totaling $4,626,455 to organizations working in areas including humanitarian relief, children’s services, the arts, conservation, and education.
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr at a glance
In short: Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr gave $4.6M across 71 grants in 2025 (avg $65K), mostly in New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,626,455
- +41.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 71
- +7000.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $65,161
- -98.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $1,060,574
- -43.6% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- New York (63% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: C/O Evercore Trust Company 55 East, New York, NY 10055
Phone: (646) 259-7981
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Women in Need ($500K). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 49 grants of 75 (65%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in New York, NY. In 2025, recipients in New York received 63% of grant dollars, followed by California at 9%, Washington, DC, at 8%, Connecticut at 5%, and Massachusetts at 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 71 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr gives
- Giving grew 36% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.1M (2020) to $4.6M (2025). In 2025 it made 71 grants totaling $4.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Need New York, NY | General | $500,000 |
| American Assoc of the Natl Theatre New York, NY | General | $500,000 |
| International Rescue Committee New York, NY | General | $500,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders New York, NY | General | $450,000 |
| African Wildlife Foundation Washington, DC | General | $300,705 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc Fairfeild, CT | General | $250,000 |
| Ballet Theatre Founation Inc New York, NY | General | $250,000 |
| Seeds of Africa New York, NY | General | $200,000 |
| School of Leadership Afghanistan Boston, MA | General | $200,000 |
| Wnet New York, NY | General | $150,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr?
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 | $1,060,574 | $6,373,035 | $4,721,493 | $4,626,455 | 71 | $4,701,059 | $3,341,580 | $28,506 |
| 2024 | $1,881,860 | $1,087,254 | $3,395,506 | $3,261,250 | 1 | $3,331,789 | $1,023,357 | $184,026 |
| 2023 | $4,261,391 | $389,446 | $3,443,344 | $3,193,250 | 1 | $3,307,252 | $299,325 | $361,505 |
| 2022 | $7,423,533 | $2,850,806 | $3,508,562 | $3,410,260 | 1 | $3,418,810 | $2,791,553 | $537,993 |
| 2021 | $8,102,017 | $6,547,485 | $4,031,637 | $3,959,320 | 1 | — | $1,476,014 | $432,390 |
| 2020 | $8,445,402 | $726,210 | $2,189,572 | $2,087,042 | 1 | — | $670,655 | $544,501 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr reported a distributable amount of $29K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. The International Rescue Committee describes its work as responding to humanitarian crises and helping people affected by conflict and disaster. Save the Children Federation says it works to improve children’s lives through immediate and lasting change. American Ballet Theatre describes its work as presenting and preserving classical dance through performances and educational programming. WNET describes itself as a public-service nonprofit providing lifelong learning and community experiences. The African Wildlife Foundation says its mission is to help wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa through conservation, education, and public-policy strategies.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 71 grants totaling $4,626,455. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $500,000, with a median grant of $10,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $500,000 each to Women in Need, the American Association of the National Theatre, and the International Rescue Committee; $450,000 to Doctors Without Borders; $300,705 to the African Wildlife Foundation; and $250,000 each to Save the Children Federation and Ballet Theatre Foundation. Other large grants included $200,000 to Seeds of Africa and $200,000 to the School of Leadership Afghanistan.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Leila Straus, Richard Reiss, Sherry Jacobson, Evercore Trust Company NA, and Scott Straus as trustees.
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's 2025 filing lists 5 officers; 1 of 5 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Evercore Trust Company NA
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
$6K (2025)
Leila Straus
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Reiss
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sherry Jacobson
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Straus
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Evercore Trust Company N A (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Eugene Zuriff (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $6K, to Evercore Trust Company NA (Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr
How much does Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr give each year?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr gave $4.6M across 71 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $3.3M across 1 grant.
What is Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's typical grant size?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $65,161, across 71 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr give grants?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr gives mostly in New York: 63% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (9%) and District of Columbia (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (26 grants), Washington, DC (5 grants), Berkeley, CA (4 grants) and East Hampton, NY (3 grants).
Does Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (71 of 71) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's largest grantees?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's largest 2025 grantees include Women in Need ($500,000), American Assoc of the Natl Theatre ($500,000) and International Rescue Committee ($500,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr reported $1.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $29K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. The International Rescue Committee describes its work as responding to humanitarian crises and helping people affected by conflict and disaster. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's EIN?
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-6881724. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Live grants for the work Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
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
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
LISC funds affordable housing, community development, small businesses, and related efforts that strengthen inclusive communities, providing grants as well as loans, equity, and technical assistance across the country. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $40,000, though amounts varied widely. Application access is program-specific: for its Rhode Island child care facilities planning grants, applicants are instructed to consult program staff before submitting a request.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports human rights and social and economic justice, including work on climate, the environment, civic engagement, and Jewish causes, in the United States and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with amounts ranging from $500 to $9.75 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; it plans to end grantmaking by the end of 2028.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/leila-and-mickey-straus-fam-char-tr-morg_23bf93264d7547cfa9730f90fc68e2a1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_136881724_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Leila \& Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/leila-and-mickey-straus-fam-char-tr-morg_23bf93264d7547cfa9730f90fc68e2a1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. 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 Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr'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.
Leila & Mickey Straus Fam Char Tr down — hundreds of funders to go?