The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Foundation is a private foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by Aaron and Lillie Straus in 1926, it continues their philanthropic vision of connecting Baltimore families with protection, education, and opportunity. The foundation supports work in Jewish community services, immigration advocacy and services, health and mental health access, and social innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 at a glance
In short: The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 gave $3.2M across 60 grants in 2024 (avg $53K), mostly in Maryland. 37% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,176,535
- +11.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 60
- -1.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $52,942
- +12.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $9,000
- Total assets
- $76,214,065
- +2.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 37% first-time grantees (22 of 60, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (97% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002
- How to Apply
-
New applicants can create a login in the grants system and submit a short letter of interest. Foundation staff review the letter and may invite an applicant to submit a full proposal; a staff meeting may also be part of the process. The filing lists the Common Grant Application Form as the application material and Jan Rivitz as the filing contact. The foundation does not award grants to individuals or endowment campaigns. Its website says it does not fund endowment campaigns and does not accept proposals inconsistent with its programmatic priorities.
- Review Cycle
- Applications are accepted year round. Grants are awarded three times a year.
- Deadline
- Applications are accepted year round.
- Contact
Application contact: Jan Rivitz
Mailing address: 1001 N Charles St Ste 301, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 539-8308
Website: https://strausfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002
Who The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Camp Airy and Louise Foundation ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
304 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 228 grants of 304 (75%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it funds almost exclusively in the Baltimore metropolitan region and describes its work as focused on the Baltimore community. In 2024, 97% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maryland; 1% went to recipients in Washington, DC, and 1% to recipients in New York. The filing also lists recipients in Nebraska and Washington, each accounting for 0% of grant dollars.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 60 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 open to new grantees?
37%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 22 of 60 grantees (37%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $35K; repeat grants $63K. How we count
Medians: $23K first-time, $6K repeat.
- 48% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 22% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 106% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.6M (2021) to $4.5M (2020). In 2024 it made 60 grants totaling $3.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Airy and Louise Foundation Baltimore, MD | General | $1,460,200 |
| Asylee Women Enterprise Baltimore, MD | General | $150,000 |
| Esperanza Center-Associated Baltimore, MD | General | $137,000 |
| HEAL Hopkins Esperanza and Loyola Baltimore, MD | General | $125,000 |
| Center for Hope Inc Baltimore, MD | General | $108,500 |
| Centro SOLJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | General | $100,000 |
| The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journ Baltimore, MD | General | $100,000 |
| Central Scholarship Owings Mills, MD | General | $100,000 |
| Tahirih Justice Center Baltimore, MD | General | $95,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | General | $80,612 |
Ready to take the next step with The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2023 filing reports 61 grants, and the 2022 filing reports 65 grants.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $76,214,065 | $7,279,898 | $5,130,458 | $3,176,535 | 60 | $4,191,666 | $6,392,444 | $3,964,462 |
| 2023 | $74,504,380 | $563,997 | $4,608,246 | $2,862,166 | 61 | $3,769,314 | $418,486 | $3,419,613 |
| 2022 | $67,961,949 | $-3,488,864 | $4,289,750 | $2,698,380 | 65 | $3,318,577 | — | $3,501,911 |
| 2021 | $82,336,152 | $9,991,586 | $4,493,763 | $2,596,880 | 58 | $3,113,906 | $8,914,095 | $3,808,691 |
| 2020 | $75,020,510 | $7,163,250 | $5,501,787 | $4,451,747 | 60 | — | $5,753,533 | $3,446,802 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 reported a distributable amount of $4.0M for 2024 — 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 stated mission is to connect Baltimore families to avenues of hope and opportunity that help them build more secure futures. Its four stated priority areas are Jewish community services; immigration advocacy and services, with the aim of making Baltimore a welcoming city; access to quality health and mental health services; and social innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
The foundation describes its Jewish community work as rooted in Jewish values, particularly social justice. It highlights Camps Airy and Louise, which provide Jewish children from Baltimore and the surrounding area opportunities for personal growth and development regardless of economic background. Its website also highlights immigration work involving Centro SOL and Tahirih Justice Center.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work. Asylee Women Enterprise describes its mission as helping asylum seekers and other forced migrants navigate immigration legal processes, heal from trauma, and rebuild their lives in Baltimore. Center for Hope says it advances hope, healing, and resilience for people affected by trauma, abuse, and violence. Open Works describes its work as revitalizing economically depressed Baltimore communities through economic and workforce development, skills training, entrepreneurship, and small-business incubation. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 60 grants totaling $3,176,535. Individual grants ranged from $100 to $1,460,200, with a median grant of $9,000. Among the largest awards were $1,460,200 to Camp Airy and Louise Foundation, $150,000 to Asylee Women Enterprise, $137,000 to Esperanza Center-Associated, $125,000 to HEAL Hopkins Esperanza and Loyola, and $108,500 to Center for Hope. The listed grant purposes were “GENERAL.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jan C Rivitz as president and treasurer; Lee E Coplan as vice president; Terry Underberg as secretary; and Susan Leviton, Kathleen Page, Jacob Hodes, and Fagan Harris as directors. The foundation’s website lists Jan Rivitz as president and CEO, Molly Doran as director of programs, and Adrianna Lohnes as operations officer.
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 is led by Jan C. Rivitz, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; 1 of 7 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jan C. Rivitz
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$411K (2020) → $491K (2024)
Jacob Hodes
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Leviton
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fagan Harris
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Page
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lee E. Coplan
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terry Underberg
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Stephen H. Abraham (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Samuel Himmelrich Unitl Sept (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 $491K, to Jan C Rivitz (President/Treasurer).
Frequently asked questions about The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002
How much does The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 give each year?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 gave $3.2M across 60 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.9M across 61 grants.
What is The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's typical grant size?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's median grant in 2024 was $9,000, and its average grant was $52,942, across 60 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 that year got $35K on average.
Where does The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 give grants?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 gives mostly in Maryland: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Baltimore, MD (32 grants), New York, NY (5 grants), Washington, DC (4 grants) and Lutherville, MD (2 grants).
Does The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (60 of 60) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's largest grantees?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's largest 2024 grantees include Camp Airy and Louise Foundation ($1,460,200), Asylee Women Enterprise ($150,000) and Esperanza Center-Associated ($137,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 55% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 reported $76.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to connect Baltimore families to avenues of hope and opportunity that help them build more secure futures. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002?
New applicants can create a login in the grants system and submit a short letter of interest. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's EIN?
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-2040073. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Baltimore Community Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Community Foundation supports schools, neighborhoods, and community projects, including work on kindergarten readiness, student well-being, neighborhood vitality, and arts and culture. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $19,800, with amounts varying widely, and its strategic school and neighborhood grants focus on Baltimore City and Baltimore County. It invites applications through its online portal for specified grant programs.
Assets
$314.3M
Grants
604
Total Given
$29.3M
Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore supports Jewish life and related charitable, educational, religious, health, humanitarian, cultural, and social-service needs in Baltimore, nationally, in Israel, and worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,020 to $15.25 million, with a median of $18,750; the profile describes specific funding opportunities and donor-advised fund recommendations but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$446.7M
Grants
515
Total Given
$53.0M
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Abell Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Abell Foundation funds nonprofits, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects addressing health, education, community development, workforce, justice and addiction, the environment, and arts, as well as Baltimore-focused research and catalytic business investments. Its giving is focused on Baltimore City, with a typical grant of about $20,000 (2024 median; awards ranged from $188 to $300,000). It accepts applications: requests of $10,000 or less are reviewed on a rolling basis, while larger requests go through five annual board meetings.
Assets
$296.4M
Grants
391
Total Given
$13.4M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
France-Merrick Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Foundation funds one-time, project-based work in civic and culture, community and economic development, conservation, education, health and human services, and historic preservation, mainly in greater Baltimore and elsewhere in Maryland. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $305,000, with a median of $22,370. It accepts unsolicited requests through a rolling letter-of-inquiry process; proposals are by invitation.
Assets
$192.7M
Grants
184
Total Given
$10.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-aaron-and-lillie-straus-fdn-inc-9830002-morg_19def0a793b94df48444c0b5a02d1b87
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_522040073_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Aaron \& Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-aaron-and-lillie-straus-fdn-inc-9830002-morg_19def0a793b94df48444c0b5a02d1b87},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002'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.
The Aaron & Lillie Straus Fdn Inc 9830002 down — hundreds of funders to go?