The Berstein Family Foundation
THE BERSTEIN FAMILY FOUNDATION is a private foundation based in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in education, Jewish community programs, arts and culture, health, and other areas.
Key facts about The Berstein Family Foundation
In short: The Berstein Family Foundation gave $1.4M across 26 grants in 2024 (avg $55K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 31% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
- EIN
- 38-7217316
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990 filing, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,441,500
- Grants made (2024)
- 26
- Average grant
- $55,442
- Median grant
- $70,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (8 of 26, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (72% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 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 filing · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$1.4M
-10.9% YoY
Grant Count
26
-46.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$55K
+68.0% YoY
Is The Berstein Family Foundation open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 8 of 26 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $59K; repeat grants $54K. How we count
Medians: $43K first-time, $70K repeat.
- 65% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−6%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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
The foundation’s website describes focus areas of American democracy, arts and culture, and Jewish causes. Its guidelines describe support for public understanding of American democracy; arts and cultural programs; and Jewish community institutions and programs. The website identifies Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area as the primary geographic interest for its Family Program.
The 2024 grants also show support for a range of organizations. For example, College Possible describes its work as helping students from low-income backgrounds access and succeed in college through coaching and support. Teach Plus says it empowers teachers to take leadership on policy and practice issues advancing student success. Writers Matter describes providing curriculum and training to public school students and teachers to improve critical writing and thinking.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 26 grants totaling $1,441,500. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $208,000, with a median of $70,000. The largest award was $208,000 to KESHET DAF for the Atidim for Industry program, educational needs of children in Beersheva, and targeted giving to an alumni program and youth movement. Other notable grants included $100,000 to Bethanna Co Karen Hamilton for general operating support for Ben Franklin/Bethanna; $100,000 to Temple Sholom for general operating support; $90,000 to Graduate Philadelphia for general operating support; and $85,000 each to College Possible and Teach Plus for general operating support.
Ready to take the next step with The Berstein Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania (72%), Massachusetts (20%), and New York (8%). Its website describes Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area as the primary geographic interest for its Family Program.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 26 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
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
159 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KESHET DAF Newtown, MA | ATIDIM FOR INDUSTRY PROGRAM, SUPPORTING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN BEERSHEVA AND TARGETED GIVING TO THE ALUMNI PROGRAM AND YOUTH MOVEMENT | $208,000 |
| BETHANNA CO KAREN HAMILTON Philadelphia, PA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR BEN FRANKLIN/BETHANNA | $100,000 |
| TEMPLE SHOLOM Brooklyn, NY | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| GRADUATE PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, PA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $90,000 |
| COLLEGE POSSIBLE Philadelphia, PA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $85,000 |
| JULES E MASTBAUM HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA | SUPPORT FOR PHILA ACADEMIES | $85,000 |
| TEACH PLUS Boston, MA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR TEACH PLUS | $85,000 |
| ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Philadelphia, PA | SUPPORT FOR PHILADELPHIA HEIGHTS, LAUNCH OF PHILA AND TEACH LLC | $75,000 |
| BIG PICTURE PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, PA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $75,000 |
| GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR PHILADELPHIA HEIGHTS & SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILA | $75,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grant total | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,441,500 | 26 |
| 2023 | $1,616,967 | 49 |
| 2022 | $1,972,060 | 31 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 Joseph H. Berstein, Jeffrey Berstein, and Dana Berstein as trustees.
The Berstein Family Foundation's 2024 filing lists 3 officers; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Dana Berstein
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Berstein
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph H. Berstein
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Joan F. Berstein (2020) — Trustee
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 31 Northwoods Road, Radnor, PA 19087
Phone: (610) 212-5329
Website: https://bernsteinfamilyfoundationdc.org
Frequently asked questions about The Berstein Family Foundation
How much does The Berstein Family Foundation give each year?
The Berstein Family Foundation gave $1.4M across 26 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $1.6M across 49 grants.
What is The Berstein Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Berstein Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $70,000, and its average grant was $55,442, across 26 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Berstein Family Foundation that year got $59K on average.
Where does The Berstein Family Foundation give grants?
The Berstein Family Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 72% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing went to recipients there. The next largest states were Massachusetts (20%) and New York (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (17 grants), Brooklyn, NY (2 grants), Bryn Mawr, PA (2 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does The Berstein Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 62% of The Berstein Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 26) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
Who are The Berstein Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Berstein Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Keshet Daf ($208,000), Bethanna Co Karen Hamilton ($100,000) and Temple Sholom ($100,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
What does The Berstein Family Foundation fund?
The foundation’s website describes focus areas of American democracy, arts and culture, and Jewish causes. Its guidelines describe support for public understanding of American democracy; arts and cultural programs; and Jewish community institutions and programs. The website identifies Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area as the primary geographic interest for its Family Program. The 2024 grants also show support for a range of organizations. For example, College Possible describes its wor…
How do I apply for a grant from The Berstein Family Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Berstein Family Foundation's EIN?
The Berstein Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-7217316. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Berstein Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Berstein Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Berstein Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Foundation funds nonprofits working to strengthen Greater Philadelphia, including efforts to advance economic mobility and support vulnerable residents, with grants spanning a range of community needs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$704.6M
Grants
715
Total Given
$39.1M
The Neubauer Family Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Neubauer Family Foundation supports universities, education organizations, arts and cultural institutions, and other nonprofits, with most 2024 funding going to organizations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $5.6 million, with a median of $5,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$361.0M
Grants
199
Total Given
$17.9M
The Patricia Kind Family Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Patricia Kind Family Foundation funds Philadelphia County nonprofits addressing racial and economic injustice, especially practical responses to poverty through direct services and capacity building. Most grants are $10,000–$25,000 per year for three years; it accepts unsolicited requests through online application cycles.
Assets
$22.7M
Grants
176
Total Given
$3.6M
The William Penn Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The William Penn Foundation funds arts and culture, children and families, civic engagement, the environment and public spaces, and workforce training across the Philadelphia region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $45 to $7.78 million, with a median of $50,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a limited open-application process, though it recommends applying through a relevant RFP when available.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
1,027
Total Given
$148.8M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Saramar Charitable Fund
Philadelphia, PA
The Saramar Charitable Fund supports organizations in areas including Jewish life and education, arts, food assistance, health, and community services, with most 2024 funding going to Pennsylvania organizations. Its 2024 grants had a median of $1,000, though awards ranged from $54 to $156,872. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; it says to contact Marjorie Honickman and lists no application deadline or required materials.
Assets
$6.6M
Grants
109
Total Given
$501K
The Daniel B and
Conshohocken, PA
The Daniel B and made grants to organizations working in areas including housing, science education, food distribution, and community development, though it has no stated formal funding priorities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $29,750; 76% of grant dollars went to Pennsylvania. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$207.0M
Grants
118
Total Given
$8.1M
The Cigna Group Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Cigna Group Foundation funds nonprofits addressing community health, especially youth and veteran mental health, health equity, and disaster relief, in communities across the U.S. and globally. Current program awards are generally $100,000–$250,000, depending on the focus area. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$127.2M
Grants
4,075
Total Given
$14.1M
Chubb Charitable Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Chubb Charitable Foundation supports youth development through education, mentorship, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community programs, as well as organizations working in areas such as humanitarian aid, health, and disability services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $50 to $1 million, with a median of $200; funding was concentrated in New York, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The foundation directs applicants to its proposal guidelines and states that it does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$74.9M
Grants
3,719
Total Given
$6.3M
Lincoln Financial Foundation Inc
Radnor, PA
Lincoln Financial Foundation funds nonprofits focused on financial wellness and workforce development, youth education, and human services such as housing, homelessness, and food insecurity, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3 to $250,000, with a median of $100, and it supports eligible organizations serving listed communities where Lincoln Financial has a significant presence, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, and Omaha. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
3,159
Total Given
$8.8M
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds basic needs, racial equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, primarily for organizations located in or serving Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Its 2024 grants had a median of $18,576, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
Seattle Foundation
Seattle, WA
Seattle Foundation supports community-led efforts advancing racial and economic equity, including advocacy, systems change, arts and culture, and community capacity, mainly in Seattle and King County. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $6,000, though amounts varied widely.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
5,379
Total Given
$177.9M
More Funders in Pennsylvania
The Berstein Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?