The Charles M and Esther Zell
The Charles M and Esther Zell is a private foundation, based in Stamford, CT. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $7K in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 2 grants totaling $4K. Net investment income was $487.
The Charles M and Esther Zell at a glance
In short: The Charles M and Esther Zell gave $4K across 2 grants in 2024 (avg $2K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,000
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 2
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $2,000
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,000
- Total assets
- $6,828
- -34.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who The Charles M and Esther Zell funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Guiding Eyes for the Blind ($2K). Together the top 2 received $4K.
Grant Size Distribution
10 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 10 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Charles M and Esther Zell gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+0%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 791% of 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4K (2020) to $4K (2024). In 2024 it made 2 grants totaling $4K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Guiding Eyes for the Blind Yorktown Heights, NY | Provision of Guide Dogs for the Blind. | $2,000 |
| Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx, NY | Provision for Care of Wild Animals | $2,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6,828 | $487 | $4,000 | $4,000 | 2 | $4,000 | $487 | $506 |
| 2023 | $10,341 | $643 | $4,503 | $4,000 | 2 | $4,000 | $643 | $704 |
| 2022 | $14,201 | $210 | $4,000 | $4,000 | 2 | $4,000 | $210 | $877 |
| 2021 | $17,991 | $5 | $4,000 | $4,000 | 2 | $4,000 | $5 | $1,072 |
| 2020 | $21,986 | $63 | $4,516 | $4,000 | 2 | — | $63 | $2,165 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Charles M and Esther Zell reported a distributable amount of $506 for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Charles M and Esther Zell is led by David H. Zell, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David H. Zell
President
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Cheryl O. Zell
Secretary
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Frank Paccetti (2020) — Treasurer
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Charles M and Esther Zell
How much does The Charles M and Esther Zell give each year?
The Charles M and Esther Zell gave $4K across 2 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4K across 2 grants.
How large is The Charles M and Esther Zell?
The Charles M and Esther Zell reported $7K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $506 (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
Where does The Charles M and Esther Zell operate?
The Charles M and Esther Zell has awarded grants in New York.
What is The Charles M and Esther Zell's EIN?
The Charles M and Esther Zell's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2481402. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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