The Karma Foundation
The Karma Foundation is a private foundation based in Princeton, New Jersey. Established in 1996, it supports organizations working in arts and culture, autism, education and literacy, health and human services, and the development and enrichment of Jewish life.
The Karma Foundation at a glance
In short: The Karma Foundation gave $222K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $12K), mostly in New Jersey. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $221,608
- -17.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- -24.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $11,664
- +8.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $4,988,398
- -2.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New Jersey (59% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Karma Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states on its 2024 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its website describes an LOI process for organizations that meet its guidelines and have not previously been funded, and an application process for organizations funded within the last two years. The website says selected LOIs are followed by a full proposal; it lists exclusions including organizations without 501(c)(3) status, loans, direct grants to individuals or personal businesses, litigation, and political candidates or lobbying activity. For general operating requests, it requires the organization’s full budget; for project requests, it requires both the project and organization budgets.
- Review Cycle
- The website says there are no application deadlines and that proposals are reviewed every 30 days. It says applicants are notified of a proposal decision within 90 days of receipt; LOI review is described as taking two to four weeks.
- Deadline
- The website says there are no application deadlines and that proposals are reviewed every 30 days.
- Contact
Mailing address: 140 Arreton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: (609) 924-5939
Website: https://www.karmafoundation.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 Karma Foundation
Who The Karma Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was George Street Playhouse ($72K). Together the top 10 received $202K.
Grant Size Distribution
61 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 56 grants of 61 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s guidelines say grants may support local, national, and international organizations. New Jersey grants are restricted to Middlesex, Union, and Mercer Counties, while New Jersey organizations with regional or statewide scope may also be considered. Its FAQ identifies particular interest in Middlesex and Union Counties and says it also funds in Mercer and Somerset Counties, as well as local branches of national organizations and some international relief organizations.
In 2024, 59% of grant dollars went to recipients in New Jersey, 34% to New York, and 7% to Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Karma Foundation gives
- 32% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 90% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 103% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 $116K (2021) to $270K (2023). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $222K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| George Street Playhouse New Brunswick, NJ | General Support | $72,000 |
| Children's Radiothon New York, NY | General Support | $32,078 |
| Bildner Center - Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ | General Support | $30,000 |
| Homefront Lawrence Township, NJ | General Support | $20,000 |
| Moment Magazine Washinton, DC | General Support | $15,000 |
| Matan White Plains, NY | General Support | $10,500 |
| Entertainment Community Fund New York, NY | General Support | $6,250 |
| Atlantic Theater Company New York, NY | General Support | $6,000 |
| The Public Theatre New York, NY | General Support | $5,500 |
| Lincoln Center Theater New York, NY | General Support | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Karma Foundation?
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 | $4,988,398 | $330,444 | $439,623 | $221,608 | 19 | $355,981 | $245,183 | $344,228 |
| 2023 | $5,103,837 | $326,513 | $506,439 | $269,596 | 25 | $421,532 | $239,851 | $313,922 |
| 2022 | $5,278,622 | $279,688 | $396,855 | $201,795 | 15 | $314,761 | $243,059 | $349,869 |
| 2021 | $5,528,841 | $500,136 | $329,141 | $116,355 | 1 | $245,147 | $287,774 | $357,851 |
| 2020 | $5,300,153 | $200,440 | $428,401 | $201,238 | 1 | — | $119,480 | $303,801 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Karma Foundation reported a distributable amount of $344K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that it was established to support organizations engaged in arts and culture, autism, education and literacy, health and human services, and the development and enrichment of Jewish life. Its grant categories include capacity building, capital needs, disaster relief, equipment and materials, operating expenses, special projects and programs, and start-ups. It typically awards grants to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work. George Street Playhouse describes its mission as producing quality theater, including new works, reimagined classics, and theater education. HomeFront says it works to end homelessness in Central New Jersey and help families become self-sufficient. Matan describes its mission as enabling Jewish professionals, communities, and families to create and sustain inclusive settings in Jewish life. Rutgers Hillel says it provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish college students.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave 19 grants totaling $221,608. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $72,000, with a median of $5,000. Its website says grants typically range from $500 to $25,000, with most between $1,000 and $10,000.
The largest 2024 grants included $72,000 to George Street Playhouse, $32,078 to Children’s Radiothon, $30,000 to the Bildner Center at Rutgers University, $20,000 to HomeFront, and $15,000 to Moment Magazine. Each was listed for general support. Other recipients included Matan ($10,500), Atlantic Theater Company ($6,000), and Rutgers Hillel ($3,600).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sharon Karmazin as president, Dina K. Elkins as executive director, and Craig Karmazin as trustee. The foundation’s website identifies Dina Karmazin Elkins as executive director.
The Karma Foundation is led by Dina K. Elkins, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Dina K. Elkins
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$120K (2020) → $120K (2024)
Sharon Karmazin
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Karmazin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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 $120K, to Dina K Elkins (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The Karma Foundation
How much does The Karma Foundation give each year?
The Karma Foundation gave $222K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $270K across 25 grants.
What is The Karma Foundation's typical grant size?
The Karma Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $11,664, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Karma Foundation give grants?
The Karma Foundation gives mostly in New Jersey: 59% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (34%) and District of Columbia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (9 grants) and New Brunswick, NJ (4 grants).
Does The Karma Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Karma Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (19 of 19) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Karma Foundation's largest grantees?
The Karma Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include George Street Playhouse ($72,000), Children's Radiothon ($32,078) and Bildner Center - Rutgers University ($30,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Karma Foundation?
The Karma Foundation reported $5.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $356K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $344K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Karma Foundation fund?
The foundation states that it was established to support organizations engaged in arts and culture, autism, education and literacy, health and human services, and the development and enrichment of Jewish life. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Karma Foundation?
The foundation states on its 2024 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Karma Foundation's EIN?
The Karma Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3478433. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Karma Foundation 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 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Karma Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Karma Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Karma Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-karma-foundation-morg_949cc9626727426d8c71db58e53d9efd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_223478433_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Karma Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-karma-foundation-morg_949cc9626727426d8c71db58e53d9efd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 Karma Foundation'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.
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