James Keene Foundation

OVERVIEW: The James Keene Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes across the United States.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This is a good funder to know in the Jewish causes space. Grantseekers will definitely want to network to get on Keene’s radar.

PROFILE: The James Keene Foundation was established in 1987. It is steered by restaurateur Maurice Kirschenbaum and other family members. The family ran Levana Restaurant, named for Levana Kirschenbaum, Maurice’s wife, a kosher restaurant. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

Grants for Jewish Causes

The James Keene Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes. Past grantees include Chabad of Washington Heights, Chabad of the West Side, Yeshiva Rabbi Isaac Jacob Reines, and Masbia, a network of kosher soup kitchens in New York City.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $180 to $111,720. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $277,000. The James Keene Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

James Keene Foundation
340 West Avenue, Room 1A
New York, NY 10023