Beker Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Beker Foundation's New York City area grantmaking focuses on educational, medical, and community organizations, often in the Jewish community. The family prioritizes supporting Jewish education at all levels. 

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low-profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. Networking seems to be grantseekers’ best bet here.

PROFILE: The Beker Foundation was established in the 1980s by Harvey and Jayne Beker and supports primarily education within the Jewish community. The couple's children are trustees of the foundation, along with Harvey Beker's longtime business partners at the Millburn Ridgefield Corporation. While a component of the family's philanthropy involves Massachusetts, many of the foundation's grants go to New York City organizations.

Grants for K-12 Education and Jewish Causes

Education is a priority for the Bekers, particularly Jewish education. Harvey Beker sits on the board of governors of Hillel International, "the largest Jewish campus organization in the world." In New York, the family supports Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York University (Beker's alma mater), Yeshiva University, and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School. The foundation also funds Jewish day schools like SAR Academy in Riverdale, where the couple's kids attended, and the Ramaz School on the Upper East Side. Another area of interest is Jewish camps and youth programming. They've supported the Nesiya Institute, which provides outdoor experiences in Israel.

Grants for Public Health and Access, and Community Development

The Bekers also support health and human services organizations in New York, many of them in the Jewish community. Riverdale, New York is an important site of philanthropy for this foundation. Past grantees include Hebrew Home at Riverdale Foundation, Riverdale Jewish Center, Riverdale Hatzalah, and the UJA Federation of New York. The family also supports religious institutions like Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, and also funds organizations that work in/for Israel. 

Important Grant Details

The Beker Foundation grants average $1,000. Grants to Jewish institutions of higher learning can be much larger, however. In a recent year, the foundation gave $1.7million and had over $42 million in assets. 

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT: 

The Beker Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch, but below is contact information:

The Beker Foundation
1270 Ave. of the Americas, 11th Fl.
New York City, NY 10020
Telephone: 2123327350