Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, including religious organizations, schools and causes in Israel.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder is not very approachable and does not issue calls for proposals; however, it does accept them unsolicited. It gives very little guidance here, so applicants should use their best judgement.

PROFILE: The Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation was founded in 2000. It was established by real estate mogul Michael Cayre and his wife Shirley. Michael is a son of Joseph Cayre, who founded Midtown Equities, a privately held real estate developer. Michael helps steer Midtown Equities with the rest of the family. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, including religious organizations, schools and causes in Israel.

Grants for Jewish Causes

The Cayres have given particularly strong and steady support to Birkat Shalom, a reform synagogue in central Israel of late. Past grantees include Yeshivah Mikdash Melech, Chabad Port Washington, Congregation Shaare Zion, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $301 to $720,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $937,000. While the foundation keeps a low profile, it does accept applications. There is no formal application but requests must include general information regarding the charitable function of the applicant. According to tax records, applicants should submit a proposal that includes a “detailed description of project and amount of funding requested.”

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Applications should be submitted to

Michael Cayre
141 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010