The Essel Foundation
Invitation OnlyPurchase, New York · EIN 13-6191234 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$14.8M
Organizations funded8
Typical grant$180,000
Total assets$307.1M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $65,388 and $400,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2024 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
62% of grants went outside New York.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lieber Institute for Brain Dev-See Attached | Baltimore, MD | Unrestricted grant | $10,813,926 |
| Brain & Behavior Research Foundation-See Attached | New York, NY | Unrestricted grant | $2,934,612 |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | Unrestricted grant | $400,000 |
| The Lieber Institute for Brain Development | Baltimore, MD | Unrestricted grant | $186,074 |
| Poynter Institute | St Petersburg, FL | Unrestricted grant | $180,000 |
| The Carter Center Inc | Atlanta, GA | Unrestricted grant | $157,000 |
| Brain & Behavior Research Foundation | New York, NY | Unrestricted grant | $65,388 |
| San Francisco Study Center | San Francisco, CA | Unrestricted grant | $50,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14,787,000 | 8 |
| 2023 | $5,680,000 | 5 |
| 2022 | $13,230,000 | 7 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 17, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202543219349101899
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 13-6191234
- Profile updated Nov 7, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.