Werdiger Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• EIN: 13-3505439
• Total Assets: $22.0 million (2024)
• Annual Giving: $3.4 million (2024)
• Grant Range: $100 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily New York and New Jersey, with support for Israeli causes
• Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation
• Year Established: 1986

Contact Details

Address: 1412 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 594-9700

Contact Person: Solomon Werdiger, President

Note: The foundation does not maintain a website or email contact. Applications should be submitted in writing to the address above.

Overview

The Werdiger Family Foundation was established in 1986 by Solomon Werdiger, founder and CEO of Outerstuff, a licensed youth sports apparel manufacturer. The foundation is a family-run private foundation that has been supporting Jewish causes for nearly four decades. With total assets of $22 million and annual giving of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation focuses primarily on Jewish educational, religious, and community organizations. Solomon Werdiger's parents were Holocaust survivors, which has significantly influenced the foundation's commitment to Holocaust remembrance and Jewish continuity. In recent years, the foundation has maintained high charitable efficiency, with over 93% of expenses going directly to charitable disbursements. Solomon Werdiger also serves as Chairman of Agudath Israel of America's Board of Trustees and is the official US representative for the World Jewish Restitution Organization, reflecting the family's deep commitment to Jewish communal leadership.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

• Grant Range: $100 - $250,000
• Typical Annual Grants: Approximately $3.4 million distributed annually
• Application Method: Written proposals submitted by mail

Priority Areas

The foundation funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, with particular emphasis on:

• Jewish Education: Elementary and secondary Jewish day schools, yeshivas, and Torah institutions
• Religious Organizations: Synagogues, Jewish congregations, and religious institutions
• Community Services: Organizations serving the Jewish community
• Holocaust Remembrance: Programs and institutions dedicated to Holocaust education and remembrance
• Special Needs Support: Particularly programs serving Israeli families with special needs children (through the family's Refuah V'Yeshuah initiative)
• Israeli Causes: Organizations supporting communities and families in Israel

Past Grantees Include:

• Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Edison
• Beth Medrash Govoha (major yeshiva in Lakewood, NJ)
• Kleinman Holocaust Education Center
• Congregation Tiferes Moshe
• American Friends Yeshivah Meor Hatalmud Torah
• Agudath Israel of America

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's 990-PF filings and past grantmaking patterns suggest they focus exclusively on Jewish causes. Organizations outside the Jewish community, secular programs, or non-educational/non-religious initiatives are unlikely to be considered.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three family members who serve without compensation:

• Solomon Werdiger, President: Founder and CEO of Outerstuff apparel company; Chairman of Agudath Israel of America's Board of Trustees; official US representative for the World Jewish Restitution Organization; sits on the Ichud Mosods Gur executive board. Son of Holocaust survivors, deeply committed to Jewish education and Holocaust remembrance.

• Esther Werdiger, Vice President: Co-founder with Solomon of Refuah V'Yeshuah, which builds respite homes for Israeli families with special needs children.

• Stephen Werdiger, Secretary/Treasurer: Family member involved in foundation governance and financial oversight.

The Werdigers have also created Camp Werdiger, which provides recreational opportunities for children with special needs while giving parents respite.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Werdiger Family Foundation accepts unsolicited written applications despite maintaining a low public profile.

Application Requirements:

• Submit a written proposal by mail to the foundation's address
• Include a policy statement with your application
• No online portal or email submissions available

Deadlines: The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

No Website or Online Presence: The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits publicly available information about detailed application guidelines. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for specific requirements.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation with limited staff (all volunteer board members), processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the foundation's grantmaking schedule.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation's 990-PF filings suggest selective grantmaking focused on established Jewish institutions and organizations aligned with the family's philanthropic priorities.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals as appropriate for their programs and needs.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation maintains a low public profile and provides limited public guidance, the following factors appear important based on their grantmaking patterns:

1. Strong Jewish Identity: The foundation exclusively supports Jewish causes. Organizations should clearly articulate their Jewish mission, values, and the Jewish community they serve.

2. Educational Focus: Given the prominence of yeshivas, day schools, and Torah institutions among past grantees, educational programs appear to be a priority. Educational organizations should highlight their curriculum, student outcomes, and commitment to Jewish education.

3. Alignment with Family Values: The Werdigers' personal commitment to Holocaust remembrance, special needs support, and Israeli causes suggests these areas may receive particular attention. Organizations working in these areas should emphasize this alignment.

4. Established Institutions: Past grantees include well-established institutions like Beth Medrash Govoha and long-standing community organizations. New or startup organizations may face greater scrutiny.

5. Clear Mission and Impact: With limited application guidelines, organizations should ensure their policy statement clearly articulates their mission, programs, and measurable impact on the Jewish community.

6. Geographic Relevance: While based in New York, the foundation funds projects in New York, New Jersey, and Israel. Organizations should clearly state their geographic service area.

7. Relationship Building: As a family foundation with deep roots in the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly through Solomon Werdiger's leadership at Agudath Israel of America, relationships and reputation within the Orthodox Jewish community may be important factors.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Jewish Focus is Essential: This foundation exclusively supports Jewish educational, religious, and community organizations. Only organizations with a clear Jewish mission should apply.

• No Deadlines Mean Year-Round Opportunities: The rolling application process allows flexibility in timing, but also means competition is ongoing throughout the year.

• Written Applications Only: With no website or online portal, all communication must be through traditional mail. Ensure your written proposal is clear, compelling, and complete.

• Family Foundation Characteristics: As a private family foundation, decisions are made by the Werdiger family. Understanding their values—Holocaust remembrance, Jewish education, special needs support, and Israeli causes—can help tailor your proposal.

• Look for Mission Alignment: Organizations working in Holocaust education, special needs services (especially for Israeli families), Orthodox Jewish education, or supporting established Jewish institutions are particularly well-aligned.

• Size Flexibility: With grants ranging from $100 to $250,000, both small and large requests are considered, though most grants likely fall in the mid-range given the foundation's annual distribution of $3.4 million.

• High Charitable Efficiency: The foundation directs over 93% of expenses to charitable purposes, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing impact rather than overhead.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Werdiger Family Foundation Inc (EIN 13-3505439). Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133505439 (Accessed February 2026)

• Inside Philanthropy: "Werdiger Family Foundation." Available at: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/new-york-grants/werdiger-family-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

• Cause IQ: "Werdiger Family Foundation | New York, NY." Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/werdiger-family-foundation,133505439/ (Accessed February 2026)

• Agudath Israel of America: Various press releases and articles regarding Solomon Werdiger's role as Board Chairman. Available at: https://agudah.org (Accessed February 2026)

• Form 990-PF filings for tax years 2020-2024, available through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS public disclosure

• Hamodia: "Hachnasas Sefer Torah for Refuah Viyeshua" (March 6, 2013). Available at: https://hamodia.com/2013/03/06/hachnasas-sefer-torah-for-refuah-viyeshua/ (Accessed February 2026)