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J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.1M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M

J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,138,143 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 92 (2023)
  • Average Grant: ~$45,000
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $150,000+
  • Total Assets: $89.9 million (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: New York Metropolitan Area and Boston Area only
  • Application Method: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) via online portal

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 326
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Phone: 212-920-7238

Website: www.butlerfoundation.org

Grants Portal: butlerfoundation.my.site.com/granteeportal

Application Contacts:

  • New York: Pat Goldman, Nicole Doniger Strom
  • Boston: Becca Parrish

Overview

The J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation was established in 1954 as a living legacy to Zella and Jack Butler and their profound commitment to New York and the Jewish community. The foundation's mission is deeply personal: the couple's only child, Barbara, was born in 1939 with severe developmental disabilities and was cared for at the Devereux School in Philadelphia from age four until her death in 1993. The Butlers' firsthand experience with the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities shaped their lifelong dedication to ensuring people with special needs have access to programs that enhance their lives. With total assets of $89.9 million and annual grant distributions exceeding $4.1 million, the foundation supports community-based organizations that create life-enhancing opportunities for individuals with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as children and families at risk, victims of abuse and neglect, and frail elderly individuals. The foundation operates with the guiding principle articulated by Jack Butler: "There is always room for one more."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation distributes grants through three annual cycles with fixed deadlines:

  • Spring Cycle: March 15 deadline
  • Fall Cycle: August 15 deadline
  • Winter Cycle: November 15 deadline

Grants typically range from $10,000 to $70,000, though some larger grants exceed $100,000 for major programs. The foundation generally awards grants for one-year periods, though it occasionally considers multi-year requests.

2025 Grant Distribution: In 2025, the foundation awarded approximately $3.2 million across 89 organizations, with notable grants including:

  • Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House: $150,000
  • Mosholu Montefiore Community Center: $125,000
  • Ramapo for Children: $294,457 (combined programs)
  • UJA-Federation: $100,000
  • Montefiore Medical Center: $100,000

Priority Areas

The foundation's priority is to provide resources for individuals with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities to engage in meaningful endeavors that:

  • Bolster engagement and self-esteem
  • Teach self-advocacy skills
  • Build competencies that enhance participants' lives

Specific program types funded:

  • After-school, summer, vacation, and work readiness programs
  • Educational supports and tutoring
  • Social and recreational activities
  • Leadership development and mentoring programs
  • Community involvement opportunities
  • Employment and vocational training programs
  • Professional development for staff who work with people with disabilities

The foundation emphasizes "innovative, inclusive programming in which people of all abilities can learn from one another."

Example funded programs:

  • Culinary Career Academy programs ($51,000)
  • Teaching Assistant Development Programs ($57,000)
  • Special needs centers offering recreational and educational services for youth ages 4-21
  • Legal services for low-income children with disabilities
  • Family navigation support through special education systems
  • Emergency food assistance (SNAP) programs

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not explicitly listed, the foundation's narrow geographic and programmatic focus means they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside the New York Metropolitan and Boston areas
  • Programs that do not directly serve people with disabilities, at-risk youth, or vulnerable populations
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO:

  • Bruce Doniger (Compensation: $144,300 in 2023)

Vice-Presidents:

  • Patricia Goldman (VP/Secretary/Treasurer; Compensation: $173,160 in 2023)
  • Carole Parrish
  • Nicole Doniger Strom (Director; Compensation: $147,500 in 2023)
  • Debora Goldman
  • Pamela MacAffer
  • Rebecca Parrish Snowdon (Director; Compensation: $30,000 in 2023)

The foundation operates with a lean leadership model, maintaining offices in both New York and Massachusetts to serve its geographic focus areas. The organization has been tax-exempt since June 1960.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Butler Foundation is not currently accepting unsolicited grant applications. However, organizations are welcome to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

Letter of Inquiry Requirements:

  • Maximum two pages in length
  • Must include:
    • Organization description
    • Project details, goals, and objectives
    • Other potential funding sources
    • Preliminary budget

Submission: LOIs must be submitted via the online Grants Portal at butlerfoundation.my.site.com/granteeportal/s/loi

Process after LOI:

  1. Foundation reviews LOI to determine if project meets their criteria
  2. If approved, a site visit will be scheduled
  3. After site visit, organization may be invited to submit a formal proposal

Full Proposal Requirements (by invitation only):

  • Cover page and narrative
  • Budget and audited financials
  • 501(c)(3) authorization letter
  • Annual report and board list
  • Data forms (mandatory for disability-serving programs)

Proposal Submission: Via Grants Portal login at butlerfoundation.my.site.com/granteeportal/s/login

Technical Requirement: All grantees must maintain individualized email addresses and portal logins. Organizations without portal access should contact the foundation at their provided contacts.

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines:

  • March 15 (Spring cycle)
  • August 15 (Fall cycle)
  • November 15 (Winter cycle)

Grant decisions are made following these three annual review cycles. Specific decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed, but the foundation reviews applications three times per year.

Success Rates

With 92 grants awarded in 2023 and 97 in 2022, the foundation maintains consistent grant-making activity. However, specific success rates or total application numbers are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish specific information about reapplication policies for previously declined proposals. Organizations with questions about reapplication should contact the foundation directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and grant-making patterns, successful applicants demonstrate:

  1. Strong Alignment with Disability Services: The foundation's core mission stems from the Butlers' personal experience. Programs serving individuals with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities receive priority consideration.

  2. Emphasis on Inclusion and Innovation: The foundation specifically seeks "innovative, inclusive programming in which people of all abilities can learn from one another." Applications should articulate how programs create integrated opportunities.

  3. Focus on Skill-Building and Self-Advocacy: Funded programs bolster engagement, self-esteem, teach self-advocacy, and build competencies. Applications should demonstrate measurable outcomes in these areas.

  4. Data Collection and Reporting: The foundation requires mandatory data forms for disability-serving programs, indicating a strong emphasis on measurement and accountability. Organizations must be prepared to track and report outcomes.

  5. Geographic Specificity: Only programs operating in the New York Metropolitan and Boston areas are eligible. Regional focus is non-negotiable.

  6. Practical, Direct Service Programs: Recent grants show preference for hands-on programs including after-school activities, summer programs, vocational training, and recreational opportunities rather than research or advocacy work.

  7. Professional Development Component: The foundation supports professional development for staff members who work with people with disabilities, suggesting value for programs with strong staff training components.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Personal Mission Matters: The foundation's work is rooted in the Butlers' lived experience raising a daughter with disabilities. Applications that understand and reflect this personal legacy are more likely to resonate.

  • LOI is Your Gateway: Since unsolicited applications are not accepted, your two-page Letter of Inquiry must be compelling, concise, and clearly demonstrate alignment with their priorities.

  • Data Readiness is Essential: Be prepared to collect and report program data through mandatory data forms. The foundation takes measurement seriously.

  • Site Visits Are Standard: If your LOI is successful, expect a site visit before formal proposal invitation. This is an opportunity to showcase your program in action.

  • Geographic Restrictions Are Absolute: The foundation only funds programs in New York Metropolitan and Boston areas. Don't apply if you're outside these regions.

  • Innovation Within Inclusion: The foundation seeks programs that are both innovative and inclusive, creating opportunities for people of all abilities to learn together.

  • Multi-Year Funding is Possible: While one-year grants are standard, the foundation "occasionally considers multi-year requests," suggesting that exceptional programs with demonstrated impact may secure longer-term support.

References

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