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The Zegar Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$20.5M
Grant Range
$8K - $2.1M

The Zegar Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $20,489,483 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $8,000 - $2,100,000
  • Median Grant: $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: National and international, with significant New York City focus
  • Total Assets: $262.7 million (2023)

Contact Details

Website: https://sites.google.com/zegarff.org/site

Location: New York, NY

Note: The foundation does not employ staff members to field inquiries. Contact can be made via email to Charles and Merryl Zegar with innovative program ideas, though no public email address is listed.

Overview

The Zegar Family Foundation was established in 2006 (some sources cite 2007) by Charles Zegar, co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., and his wife Merryl Snow Zegar. With total assets of $262.7 million as of 2023, the foundation distributed $20.5 million across 81 grants that year. Charles and Merryl have signed The Giving Pledge, committing to give away at least half of their wealth to philanthropy. Merryl Zegar, who earned her J.D. from Fordham University and worked as an attorney and administrative law judge in New York City, is actively involved in the foundation's strategic direction. The foundation is described as impact-oriented, with Merryl stating their focus is on "the bang for the buck and how you move the needle." While the foundation lists Environment and Sustainability and Justice and Human Rights as key priorities, recent tax filings show significant grant dollars also going to health, education, and the arts, reflecting the foundation's broad philanthropic approach.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Zegar Family Foundation operates as an invitation-only grantmaker without fixed grant programs or application deadlines. Grants are made through trustee discretion. In 2023, the foundation made 81 awards with a median grant of $100,000, ranging from $8,000 to $2.1 million.

Priority Areas

Environment and Sustainability The foundation supports organizations addressing the climate change crisis to preserve and conserve natural biodiverse resources. Current philanthropic focus includes exploring multiple climate initiatives that support varied approaches to mitigate climate change. Recent major environmental commitments include participation in a coalition committing over $223 million to reducing methane emissions.

Justice and Human Rights Assists in seeking justice and protection of rights for people to whom justice or human rights are denied, including criminal justice and immigrant rights, through activism and advocacy for change.

Science and Medicine Supports basic science research and medical initiatives. Notable example includes $1.04 million to UC Santa Barbara to advance research on climate change impacts on food supply, including agriculture and ocean aquaculture.

Human Services and Economic Opportunity Funds programs engaging in economic opportunity and devoted to improving lives and enhancing communities.

Education Supports educational institutions and programs, with past grants including $100,000 to Trevor Day School and $1 million to New York University.

Nutrition and Health Contributes to health and nutrition initiatives.

International Health and Development Supports international economic relief and development programs.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage Contributes to societal enrichment through the arts, historical education, and preservation of national and global heritage. Major grants include $1.3 million to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and $1 million to World Trade Center Performing Arts Center.

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only foundation, specific exclusions are not documented.

Governance and Leadership

Charles Zegar - Co-Founder and Trustee Computer scientist and co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., where he headed software development. Made his fortune through Bloomberg and brings a focus on impact and innovation to the foundation's work.

Merryl Snow Zegar - Co-Founder and Trustee Graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned a J.D. degree from Fordham University. Worked as an attorney and administrative law judge in New York City. Actively involved in the foundation's strategic direction and grantmaking decisions.

Key Quote from Merryl Zegar: "To me what's most important is the bang for the buck and how you move the needle. Don't just throw money at something — take time to understand what a program is doing and how it can create the impact you want. You have to find your passion and really work toward something that has meaning to you. It's all about passion and impact."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Zegar Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation accepts grant proposals by invitation only and takes a proactive approach to grantmaking.

However, the foundation states they are "always open to new ideas from new sources." Potential applicants can email Charles and Merryl Zegar directly with innovative program ideas, though the foundation does not employ staff members to field inquiries, so patience is required.

The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding or letters of inquiry through a formal process.

Getting on Their Radar

The Giving Pledge Network: As signatories of The Giving Pledge, the Zegars participate in this community of philanthropists. Organizations with connections to other Giving Pledge members may find introduction pathways.

Bloomberg L.P. Connections: Given Charles Zegar's role as co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., organizations with connections to Bloomberg Philanthropies or the Bloomberg network may have relationship-building opportunities.

Climate and Environmental Networks: The foundation is actively involved in climate philanthropy coalitions, including partnerships with Bloomberg Philanthropies, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Children's Investment Fund Foundation, High Tide Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Organizations working in these networks may gain visibility.

Philanthropy New York: The foundation is a member of Philanthropy New York, suggesting engagement with the regional philanthropic community.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only foundation operating without staff, decision timelines likely vary based on trustee availability and strategic priorities.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation made 81 grants in 2023, 91 in 2022, 74 in 2021, and 81 in 2020, indicating consistent but selective grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed due to invitation-only nature of grantmaking.

Application Success Factors

Focus on Impact and "Moving the Needle" The Zegars are explicitly oriented toward measurable impact. Merryl Zegar emphasizes "bang for the buck" and moving the needle on significant issues. Organizations should be prepared to articulate clear, measurable outcomes.

Deep Understanding Required Merryl Zegar advises: "Don't just throw money at something — take time to understand what a program is doing and how it can create the impact you want." This suggests the foundation values deep due diligence and expects organizations to demonstrate thorough program knowledge and impact pathways.

Innovation and New Ideas The foundation welcomes "innovative program ideas" and is "always open to new ideas from new sources," suggesting they value creative approaches to problem-solving.

Alignment with Passion Areas The foundation emphasizes finding "your passion and really work toward something that has meaning to you." Organizations whose missions align with the Zegars' stated passions—particularly climate change, environmental conservation, justice, and human rights—are more likely to be considered.

Examples of Recently Funded Organizations

  • Environment: The Nature Conservancy ($1 million), Carbon Mapper Inc ($1 million), Environmental Defense Fund ($250,000), European Climate Foundation ($250,000), National Parks Conservation Association
  • Science/Research: UC Santa Barbara ($1.1 million for climate change research)
  • Human Rights: Safe Passage Project Corporation (supporting indigent immigrant youth in New York)
  • Arts/Culture: Lower East Side Tenement Museum ($1.3 million), World Trade Center Performing Arts Center ($1 million), Synchronicity Fine Arts, The Anne Frank Center
  • Education: New York University ($1 million), Trevor Day School ($100,000)
  • General Support: Windward Fund ($2.1 million), Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors ($1 million)

Geographic Connection While the foundation makes grants nationally and internationally, a sizeable portion of grants go to local New York City organizations, suggesting regional connections may be advantageous.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder: Do not attempt a standard grant application. Focus on networking and relationship-building to gain visibility with the trustees.

  • Impact is paramount: The foundation is laser-focused on measurable impact and "moving the needle." Any outreach must clearly articulate specific, quantifiable outcomes.

  • Climate change is a top current priority: The foundation is actively exploring "multiple new climate initiatives" and has made significant commitments to environmental causes, making this a particularly opportune time for strong climate-focused organizations.

  • Range is wide but median is $100K: While grants range from $8,000 to over $2 million, the median grant is $100,000. Organizations should frame requests accordingly based on project scope.

  • No staff means slow process: Without foundation staff, decision-making depends on trustee availability. Organizations should be patient and persistent without being pushy.

  • Leverage networks: Given the foundation's connections to Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Giving Pledge, and climate philanthropy coalitions, organizations should leverage any shared networks for warm introductions.

  • Local NYC organizations have strong track record: While the foundation funds nationally and internationally, New York City organizations have received substantial support, suggesting regional proximity may be advantageous.

References

Date accessed: December 23, 2025

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