Belz Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,246,725 (2024)
• Number of Grants: 106 grants awarded in 2024
• Average Grant Size: Approximately $62,117 (based on total giving/number of grants)
• Grant Range: Information varies by source - recent major grants range from $2,000,000 to smaller grants
• Success Rate: 12% for new applicants
• Geographic Focus: National (20+ states, with emphasis on Memphis/TN, NY, CA, TX, and DC)
• Total Assets: $25.4 million (2024)
• Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation

Contact Details

Belz Foundation
100 Peabody Place, Suite 1400
Memphis, TN 38103

Phone: 901-767-4780
EIN: 62-6046715
Website: belzvouchers.com (online portal system)

The foundation appears to operate an online portal system for applications. Organizations can register as charities through their website.

Overview

The Belz Foundation was incorporated in 1952 in Tennessee as a private family foundation established by Philip Belz, a successful Memphis developer and entrepreneur. Now led by his son Ronald A. Belz as President and Chairman, the foundation carries forward three generations of philanthropic commitment to Memphis and Jewish communities nationwide. With total assets of $25.4 million and annual charitable disbursements exceeding $4.2 million, the foundation made 106 grants in 2024 across diverse sectors.

The foundation's giving priorities reflect the Belz family's deep roots in both the Memphis community and Jewish causes. Philip Belz, who lived from 1904-2000, established the foundation's enduring commitment to Jewish education, having served on Yeshiva University's Board of Trustees and endowed the Belz School of Jewish Music in 1984. The family's business success through Belz Enterprises—founded in the 1940s and led by Jack Belz for decades—enabled significant philanthropic impact, including the restoration of the iconic Peabody Hotel in 1981 and the creation of the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art.

Ronald A. Belz has articulated the foundation's philosophy: "Our family has a long history of giving back to our Memphis community," emphasizing their commitment to "enhancing the lives of our neighbors through high-quality care." The foundation supports organizations across 20+ states, though it maintains strong ties to Memphis and focuses particularly on Jewish welfare, education, health, cultural organizations, and community development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Belz Foundation operates as a private foundation without distinct named grant programs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through their online portal system at belzvouchers.com, where charities must register to access the application process.

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily in the following areas:

Jewish Causes (Core Priority):

• Jewish welfare funds and federations
• Temple support and synagogues
• Israel-related organizations
• Yeshivas and Jewish education institutions

Education:

• Higher education institutions (particularly Yeshiva University)
• Jewish schools and educational programs
• Educational support services

Health & Welfare:

• Healthcare institutions and medical research
• Patient care and support services
• Community health initiatives

Arts & Culture:

• Museums and cultural institutions
• Jewish cultural organizations
• Arts education

Community Development:

• Community foundations
• Social service organizations
• Quality of life initiatives in Memphis

Geographic Priorities

While the foundation supports organizations in 20+ states nationwide, there is a strong preference for:

• Memphis and the Mid-South region (Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi)
• Major Jewish population centers (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC)
• Organizations serving Jewish communities nationally

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private family foundation with particular focus on Jewish causes and Memphis community organizations, grants to organizations outside these areas or without connection to the foundation's priorities are less likely to be funded.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Ronald A. Belz - President and Director
Ron Belz serves as Chairman of the Belz Foundation and President/CEO of Belz Enterprises. He was among the community leaders who established the Jewish Foundation of Memphis in 1995, serving on its initial board of directors. Ron has stated: "Our family has a long history of giving back to our Memphis community. Partnering with [organizations like] the Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is a natural fit."

Martin S. Belz - Vice President and Director
Son of Jack Belz and Vice President of Belz Enterprises. Martin serves alongside his brother Ron in leading both the family business and foundation.

Jimmie D. Williams - Secretary/Treasurer and Director
Chief Financial Officer of Belz Enterprises, Williams brings financial oversight to the foundation's operations.

Andrew J. Groveman - Director
Son-in-law of Jack Belz (married to Jan Groveman), Andrew serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Administration of Belz Enterprises and President of its Belz Factory Outlet Division.

Jan B. Groveman - Director
Daughter of Jack Belz and integral member of the Belz family leadership team.

All directors serve without compensation. The foundation represents a multi-generational family commitment, with the nucleus comprising Jack Belz, his sons Martin and Ron, daughter Jan Groveman, and son-in-law Andy Groveman.

Family Legacy

The foundation's roots trace to Philip Belz (1904-2000), who founded Belz Enterprises in the 1940s and established the foundation in 1952. Philip was a prominent member of the Memphis Jewish community and, beginning in the 1960s, served as an active member of Yeshiva University's Board of Trustees. He and his wife Sarah established and endowed the Belz School of Jewish Music. Philip also financially sponsored several Jewish refugee families to come to the United States before and after World War II.

Jack Belz, Philip's son, led Belz Enterprises for decades and became a founding member of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission in 1984. Jack and his wife Marilyn have been recognized as "builders of the city of Memphis and philanthropists committed to the arts," notably creating the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art from their private collection, which they donated to a foundation that operates the museum.

Recent Major Grants

Based on available information, notable recent grants include:

• $2,000,000 to Yeshiva University (Education) - For comprehensive renovation of Furst Hall, which will be renamed the Belz Building. This continues the family's multi-generational support; Philip Belz established the Belz School of Jewish Music in 1984, and Jack and Marilyn Belz have provided annual support.

• $2,000,000 to Methodist Healthcare Foundation (Health) - To advance the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center in Memphis, funding clinical research studies, treatment development, patient social needs resources, and education/outreach to increase specialists in sickle cell disease. More than 90% of St. Jude sickle cell patients transition to Methodist's Center.

• $1,050,000 to Jewish Federations of North America (Health/Community)

• $714,286 to Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (Arts & Culture)

• $405,000 to Methodist Healthcare Foundation (Health/Welfare)

The foundation made 144 grants in recent reporting periods, with 106 grants totaling approximately $6.6 million documented in 2024.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Belz Foundation operates through an online application portal system accessible at belzvouchers.com.

Application Steps:

1. Organizations must register as a charity through the foundation's website
2. New charities can access the registration link on the website
3. Once registered, charities can log in to submit applications
4. The foundation processes applications on a rolling basis

Contact for Application Questions:

• Phone: 901-767-4780
• Email: Available through the online portal system

Application Considerations

• The foundation is classified as open to new applicants
• New applicant success rate: 12% - This relatively low rate suggests the foundation receives many applications and is selective in its grant-making
• While the foundation accepts applications from organizations it hasn't previously funded, demonstrating alignment with their core priorities (Jewish causes, Memphis community connections, education, health) significantly strengthens applications

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. As a private family foundation with board members who are actively involved in business operations, decisions likely occur through regular board meetings, though the exact frequency and notification timelines are not specified in available public records.

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions on reapplication are documented. The foundation maintains ongoing relationships with several organizations, as evidenced by multi-year support to institutions like Yeshiva University and Methodist Healthcare Foundation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns and publicly available information, the following factors appear to increase likelihood of funding:

Strong Alignment with Core Priorities

Jewish Causes: The foundation's deepest commitment is to Jewish welfare, education, and cultural preservation. Organizations serving Jewish communities, particularly those focused on education (yeshivas, Jewish schools, Yeshiva University) or supporting Israel and Jewish welfare funds, receive significant support.

Memphis Community Connection: The foundation prioritizes local impact in Memphis and the Mid-South region. Ron Belz has explicitly stated the family's commitment to "giving back to our Memphis community."

Multi-Generational Legacy: Projects that align with the family's established giving patterns receive preference. The Belz School of Jewish Music relationship demonstrates how long-term partnerships spanning generations can result in transformational gifts.

Demonstrated Impact and Quality

The Methodist Healthcare Sickle Cell Center grant illustrates the foundation's interest in:

• Clinical research and evidence-based approaches
• Collaborative partnerships (Methodist, St. Jude, University of Tennessee Health Science Center)
• Addressing social determinants of health
• Education and workforce development
• Measurable community impact

Strategic Significance

Major grants support:

• Capital projects and building renovations (Yeshiva University's Belz Building)
• Endowed programs and sustainability (Belz School of Jewish Music)
• Comprehensive approaches addressing multiple needs (sickle cell center combines research, treatment, social services, education)

Relationship Building

As a family foundation, relationships matter:

• The foundation maintains ongoing partnerships with key institutions
• Board members' connections to organizations through business, community service, or personal involvement appear to influence grant-making
• Ron Belz's involvement with the Jewish Foundation of Memphis and community leadership demonstrates the value placed on collaborative relationships

Clear Articulation of Need and Approach

In announcing the sickle cell grant, the foundation emphasized:

• Specific population served (more than 90% of St. Jude patients transitioning to adult care)
• Research and education components alongside direct service
• Sustainability through workforce development
• Addressing gaps in care

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Jewish causes and Memphis community organizations have the highest likelihood of funding - The foundation's core identity centers on these two areas. Even if you serve these communities, demonstrate explicit connection to Jewish welfare, education, Israel, or Memphis/Mid-South impact.

2. Low success rate for new applicants (12%) means relationships and alignment are critical - While the foundation accepts new applications, first-time applicants should demonstrate strong mission alignment and ideally have connections to the foundation's existing network or areas of interest.

3. Think multi-year partnerships, not one-time grants - The foundation's history shows decades-long relationships with key institutions. Position your organization for ongoing partnership by demonstrating sustainability and long-term vision.

4. Major gifts focus on transformational impact - Recent $2 million grants to Yeshiva University and Methodist Healthcare show the foundation's willingness to make significant investments in capital projects, medical research, and comprehensive program development. Don't automatically think small—if your project merits major support and aligns with priorities, request accordingly.

5. Register through their online portal system - The foundation has established a formal application process through belzvouchers.com. Follow their system and complete the charity registration process properly.

6. Family values drive decisions - Understanding the Belz family's legacy (Philip's support for Jewish refugees, Jack's downtown Memphis revitalization, the multi-generational commitment to Yeshiva University and Jewish education) provides insight into what resonates with current leadership. Frame your work in terms of community building, preservation of Jewish heritage, quality of life improvement, and sustainable impact.

7. Collaborative partnerships strengthen applications - The sickle cell grant involved Methodist Healthcare, St. Jude, and University of Tennessee. Demonstrating how your work connects multiple organizations or addresses issues comprehensively may increase competitiveness.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Belz Foundation (EIN 62-6046715). Form 990-PF tax filings. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/626046715 (Accessed January 2026)

2. Cause IQ - Belz Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/belz-foundation,626046715/ (Accessed January 2026)

3. Grantable - Belz Foundation Profile & Grants. https://grantable.co/search/funders/profile/belz-foundation-us-foundation-626046715 (Accessed January 2026)

4. Methodist Healthcare. "Belz Foundation commits $2 million donation to advance the future of sickle cell disease care in the Mid-South." https://www.methodisthealth.org/your-stories/belz-foundation-commits-2-million-donation-to-advance-the-future-of-sickle-cell-disease-care-in-the-mid-south (Accessed January 2026)

5. Yeshiva University. "Yeshiva University Announces $20 Million Gift From The Belz Family." https://www.yu.edu/news/yeshiva-university-announces-20-million-gift-from-the-belz-family (Accessed January 2026)

6. Southern Jewish Life Magazine. "Belz family of Memphis gives $20 million to Yeshiva University." February 3, 2022. https://sjlmag.com/2022/02/03/belz-family-of-memphis-gives-20-million-to-yeshiva-university/ (Accessed January 2026)

7. Memphis Magazine. "Toward the Good: The Jewish Foundation." https://memphismagazine.com/features/toward-the-good/ (Accessed January 2026)

8. Candid Foundation Directory Online - Belz Foundation (BELZ001). https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BELZ001 (Accessed January 2026)

9. Tennessee Holocaust Commission. "Jack Belz." https://tnholcom.org/jack-belz/ (Accessed January 2026)

10. Belz Foundation website. https://belzvouchers.com/ (Accessed January 2026)