Lester M & Sally Entin Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $240,000 - $380,000
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not disclosed
• Grant Range: $500 - $120,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily New Jersey and New York, with some national grants

Contact Details

Address: c/o Marc J. Lenner, Livingston, NJ 07039

Phone: (973) 773-1010

Note: The foundation does not maintain a website or accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

Established in 1997, the Lester M & Sally Entin Foundation honors the legacy of late real estate mogul Lester Entin and his wife Sally. With total assets of approximately $8.1 million (2024), the foundation distributes between $240,000 and $380,000 annually in grants. The foundation focuses on four primary areas: Jewish causes, health organizations (particularly disease research and elder care), education (higher education and K-12 schools), and human services. The Entins had particularly strong ties to Tel Aviv University, where Lester served as vice chairman of the international board of governors. The university now houses the Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities, Lester and Sally Entin Square, and the Lester and Sally Entin Fund for Medical Research in the Area of Pernicious Anemia—a disease Lester himself suffered from. The foundation operates as a family-run private foundation managed by trustees who award grants based on their own selection process rather than through public applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with application deadlines. Instead, it makes grants on a rolling basis to preselected organizations:

• Major Grants: $50,000 - $120,000 (typically to well-established institutions)
• Standard Grants: $5,000 - $25,000 (most common range)
• Small Grants: $500 - $5,000 (for smaller organizations or specific projects)

Priority Areas

Jewish Causes (Primary Focus)

• Jewish educational institutions and synagogues
• Tel Aviv University and Israeli institutions
• Jewish community organizations and historical societies
• Jewish cultural and heritage programs

Health Organizations

• Disease research (particularly pernicious anemia, breast cancer, Crohn's disease, and colitis)
• Alzheimer's research and care
• Elder care facilities and nursing homes
• Hearing and communication support services

Education

• Higher education institutions
• Independent schools and K-12 education
• Special education and speech therapy programs
• Liberal arts and humanities programs

Human Services

• Services for vulnerable populations
• Community support organizations
• Programs serving the elderly
• Women's organizations and family services

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on giving patterns:

• Organizations outside the health, education, Jewish causes, and human services sectors
• International organizations (except Israeli institutions, particularly Tel Aviv University)
• Political or advocacy organizations
• Individual scholarships or direct aid to individuals
• Organizations without established track records

Governance and Leadership

Marc J. Lenner - President, Treasurer, and Director

• Receives $40,000 annual compensation
• Primary contact for the foundation

Robert A. Hoberman - Vice President, Secretary, and Director

• Receives $40,000 annual compensation
• Shares leadership responsibilities

Both officers play active roles in selecting grant recipients and managing the foundation's operations. Total officer compensation of approximately $130,000 annually represents about 27% of annual expenses, typical for smaller family foundations with hands-on management.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

All grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees, who proactively identify and select organizations to support based on their own research, connections, and philanthropic interests.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept applications. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as none are accepted.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable. Organizations receiving funding may continue to receive support in subsequent years if they remain aligned with priorities and trustees choose to continue the relationship.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept applications, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, understanding characteristics of funded organizations provides insight:

Organizational Characteristics of Past Grantees:

• Established Track Record: Well-established organizations with proven records rather than new ventures
• Geographic Proximity: Strong preference for organizations in New Jersey and New York
• Jewish Connection: Significant portion of funding goes to Jewish organizations
• Personal Connection: Grants likely stem from personal connections to the Entin family or trustees
• Institutional Quality: Past grantees include well-regarded institutions like Tel Aviv University and Muhlenberg College
• Specific Disease Focus: Interest in pernicious anemia, breast cancer, Crohn's disease, colitis, and Alzheimer's

Examples of Past Grantees:

• Congregation B'nai Jeshurun
• Muhlenberg College
• Tel Aviv University
• Summit Speech School
• National Council of Jewish Women
• Cure Breast Cancer Foundation
• Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
• Center for Hearing and Communication
• Alzheimer's Association
• Daughters of Israel (nursing home)
• Jewish Historical Society of North Jersey
• Morristown-Beard School
• Broad Institute

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Direct Application Path: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Traditional grant writing approaches will not be successful.
• Focus on Relationship Building: The only path to funding is through existing relationships, board connections, or prominence in priority areas.
• Geographic Alignment is Critical: Organizations in New Jersey and New York have the strongest chance of consideration.
• Jewish Organizations Have Advantage: Jewish organizations or those serving the Jewish community are particularly well-positioned.
• Health Focus Areas: Organizations working on pernicious anemia, breast cancer, Crohn's disease, colitis, Alzheimer's, hearing disorders, or elder care align with funding patterns.
• Modest Expectations: Most grants fall in the $5,000-$25,000 range. This is not a major funder but makes meaningful, modest contributions.
• Institutional Quality Matters: The foundation supports established, reputable organizations with proven track records.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Lester M & Sally Entin Foundation. EIN: 65-0758118. Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/650758118 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - "Lester M. and Sally Entin Foundation." Available at: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/new-jersey-grants/lester-m-and-sally-entin-foundation (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• Cause IQ - "The Lester M and Sally Entin Foundation." Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-lester-m-and-sally-entin-foundation,650758118/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Lester M & Sally Entin Foundation. Available at: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/65-0758118 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• Charity Navigator - Lester M & Sally Entin Foundation. Available at: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/650758118 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• Grantable.co - "The Lester M and Sally Entin Foundation | Foundation Profile & Grants." Available at: https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/the-lester-m-and-sally-entin-foundation-us-foundation-650758118 (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• Tel Aviv University - The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities. Available at: https://en-humanities.tau.ac.il/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for tax years 2020-2024 (various access dates through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer)