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Elkes Foundation III

Annual Giving
$1.0M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,045,676 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $50,000 (average ~$17,600)
  • Geographic Focus: National (emphasis on New York, with grants across the U.S.)
  • Total Assets: $21.2 million

Contact Details

Address: C/O Bradley, 55 W 39th St, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10018-0000

EIN: 82-3897250

Note: No website, email, or phone number publicly available. This is a private family foundation that does not maintain a public presence.

Overview

Elkes Foundation III is a private family foundation established in 2018 and granted tax-exempt status by the IRS in October of that year. Based in New York City, the foundation has grown to hold over $21 million in assets and distributes approximately $1 million in grants annually to charitable organizations across the United States. The foundation is managed by trustees Steven Elkes and Mitzi Elkes, who each dedicate 20 hours per week to the foundation's operations. With an average of 55-74 grants awarded per year, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program supporting diverse communities from major urban centers like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco to smaller communities nationwide. The foundation's approach reflects the trustees' personal philanthropic interests, with evidence suggesting a particular focus on environmental causes, youth programs, and community-based organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Elkes Foundation III operates a single grantmaking program with no publicly disclosed funding categories. Based on available data:

  • General Grants: Estimated $5,000 - $50,000 (average grant size ~$17,636)
  • Application Method: Invitation only / trustee discretion (no public application process)

Priority Areas

While the foundation does not publicly disclose specific funding priorities, research into the trustees' backgrounds suggests likely interest areas include:

  • Environmental causes and conservation (Mitzi Elkes serves on the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Board and chairs the Ossining Environmental Advisory Committee)
  • Youth development programs (known grantee: Fresh Youth Initiatives)
  • Community-based organizations serving diverse geographic areas
  • Arts and culture (Mitzi Elkes has involvement with Jacob Burns Film Center)
  • Environmental education (Mitzi Elkes serves on Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment Board of Visitors)

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has not published explicit exclusions. As a small family foundation, they likely do not fund:

  • Organizations outside the United States
  • Capital campaigns or endowments of large institutions
  • Individual scholarships or direct aid to individuals
  • Political organizations or lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Steven Elkes - Co-Trustee (20 hours/week, compensation: ~$79,721)
  • Mitzi Elkes - Co-Trustee (20 hours/week, compensation: ~$79,721)

About Mitzi Elkes

Mitzi Elkes brings extensive expertise in environmental regulation and a deep commitment to conservation causes. She has served as President of JEMS International, Inc., an International Food and Environmental Regulations consulting firm, for over 22 years. Prior to that, she led the Flavor Regulatory Department at Givaudan for 10 years. She holds a Chemistry Degree from Purchase College, SUNY, and a Master's in International Business Administration from Baruch College, CUNY.

Her nonprofit leadership includes:

  • Board Member of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater (since 2015)
  • Chairperson of Ossining Environmental Advisory Committee (since 1996)
  • Member of Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment Board of Visitors (since 2018)
  • Leadership Committee member of Pocantico River Watershed Alliance (since 2015)
  • Member of Teatown Lake Reservation Gala Committee

Mitzi spearheaded the collaboration between Clearwater and the Jacob Burns Film Center, culminating in a 100th Birthday Celebration and Tribute to Pete Seeger in May 2019. She resides in Briarcliff Manor, NY with her family.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Elkes Foundation III is a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its trustees, Steven and Mitzi Elkes. The foundation does not maintain a website, publicize application guidelines, or accept unsolicited proposals.

Grants appear to be awarded to organizations identified through:

  • The trustees' personal networks and board involvement
  • Organizations in communities where the trustees are active
  • Causes aligned with the trustees' professional and philanthropic interests

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation without formal application cycles, grant decisions are made on a rolling basis at the trustees' discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. With approximately 55-74 grants awarded annually from an unknown pool of considered organizations, success rates cannot be calculated.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received funding or might be considered for funding likely share these characteristics:

  • Alignment with trustee interests: Organizations working in environmental conservation, youth development, and community-based programs appear to align with the trustees' documented interests
  • Geographic presence: While the foundation funds nationally, New York-based organizations (particularly in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley region where Mitzi Elkes is active) may have an advantage
  • Personal connections: As with most family foundations without public application processes, personal relationships and trustee board involvement play a significant role
  • Demonstrated impact: Organizations with clear missions and measurable outcomes in areas the trustees care about
  • Fiscal responsibility: As a foundation with strong financial backgrounds (Mitzi's regulatory and consulting expertise), sound organizational management is likely valued

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation makes grants exclusively at trustee discretion without accepting unsolicited proposals
  • Environmental focus likely: Mitzi Elkes' extensive environmental leadership suggests strong potential interest in conservation, watershed protection, and environmental education programs
  • Small to medium grants: With an average grant of ~$17,600 and 55-74 grants annually, expect grants in the $5,000-$50,000 range
  • Geographic diversity: While New York-focused, the foundation has funded organizations across the United States
  • Relationship-driven: As a family foundation, grants appear to flow from personal connections and trustee board involvement
  • Active management: With both trustees dedicating 20 hours/week, this is an engaged foundation with hands-on leadership
  • Youth and community programs: Known support for organizations like Fresh Youth Initiatives indicates interest in grassroots youth development

References

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