Harold Edelstein Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $575,250 - $700,862
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Average ~$28,763 per grant
• Geographic Focus: California, Illinois, Nevada

Contact Details

Address: Burbank, CA
EIN: 95-4814292
Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

The Harold Edelstein Foundation was established in 2000 as a private independent foundation with assets of approximately $7.3-7.7 million. The foundation distributes between $575,250 and $700,862 annually through 20-21 grants to preselected charitable organizations. The foundation focuses on supporting Jewish organizations, social services, children and youth services (particularly children's hospitals), and senior services. The foundation operates exclusively through trustee discretion, identifying and supporting organizations aligned with its philanthropic values rather than accepting public applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with specific application cycles. Grants are awarded throughout the year to preselected organizations at the discretion of the board of directors. Average grant is approximately $28,763, though amounts vary significantly based on the project and organization.

Priority Areas

• Jewish organizations and community services
• Social services for vulnerable populations
• Children and youth services, particularly children's hospitals
• Senior services including adult daycare and meal delivery
• Programs addressing homelessness and hunger

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly documented, the foundation appears focused on:

• Direct service providers rather than advocacy or research organizations
• Established organizations with proven track records
• Organizations primarily in Southern California, with some support in Chicago and Las Vegas

Governance and Leadership

Nicholas Simmons - Director (Compensation: $69,784)
Jody Burns Vandagriff - Director (Compensation: $54,896)
Marvin G Burns - Director (Compensation: $14,948)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

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

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations that receive support typically:

• Serve Jewish communities, people experiencing homelessness, seniors, teen parents, or children requiring medical care
• Provide direct services such as medical care, meal programs, educational programs, or housing services
• Have established track records and proven impact
• Operate in the foundation's geographic focus areas (primarily Los Angeles/Burbank area)
• Address the foundation's core concerns around homelessness, hunger, and vulnerable populations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications - they identify and select organizations themselves
• The foundation operates through board discretion and pre-existing relationships
• Strong alignment with organizations serving vulnerable populations and Jewish community organizations
• Primary focus on direct service delivery rather than research or advocacy
• Geographic concentration in the Los Angeles area with limited support elsewhere
• Organizations in their funding network appear to receive consistent, multi-year support

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Harold Edelstein Foundation (EIN 95-4814292). Form 990-PF filings. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954814292. Accessed February 11, 2026.
• Candid Foundation Directory: The Harold Edelstein Foundation profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=EDEL029. Accessed February 11, 2026.
• Instrumentl: Harold Edelstein Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/harold-edelstein-foundation. Accessed February 11, 2026.
• Various foundation database profiles and search results. Accessed February 11, 2026.