The mission of the M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation is to support individuals and families as they build productive and meaningful lives. See the PDF of Guidelines for an IMPORTANT update on what we VALUE, what we FUND, and HOW TO APPLY for a grant.
Note: Grants are made primarily in the communities where family members live, work, or have interests.
The Foundation has an interest in four areas of funding:
Community Services
Programs that serve the poor and disenfranchised, especially those programs that:
- Strengthen families
- Develop children
- Address the senior population
- Train people in job skills
- Provide health services
Health
Programs that address the prevention and treatment of illness and disease.
Education
Programs that assist the financially disadvantaged with:
- Equality of access
- Early intervention
- Academic assistance and enrichment
Jewish Heritage
Programs that address:
- Identity and heritage
- Continuity
- Education
- Human services
Priority is given to programs and organizations that:
- Promote organization or personal self-sufficiency.
- Are innovative approaches to solving social problems.
- Articulate clear outcomes and are accountable for them.
- Can be replicated or scaled for larger impact.
The Foundation encourages:
- Requests for programs and projects, rather than ongoing operating support.
- Programs that include an element of collaboration or the possibility of using other community support.
The Foundation does not ordinarily provide:
- Major support for the arts.
- Grants to individuals.
- Scholarships and fellowships to individuals (except through colleges and universities).
See How to Apply and FAQ’s.