The Karma Foundation concentrates its philanthropy locally in New Jersey with a clear emphasis on arts and cultural institutions and selective support for children's health fundraising. Its largest and repeat investments are in performing arts (notably theater) and Jewish cultural/educational programming, while smaller gifts support pediatric radiothon fundraising efforts. The foundation appears to favor a handful of recurring partners rather than broad, one-off giving.
Concentrated giving to a small set of repeat grantees: a few relatively large grants (one very large theater grant) and multiple renewals rather than many small, widely distributed awards.
Notable grantees: George Street Playhouse, Bildner Center - Rutgers University, Children's Radiothon / WBEVWXRO Children's Radiothon
The Karma Foundation’s recent giving is anchored by large general-support grants to George Street Playhouse, including $72,000 in 2025, $65,220 in 2024, and $70,000 in 2023. That repeated support points to a funder that stays with a small set of recipients over time rather than making isolated gifts. The pattern extends to Rutgers-linked Jewish cultural programming and to children’s health fundraising, showing an interest in institutions that combine public-facing service with community impact. Across its recent grants, the foundation supports arts and culture, Jewish educational and cultural work, and selected health-related fundraising. General support is the dominant grant purpose in the recent list, and several recipients appear in multiple years, which suggests a relationship-based approach. New Brunswick, Jersey City, New York, and other regional nonprofit hubs show up repeatedly among recipients, but the foundation’s giving is not limited to one city. Its support also reaches organizations outside New Jersey, including theater, documentary, and family-service groups in nearby metropolitan markets and beyond.
In performing arts, The Karma Foundation made one of its largest recent gifts to George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, with $72,000 in 2025 after $65,220 in 2024 and $70,000 in 2023. It also supported theater and arts groups in New York, including Atlantic Theater Company, The Public Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater, and Entertainment Community Fund. Jewish cultural and academic programming is another clear thread. The foundation gave $33,600 and $30,000 to Bildner Center - Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and it also funded Rutgers Hillel, Congregation Sinai in Jersey City, and Matan in White Plains. Children’s health fundraising appears in the recent grants list as well. Gifts went to Children’s Radiothon in New York and Salt Lake City, Wbevwxro Children’s Radiothon in Milwaukee, and Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick.
The typical grant size is modest: p25 is $2,650, median is $5,125, and p75 is $11,145. Recent grants also show a wider upper tier, with several awards in the $30,000 to $72,000 range. The foundation’s pattern looks recurring rather than one-time; George Street Playhouse, Bildner Center - Rutgers University, Homefront, Children’s Radiothon, and Matan each appear more than once across the recent list. The foundation makes program support a frequent vehicle, often using general support. It also accepts unsolicited requests through its general grantmaking program.
$203K
$5.1M
$507K
$443K
Most grants fall between $3K and $11K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$11K
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Grantmaking is regional, with 45% of grants going to recipients in New Jersey and the top state by grant count in Pennsylvania. Recent recipient cities cluster in New Brunswick, Jersey City, Lawrence Township, Elizabeth, and New York. The list also includes Washington, DC; White Plains; Newtown; Milwaukee; Salt Lake City; and El Dorado Hills. All recent grants in the recipient-country distribution went to U.S. organizations.
Recent grants show support for arts and culture, Jewish cultural and academic programming, and children’s health fundraising. Recipients include theater companies, Rutgers-linked Jewish programming, a hospital, and several radiothon and family-service organizations.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including George Street Playhouse, Bildner Center - Rutgers University, Homefront, Children’s Radiothon, Congregation Sinai, and Matan. The repeated awards suggest ongoing relationships rather than single gifts.
The foundation’s grant-size distribution centers on smaller awards: p25 is $2,650, median is $5,125, and p75 is $11,145. Recent grants also include larger general-support gifts, including awards of $30,000 and above.
Yes. The Karma Foundation’s general grantmaking and general grant program both accept unsolicited requests. The stated grant range is $500 to $25,000, and the programs support operating expenses, special projects, equipment, capital needs, disaster relief, and start-ups.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $45,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RUTGERS UNIVERSITY BILDNER CENTER | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $40,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN'S RADIOTHON | NEW YORK, NY | $33,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW JERSEY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION | BORDENTOWN, NJ | $18,375 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CENTER FOR CREATIVE CHANGE | WASHINTON, DC | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MATAN | WHITE PLAINS, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ELIJAH'S PROMISE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $6,545 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE | MILLBURN, NJ | $5,669 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RUTGERS HILLEL | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $3,600 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SECOND STAGE THEATER | NEW YORK, NY | $3,546 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| STATE THEATRE OF NJ | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $3,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MANHATTAN THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $3,200 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ROUNDABOUT THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE PUBLIC THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $3,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN REPERATORY BALLET | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $2,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| DANCE POWER | SECAUCUS, NJ | $2,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SIGNATURE THEATRE COMPANY | NEW YORK, NY | $1,250 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ANSHE EMETH MEMORIAL TEMPLE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $850 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RAISERIGHT | KENTWOOD, MI | $735 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| IRISH REPERTORY THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $650 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BNAI ISRAEL | MILLBURN, NJ | $513 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW YORK CITY BALLET | NEW YORK, NY | $250 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RUTGERS UNIVERSITY | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $250 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SP 7 FOR ALL MANKIND | NEW YORK, NY | $186 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| YIDDISH BOOK CENTER | AMHERST, MA | $180 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $72,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN'S RADIOTHON | NEW YORK, NY | $32,078 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BILDNER CENTER - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HOMEFRONT | LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MOMENT MAGAZINE | WASHINTON, DC | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MATAN | WHITE PLAINS, NY | $10,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY FUND | NEW YORK, NY | $6,250 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ATLANTIC THEATER COMPANY | NEW YORK, NY | $6,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE PUBLIC THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $5,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LINCOLN CENTER THEATER | NEW YORK, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| RUTGERS HILLEL | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $3,600 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MANHATTAN THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $3,200 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| TRANSPORT GROUP THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ANSHE EMETH MEMORIAL TEMPLE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $2,300 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY - CENTRAL JERSEY | MILLTOWN, NJ | $2,180 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NEW YORK THEATRE | NEW YORK, NY | $2,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SIGNATURE THEATRE COMPANY | NEW YORK, NY | $1,500 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| NLM | BETHESDA, MD | $1,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| AIDA | SAN FRANSISCO, CA | $1,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $65,220 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BILDNER CENTER - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $33,600 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| WBEVWXRO CHILDREN'S RADIOTHON | MILWAUKEE, WI | $30,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN'S SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $20,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY | NEWTON, MA | $15,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CENTER FOR CREATIVE CHANGE | WASHINGTON, DC | $15,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
NEW JERSEY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
$18,375GENERAL SUPPORT
CENTER FOR CREATIVE CHANGE
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MATAN
Current and upcoming funding from Karma Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Any 501(c)(3) organization that meets the funding guidelines and has never been funded by The Karma Foundation should submit a digital LOI. Organizations funded by The Karma Foundation in the last two years may need a password to access the application without submitting a new LOI.
GENERAL SUPPORT
PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE
$5,669GENERAL SUPPORT
RUTGERS HILLEL
$3,600GENERAL SUPPORT
STATE THEATRE OF NJ
$3,500GENERAL SUPPORT
MANHATTAN THEATRE
$3,200GENERAL SUPPORT
THE PUBLIC THEATRE
$3,000GENERAL SUPPORT
AMERICAN REPERATORY BALLET
$2,500GENERAL SUPPORT
DANCE POWER
$2,500GENERAL SUPPORT
ANSHE EMETH MEMORIAL TEMPLE
$850GENERAL SUPPORT
RAISERIGHT
$735GENERAL SUPPORT
BNAI ISRAEL
$513GENERAL SUPPORT
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
$250GENERAL SUPPORT
SP 7 FOR ALL MANKIND
$186GENERAL SUPPORT
CHILDREN'S RADIOTHON
$32,078GENERAL SUPPORT
BILDNER CENTER - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MOMENT MAGAZINE
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MATAN
$10,500GENERAL SUPPORT
ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY FUND
$6,250GENERAL SUPPORT
THE PUBLIC THEATRE
$5,500GENERAL SUPPORT
LINCOLN CENTER THEATER
$5,000GENERAL SUPPORT
RUTGERS HILLEL
$3,600GENERAL SUPPORT
MANHATTAN THEATRE
$3,200GENERAL SUPPORT
TRANSPORT GROUP THEATRE
$2,500GENERAL SUPPORT
ANSHE EMETH MEMORIAL TEMPLE
$2,300GENERAL SUPPORT
NEW YORK THEATRE
$2,000GENERAL SUPPORT
NLM
$1,000GENERAL SUPPORT
AIDA
$1,000GENERAL SUPPORT
BILDNER CENTER - RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
$33,600GENERAL SUPPORT
WBEVWXRO CHILDREN'S RADIOTHON
$30,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CENTER FOR CREATIVE CHANGE
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
Who can apply: Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. New Jersey grants are restricted to Middlesex, Union, and Mercer Counties, with particular interest in Middlesex and Union Counties; organizations based in New Jersey with regional or statewide scope may also be considered. The Foundation also funds local branches of national organizations and some international relief organizations. It does not fund loans, direct grants to individuals or personal businesses, litigation, certain travel expenses, charter schools, political candidates or lobbying activity, or fundraising-event advertising. Organizations may receive only one grant per calendar year.
Deadline: No fixed deadlines. Trustees review applications on a rolling basis, approximately every 30 days.
Who can apply: Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and meet the Foundation's funding guidelines. New Jersey grants are restricted to Middlesex, Union, and Mercer Counties, although New Jersey organizations with regional or statewide scope may also be considered. The Foundation also funds local branches of national organizations and some international relief organizations. It does not fund organizations without 501(c)(3) status, loans, direct grants to individuals or personal businesses, litigation, travel expenses for bands and sports teams, charter schools, political candidates or lobbying activity, or advertising for fundraising events. Organizations may receive only one grant per calendar year.
Deadline: No fixed deadlines; applications may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The Foundation reviews proposals every 30 days.
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