Bernhardt, Goldowsky and Silverstein foundations: Potential grant money for Jewish nonprofits

PROVIDENCE — Local foundations are looking for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations seeking grant funds. These nonprofits are eligible to apply for a grant from the Helene and Bertram Bernhardt Foundation, the Gertrude N. and Seebert J. Goldowsky Foundation and the Pearle W. and Martin M. Silverstein Foundation.

Established in 2005 through the estates of the late Helene and Bertram Bernhardt, the Bernhardt Foundation’s mission is to support nonprofit organizations, with a specific preference given to Jewish nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island and to nonprofit organizations that Helene and Bertram Bernhardt supported during their lives. The foundation also distributes a limited number of small grants (up to $250) to local charities that support the broader community.

Since its founding, the Bernhardt Foundation has distributed more than $9 million to Temple Beth-El; the Jewish Alliance; Jewish Collaborative Services; the Hillels at Brown, RISD and URI; Miriam Hospital; and others.

The Goldowsky Foundation was established in 2006 through the estates of Gertrude N. and Seebert J. Goldowsky. Its mission is to fund nonprofit organizations supported by the Goldowskys during their lifetimes. Organizations the foundation supports focus on the local Jewish community, education, medicine, public health and history. The Goldowsky Foundation seeks to award grants in amounts between $250 and $10,000 to advance these funding priorities.

The Silverstein Foundation was established in 1989 through the estates of Pearle W. and Martin M. Silverstein. Its mission is to support nonprofit organizations. It considers organizations supported by the Silversteins during their lifetimes and those focusing on the local Jewish community, education, the arts and social justice. The Silverstein Foundation seeks to award grants in amounts between $250 and $5,000 to advance these funding priorities.

To receive the application forms and funding guidelines, contact Secretary Samuel Zurier by email at sdz@zurierlaw.com, by telephone at 401-861-0200 or by mail at 123 Dyer St., Suite 135, Providence, RI 02903.

The deadline to submit Bernhardt Foundation applications is Dec. 1, 2026. The Goldowsky and Silverstein foundations consider applications on a rolling basis.

Submitted by Samuel D. Zurier.