OVERVIEW: The Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, including religious organizations, schools and causes in Israel.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: The Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation was founded in 2000. It was established by real estate mogul Michael Cayre and his wife Shirley. Michael is a son of Joseph Cayre, who founded Midtown Equities, a privately held real estate developer. Michael helps steer Midtown Equities with the rest of the family. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Michael and Shirley Cayre Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, including religious organizations, schools and causes in Israel.
The Cayres have given particularly strong and steady support to Birkat Shalom, a reform synagogue in central Israel of late.
Grants range from $301 to $720,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $937,000. Past grantees include Yeshivah Mikdash Melech, Chabad Port Washington, Congregation Shaare Zion, and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
While the foundation keeps a low profile, it does accept applications. There is no formal application but requests must include general information regarding the charitable function of the applicant.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Applications should be submitted to
Michael Cayre
141 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010