Mikvah Ltd

## How to Approach Mikvah Ltd

Mikvah Ltd, operating through its public-facing platform Mikvah.org (also known as Mivtza Taharas Hamishpacha / The Taharas Hamishpacha Organization), is primarily an operating foundation that directs the vast majority of its resources toward constructing, maintaining, and operating ritual baths (mikvahs) and providing Jewish family purity education. External grantmaking is extremely limited.

Important Context: This foundation is classified as a private foundation but operates more like a direct-service organization. Its $16.3 million in assets primarily supports its own mikvah construction and educational operations. Only two external grants totaling $6,000 have been identified in recent filings — both to New York-based Jewish organizations.

Ideal Applicant Profile: - Jewish community organizations in Brooklyn, NY or with international reach - Organizations focused on mikvah construction, maintenance, or education - Programs supporting Jewish family purity observance and education - Requests should be modest ($3,000-$5,000 range based on historical giving)

Key Decision Makers: - Mendel Rabkin (President & Treasurer) - Yossef Rabkin (Vice President) - Shalom Rabkin (Secretary)

How to Reach Out: The foundation does not have a formal application process. Contact via phone at 347-787-3613 or through the mikvah.org website. Given the family-run nature and preselected grantmaking, a personal introduction or community connection to the Rabkin family would be the most effective approach.

## Funding Patterns & Financial Analysis

Grant Characteristics: - External grantmaking is minimal — only 2 recorded grants in recent years - Award amounts: $3,000 (both recorded grants) - Recipients: Ten Yad (2023) and Bnos Chomesh (2020), both NY-based Jewish organizations - Purpose: General charitable support - The foundation is marked as preselected only — it does not accept unsolicited applications

Where the Money Actually Goes: The vast majority of expenditures are operational: - Construction of ritual baths: ~$936,000/year - Maintaining & operating ritual baths: ~$503,000/year - Total program expenses exceed $1.4 million annually, dwarfing the $3,000-$6,000 in external grants

Asset Trajectory: Mikvah Ltd has grown significantly from $826K in assets (2012) to $16.3M (2024). Assets peaked at $18.2M in 2020 and have gradually declined, reflecting active spending on mikvah construction projects.

Note: The "Total Giving" figures primarily reflect operational program expenditures (mikvah construction/maintenance), not external grants. The jump from $1,500 in 2019 to $913K in 2020 represents a shift in how program expenses were reported, not a sudden increase in external grantmaking.

## Peer Comparison

Mikvah Ltd occupies a unique niche as an operating foundation focused on Jewish ritual bath infrastructure. Comparable organizations include:

Mikvah USA (EIN: 20-2850305) — Also Brooklyn-based, Mikvah USA focuses specifically on building mikvahs across America. Unlike Mikvah Ltd, Mikvah USA operates more as a traditional grantmaking organization that funds mikvah construction projects nationwide. Organizations seeking mikvah construction funding may find Mikvah USA more accessible.

Machne Israel — The parent organization of Mikvah.org/Mikvah Ltd, Machne Israel is a Chabad-Lubavitch outreach organization with broader programming across Jewish education and community development.

Key Differences from Typical Foundations: - Operating vs. Grantmaking: Mikvah Ltd spends 99%+ of its program budget on its own operations rather than making external grants - Asset Size vs. Giving: Despite $16.3M in assets, external grantmaking averages under $5,000/year - Family-Run: All three officers are from the Rabkin family, with zero compensation — typical of Chabad-affiliated operating foundations - No Application Process: Unlike peer foundations in the Philanthropy & Grantmaking NTEE category, Mikvah Ltd has no formal application or RFP process

## Application Tips

Critical Understanding: Mikvah Ltd is effectively a closed foundation for external grantmaking purposes. The two known grants ($3,000 each) appear to be discretionary gifts to affiliated organizations rather than competitive awards.

If You Still Want to Approach:

1. Community Connection is Essential: The Rabkin family runs this foundation. A personal introduction through Chabad-Lubavitch networks or Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community would be far more effective than a cold application.

2. Align with Their Mission: Any request must directly relate to mikvah construction, maintenance, or Jewish family purity education. General charitable requests are unlikely to succeed.

3. Keep Requests Small: Historical grants are $3,000. Do not request more than $5,000 unless you have a strong existing relationship.

4. Consider Alternative Funders: If your organization needs mikvah-related funding, Mikvah USA (mikvahusa.org) has a more established external grantmaking program and may be more receptive to applications.

5. Phone First: Call 347-787-3613 to inquire before submitting any written request. The foundation has no formal application form or portal.