Sylvan T. Baer Foundation
The application for the 2026 Sylvan T. Baer Foundation grant cycle has closed. Please visit this page in Spring 2027 for information on next year’s cycle.
For more information on the Sylvan T. Baer Foundation and the grant criteria, please review the sections.
Mission, Vision, & History
The Sylvan T. Baer Foundation, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee was established in 1965 by Mr. Baer in honor of his parents to assist needy and deserving Jews in the Dallas Community. His forethought has allowed the distribution of approximately $7.5 million dollars. The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation works on behalf of Bank of America in identifying and recommending qualified Jewish organizations, such as synagogues, day schools and other Jewish organizations to receive funding.
The Sylvan T. Baer Foundation was established in 1965 by Mr. Baer in memory and honor of his parents, Jacob and Helen Baer, to assist needy and deserving Jewish individuals in the North Texas community. Bank of America, N.A. is proud to serve as trustee of this charitable foundation and as a steward of these charitable funds. The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation works on behalf of Bank of America in identifying and recommending qualified Jewish organizations to receive funding. Together, we award meaningful grants to our community as was Mr. Baer’s philanthropic mission.
The Sylvan T. Baer Foundation is a compelling example of the power of endowments. Started in 1965 with $700,000, the Baer Foundation has now granted more than $7.5M to support the Jewish community in North Texas – and currently maintains assets of almost $5M.* Through prudent management, this fund will continue to grow and fund the Jewish community in perpetuity – a wonderful testament both to Sylvan T. Baer’s vision and to the impact of endowment funds like this one.
*As of May 2026. Dollar amounts are not adjusted for inflation.
Details of eligibility are below.
Please toggle through each criteria to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Jewish organizations for distribution to or for the use and benefit of any needy deserving Jewish individual or individuals, and to or for the use and benefit of any Jewish organization or organizations for such religious, scientific, literary, medical, educational, or other charitable purpose or purposes.
Grants are awarded to qualified 501(c)(3) charitable Jewish organizations within the state of Texas, preference is given to organizations located in Dallas County and the surrounding area.
With the goal of ensuring all applying agencies have a fair opportunity for success, reduced frustration, better alignment of funded projects with donor intent, and ensuring a more transparent process, we have established the clarity below on the grant criteria:
In keeping with Mr. Baer’s intent to support individuals and agencies assisting Jews in need, this year’s funding priorities will focus on:
- Financial assistance for individuals and families
- Expanding access to engagement with Dallas Jewish communal life
Agencies are encouraged to submit applications that address these priorities; however, if they have innovative or impactful programs outside of these areas, they should also be encouraged to submit those.
Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000. The majority of grants from the Sylvan T. Baer Foundation are 1 year in duration. On occasion, multi-year support is awarded.
The Sylvan T. Baer Foundation, together with DJCF, will carefully evaluate grant proposals to ensure that grants are awarded in accordance with the philanthropic mission of the Sylvan T. Baer Foundation.
For questions about the Sylvan T. Baer Foundation application process please contact:
Bank of America’s centralized inbox – [email protected]
OR
Mateo Henao
Assistant Vice President
Sr. Philanthropic Officer
Bank of America Private Bank
(214) 209-1950
[email protected]