Kahn Fund

The Nathan Kahn-Ernestine Kahn-Charles Kahn Foundation

Lina Kahn was the sole survivor of a family with well-established ties to Temple Israel. In 1987 while living in California, she contacted Temple Israel and informed the congregation of her intention to leave her estate to the Temple. She placed only one condition on the proposed bequest. The proceeds of the gift were to be used exclusively to provide for "the aid, assistance, and relief of the elderly…" Lina passed away in November 1989.

The Nathan Kahn-Ernestine Kahn-Charles Kahn Foundation was established by Lina Kahn's gift in 1990 and is the result of her selfless act of generosity. It was made an endowed fund of Congregation Temple Israel.

The Kahn Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the elderly in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Eligibility Criteria for a Kahn Fund Grant
The Kahn Foundation will fund programs that speak to the goals of the Foundation and its stated purpose. The Kahn Foundation Committee reviews proposals and awards grants twice per year.  Funds are granted for a one-year period and may be considered for renewal. Grants are generally made in the range of $1,000-$50,000.

Grants will not be made to individuals, political causes and candidates, for-profit entities, or to cover regular operating costs, fundraising dinners or other benefits, or courtesy advertising.

Click here to view the application guidelines.

Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are now closed. Please come back in the fall for information about the 2026 cycle.

All correspondence should be clearly marked to the attention of the Kahn Foundation and sent to: The Kahn Foundation Committee c/o Congregation Temple Israel #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141 or swendling@ti-stl.org.

Questions? Contact Samantha Wendling at swendling@ti-stl.org or 314-432-8050.