Private foundation · EIN 20-2019997 · Rcho Santa Fe, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Lyman Family Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 14 grants paid, $87K total, median $5,000. 93% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
14
$87K
Median grant
$5,000
Stays in CA
93%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.2M

Grants paid in 2025

14 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
San Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceSan Diego, CAWildlife grant$27K
Horizon Christian FellowshipRancho Santa Fe, CAReligious grant$12K
San Diego Rescue MissionSan Diego, CAReligious grant$10K
Promises2kidsSan Diego, CAGeneral grant$9,000
Axeals FoundationSan Pedro, CAHealth grant$7,500
The Old GlobeSan Diego, CAArts grant$7,156
Manchester Family FoundationSan Diego, CAGeneral grant$5,000
San Diego SymphonySan Diego, CAArts grant$5,000
Abraham Path InitiationNewtown, PAWildlife grant$1,000
Trojan League of SdLos Angeles, CAGeneral grant$1,000
Honorary Deputy SheriffsSan Diego, CAGeneral grant$750
Chp 11-99 FoundationCosta Mesa, CAGeneral grant$500
CureboundSan Diego, CAHealth grant$500
Seacrest FoundationOrange, CAHealth grant$250

By state: California 13 · Pennsylvania 1

About this foundation

Lyman Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Rcho Santa Fe, California, administered in care of Steve Lyman, tax-exempt since 2006. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Lyman Family Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Lyman Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $87K across 14 grants, a median of $5,000.

Where does Lyman Family Foundation give?

California (13 grants), Pennsylvania (1 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Rcho Santa Fe that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
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Shillman Foundationsince 2000 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $3.1M4 grants · 2025 $145KPreselected only $103M
Keith & Pamela Fox Family Foundationsince 2001 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $369K20 grants · 2025 $10KPreselected only $9.0M
Linda Brandes Foundationsince 2005 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $482K7 grants · 2024 $10KPreselected only $6.8M
Bell Charitable Foundationsince 1995 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $628K26 grants · 2024 $20KPreselected only $5.1M
Sydney D Holland Foundationsince 2013 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $179K25 grants · 2024 $5,000Preselected only $4.5M
Rosso Family Foundationsince 2011 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $1.1M23 grants · 2025 $15KPreselected only $2.9M
Pulido Walker Foundationsince 1996 Rcho Santa Fe, CA $225K8 grants · 2024 $30KYes $2.4M
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