Private foundation · EIN 20-2557737 · Lafayette, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

William Fries II 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 2024 Form 990-PF: 9 grants paid, $1.5M total, median $75K. 100% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
9
$1.5M
Median grant
$75K
Stays in CA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$37M

Grants paid in 2024

9 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV. Part XV itemizes $1.5M; Part I reports $1.2M in contributions paid

RecipientPurposeAmount
Ufc BerkeleyBerkeley, CAUnrestricted$600K
UCSF Benioff Children's HospitalsSan Francisco, CAProvide care for children and their families, train the next generation of clinician-scientist leaders, and pursue research breakthroughs t…$400K
The San Francisco FoundationSan Francisco, CAUnrestricted$180K
San Francisco - Marin Food BankSan Francisco, CAUnrestricted$100K
Chronicle Season of Sharing FundSan Francisco, CATo provide emergency assistance for bay area residents facing temporary crises.$75K
St Anthony FoundationSan Francisco, CAUnrestricted$75K
San Francisco Education FundSan Francisco, CATo empower students and build more equitable & inclusive public-school experience.$50K
San Francisco SymphonySan Francisco, CAUnrestricted$25K
San Francisco OperaSan Francisco, CATo Provide transformative music education programs to students across the Bay Area and Northern California.$25K

About this foundation

William Fries II Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Lafayette, California, administered in care of Kim Traynor, tax-exempt since 2005. 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 William Fries II Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 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 William Fries II Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $1.5M across 9 grants, a median of $75K.

Where does William Fries II Foundation give?

California (9 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Lafayette that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Travers Family Foundation Trustsince 1994 Lafayette, CA $1.8M9 grants · 2025 $89KYes $105M
T Gary and Kathleen Rogers Private Family Foundationsince 2004 Lafayette, CA $5.4M51 grants · 2024 $2,150Yes $48M
Payette River Foundationsince 2006 Lafayette, CA $1.7M14 grants · 2025 $75KYes $38M
Barlow Family Foundationsince 2016 Lafayette, CA $500K7 grants · 2024 $50KYes $8.1M
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