Private foundation · EIN 23-7064397 · Del Mar, California

Charles Lee Powell 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: 4 grants paid, $2.8M total, median $650K. 100% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
4
$2.8M
Median grant
$650K
Stays in CA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$64M

Grants paid in 2025

4 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV. Part XV itemizes $2.8M; Part I reports $3.5M in contributions paid

RecipientPurposeAmount
University of California San DiegoLA Jolla, CAEducation$825K
Stanford UniversityStanford, CAEducation$650K
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CAEducation$650K
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CAEducation$650K

About this foundation

Charles Lee Powell Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Del Mar, California, tax-exempt since 1966. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

Foundation websiteAll filings on ProPublica

Does Charles Lee Powell 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 Charles Lee Powell Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $2.8M across 4 grants, a median of $650K.

Where does Charles Lee Powell Foundation give?

California (4 grants), per its latest filing.

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