Private foundation · EIN 33-0653203 · San Diego, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Donald C and Elizabeth M Dickinson 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: 17 grants paid, $1.8M total, median $60K. 88% of grants stayed in California. Stated restrictions: NONE

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
17
$1.8M
Median grant
$60K
Stays in CA
88%
of grants
Deadline
OCTOBER 31
Assets
$36M

How to apply

Written format specifying dollar amount requested, proposed use of requested funds, and evidence of non-profit status. Contact: Executive Director, 7456 LA Mantanza, San Diego, Ca, 8582808868 Deadlines: OCTOBER 31 Restrictions: NONE

Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
National Cowboy MuseumOklahoma City, OKEducation$510K
Radys Childrens HospitalSan Diego, CAGeneral support$333K
Usd Hahn School of NursingSan Diego, CAEducation$100K
San Diego ZooSan Diego, CAGeneral support$100K
Teri CenterSan Marcos, CAGeneral support$100K
CureboundSan Diego, CAGeneral support$75K
Kraemer Endowment FoundationEl Cajon, CAEducation$75K
Rancho Santa Fe FoundationEncinitias, CAGeneral support$62K
Arcs FoundationSan Diego, CAScholarships$60K
Cathedral Catholic High SchoolSan Diego, CAScholarships$54K
Institute of Contemporary ArtEncinitas, CAValise education program$50K
Scripps OceanographySan Diego, CAScholarships$50K
Aseltine SchoolSan Diego, CAEducation$50K
Cristo Rey SchoolSan Diego, CAEducation$50K
Mingei International MuseumSan Diego, CAMuseum support$50K
A Bridge for KidsSan Diego, CAScholarships$25K
The Food DepotSanta Fe, NMGeneral support$15K

By state: California 15 · Oklahoma 1 · New Mexico 1

About this foundation

Donald C and Elizabeth M Dickinson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in San Diego, California, administered in care of Martin C Dickinson, tax-exempt since 1995. 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 Donald C and Elizabeth M Dickinson 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 Donald C and Elizabeth M Dickinson Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $1.8M across 17 grants, a median of $60K.

Where does Donald C and Elizabeth M Dickinson Foundation give?

California (15 grants), Oklahoma (1 grants), New Mexico (1 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near San Diego that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Conrad Prebys Foundationsince 2007 San Diego, CA $55M392 grants · 2024 $100KYes $1.1B
Torrey Coast Foundationsince 2021 San Diego, CA $11M25 grants · 2024 $250KYes $317M
Walter J & Betty C Zable Foundationsince 1997 San Diego, CA $5.7M76 grants · 2024 $25KYes $93M
Email me matching grants