Private foundation · EIN 47-2908898 · La Jolla, California · Education

Leighton Foundation Inc

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: 45 grants paid, $570K total, median $12K. 100% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
45
$570K
Median grant
$12K
Stays in CA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$6.6M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Thurgood Marshall Middle SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$30K
Scripps Mesa Steam LabSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$30K
Formosa Generations of Family Chamber of MuSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$26K
Srhs Baseball Booster ClubSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$23K
Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School (educational Field Trip)San Diego, CAGeneral funds$20K
Marshall Mustang Organization Mmo Science OlympiadSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$20K
University of California San Digo Foundation OpalsLA Jolla, CAGeneral funds$20K
Mirmar Ranch Elementary PTA Violin Ensemble Classes and Special Add ProgramSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$20K
Srhs Music BoostersSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$18K
Ebsjerebak Music ProgramSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Marshall Mustang Organization Mmo Theater ProgramSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Scripps Ranch High SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Scripps Ranch Wrestling Booster ClubSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Highland Ranch Elementary PTA Coding ClassesSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Srhs Dance ClubSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$15K
Community Montessori Farm ProjectEscondido, CAGeneral funds$15K
UC San Diego Foundation OpalsLA Jolla, CAGeneral funds$15K
Aviara Oaks Middle OrchestraCarlsbad, CAGeneral funds$14K
Valley Elementary School PTAPoway, CAGeneral funds$13K
Dimensions Collaborative SchoolEscondido, CAGeneral funds$13K
Chollas Mead Elementary PTASan Diego, CAGeneral funds$12K
Jerabek Ffo Elementary Steam LabSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$12K
Mason Elementary SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$11K
Del Norte High SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
California State University San Marcos ScholarshipSan Marcos, CAGeneral funds$10K
Campanille Music FestivalSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
Turtleback Elementary SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
Hage Elementary School PTASan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
Teralta ArtSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
Logan Memorial Educational Campus Math ProgramSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$10K
San Elijo Middle School Band BoosterSan Marcos, CAGeneral funds$8,500
Valley Middle Band and OrchestraCarlsbad, CAGeneral funds$8,400
Solana Ranch Elementary School National History Day ProgramSolana Beach, CAGeneral funds$8,200
Westview Gold Booster (westview High School)San Diego, CAGeneral funds$8,000
Spark Enrichment (strings Ensemble Workshop)San Diego, CAGeneral funds$7,500
Spark Enrichment (music Stands Books Equipment)San Diego, CAGeneral funds$7,500
Scripps Ranch High School Olympiad ScienceSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$7,000
Wolverine Athletic FoundationSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$6,800
Srhs Music BoostersSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$6,500
Black Mountain Middle SchoolSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$5,000
Dingeman Elmentary Family Faculty Connection FfcSan Diego, CAGeneral funds$5,000
WildcoastDel Mar, CAGeneral funds$2,400
Canyon Crest AcademySan Diego, CAGeneral funds$2,000
WildcoastDel Mar, CAGeneral funds$480

About this foundation

Leighton Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation in La Jolla, California, administered in care of Rufina Chen, tax-exempt since 2015. 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 Leighton Foundation Inc 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 Leighton Foundation Inc give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $570K across 45 grants, a median of $12K.

Where does Leighton Foundation Inc give?

California (45 grants), per its latest filing.

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