Private foundation · EIN 71-0929445 · San Carlos, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Christensen 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: 38 grants paid, $524K total, median $12K. 97% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
38
$524K
Median grant
$12K
Stays in CA
97%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$13M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Eastside College PrepEast Palo Alto, CAGeneral$60K
EpattPalo Alto, CAGeneral$33K
Laughing Pony RescueRancho Santa Fe, CAGeneral$32K
Norcal Interscholastic CyclingPetaluma, CAGeneral$30K
All About Equine Animal RescueEl Dorado Hills, CAGeneral$22K
Team SwiftFulton, CAGeneral$21K
Homeward BoundSan Francisco, CAGeneral$20K
Marin CharitableGreenbrae, CAGeneral$20K
CASA El Dorado CountyPlacerville, CAGeneral$18K
SF Marin Food BankSan Francisco, CAGeneral$16K
Boys & Girls ClubSan Mateo, CAGeneral$15K
Canal AllianceSan Rafael, CAGeneral$15K
Episcopal Impact FundSan Francisco, CAGeneral$15K
Marshall Community FoundationCameron Park, CAGeneral$15K
Meals on WheelsMenlo Park, CAGeneral$15K
The GuardsmenSan Francisco, CAGeneral$15K
2nd Harvest Food BankSan Jose, CAGeneral$12K
El Dorado County German ShepherShingle Springs, CAGeneral$12K
Petaluma Wildlife MuseumPetaluma, CAGeneral$12K
Sonoma County Wildlife RescuePetaluma, CAGeneral$12K
Bay Area Cancer ConnectionsPalo Alto, CAGeneral$10K
FIRST Tee of SacramentoSacramento, CAGeneral$10K
Habitat for HumanitySan Jose, CAGeneral$10K
Sacred Heart SchoolAtherton, CAGeneral$10K
Woodside Highschool FoundationWoodside, CAGeneral$8,000
Humane Society of Sonoma CntySanta Rosa, CAGeneral$7,500
Lily's LegacyPetaluma, CAGeneral$7,500
Mentor MePetaluma, CAGeneral$7,500
Petaluma Small Craft CenterPetaluma, CAGeneral$7,500
Alzheimer's AssociationChicago, ILGeneral$5,000
CaminarSan Mateo, CAGeneral$5,000
In AllianceSanta Cruz, CAGeneral$5,000
Pv SchoolsPortola Valley, CAGeneral$5,000
San Mateo County Hist AssocRedwood City, CAGeneral$5,000
San Mateo County Parks FoundatnSan Mateo, CAGeneral$5,000
Life MovesSan Jose, CAGeneral$4,500
Seamless Bay AreaSan Francisco, CAGeneral$1,000
Spirit CareBurlingame, CAGeneral$500

By state: California 37 · Illinois 1

About this foundation

Christensen Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in San Carlos, California, administered in care of Herman Christensen Jr, tax-exempt since 2003. 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 Christensen 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 Christensen Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $524K across 38 grants, a median of $12K.

Where does Christensen Family Foundation give?

California (37 grants), Illinois (1 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near San Carlos that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Danford Foundationsince 1982 San Carlos, CA $1.4M33 grants · 2024 $10KYes $16M
Tae Foundationsince 1998 San Carlos, CA $54K1 grants · 2025 $54KYes $1.4M
William & Flora Hewlett Foundationsince 1968 Menlo Park, CA $625M2,001 grants · 2024 $150KYes $13B
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