Private foundation · EIN 84-1624183 · San Francisco, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Paul L Wattis 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: 13 grants paid, $353K total, median $20K. 85% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
13
$353K
Median grant
$20K
Stays in CA
85%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$5.4M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
California College of the ArtsSan Francisco, CAHuang Matching Gift Challenge for unrestricted operating support$113K
Sweetwater Music HallMill Valley, CAGeneral support$50K
The Dry Dock CorporationSan Francisco, CASupport for general expenses$50K
The Salvation Army - Golden State DivisionSan Francisco, CATo support the Joseph McFee Center$31K
Fine Arts Museums of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CAFor acquisition of Hiba Kalache's Ecology of Violence II (2023)$22K
Transit BooksBerkeley, CATo support the organization's project to develop a book from initial concept through final publication$20K
Trisha Brown Dance CompanyNew York, NYTo support the upcoming production in celebration of the Robert Rauschenberg Centennial$20K
Hazel Hawkins Hospital FoundationHollister, CAGeneral support$10K
Pacific Legal FoundationSacramento, CAFor the foundation's Annual Fund$10K
San Benito County Heritage FoundationTres Pinos, CATo support the Water Project Committee with funding of a second well and water supply in the Southwest region of Bolado Park$10K
The Swedenborgian ChurchSan Francisco, CASupport the provision of a space available for community purposes$10K
Hearst Castle Preservation FoundationNew York, NYSupport of art conservation$5,000
Little Village FoundationSolvang, CAFor the foundation's Annual Fund$2,500

By state: California 11 · New York 2

About this foundation

Paul L Wattis Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in San Francisco, California, administered in care of Paul L Wattis III, tax-exempt since 2004. 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 Paul L Wattis 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 Paul L Wattis Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $353K across 13 grants, a median of $20K.

Where does Paul L Wattis Foundation give?

California (11 grants), New York (2 grants), per its latest filing.

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