Private foundation · EIN 84-4820511 · San Diego, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

John R Peterson 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: 18 grants paid, $984K total, median $2,290. 50% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
18
$984K
Median grant
$2,290
Stays in CA
50%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$25M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
San Diego Humane SocietySan Diego, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$232K
Petfix Spay and NeuterWaikoloa Village, HIAnimal Welfare Grant/IT$195K
Los Angeles County Animal Care FoundationLong Beach, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$173K
Aloha Lio RescueKeaau, HIAnimal Welfare Grant$115K
Lucky Dog Animal RescueArlington, VAAnimal Welfare Grant$108K
Good Cat NetworkMakawao, HIAnimal Welfare Grant$101K
Kauai Humane SocietyLihue, HIAnimal Welfare Grant$38K
Kauai SPCAKilauea, HIAnimal Welfare Grant/IT$6,195
Hit Living Dog RescueVan Nuys, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$2,521
California DoodleHuntington Beach, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$2,060
Tails Gray ResueLivermore, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$2,000
Mother of Dragons RescueSan Diego, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$2,000
Southeast German Shorthaired Pointer RescueMyakka City, FLAnimal Welfare Grant$2,000
Paws for Life K9 RescueMission Hills, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$1,800
PawslaLos Angeles, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$1,718
Carolina Loving Hound RescueGreenville, SCAnimal Welfare Grant$1,701
Pet Rescue SolutionsEl Monte, CAAnimal Welfare Grant$979
Lnai Cat SanctuaryLanai City, HIAnimal Welfare Grant$524

By state: Hawaii 6 · California 9 · Virginia 1 · Florida 1 · South Carolina 1

About this foundation

John R Peterson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in San Diego, California, administered in care of Catherine Chow, tax-exempt since 2020. 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 John R Peterson 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 John R Peterson Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $984K across 18 grants, a median of $2,290.

Where does John R Peterson Foundation give?

Hawaii (6 grants), California (9 grants), Virginia (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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