Private foundation · EIN 94-2349237 · Monterey, California

Vaquero 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: 47 grants paid, $152K total, median $2,000. 57% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
47
$152K
Median grant
$2,000
Stays in CA
57%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$3.6M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Future Citizens FoundationSalinas, CAEducation$15K
Monterey County Food BankSalinas, CAFood distribution for families in monterey county$14K
Song for Charlie IncPasadena, CARaising awareness about fentapills$11K
Naval Post Graduate School FoundationMonterey, CAProvide needed assistance for military men and women$7,500
Tunnels to Towers FoundationStaten Island, NYSupporting families of first responders$7,500
St Lawrence Martyr Food PantryRedondo Beach, CAFood pantry and catholic education$7,000
Alzheimers AssociationSan Jose, CAFind cure for alzheimers$5,000
East Contra Costa Historical SocietyBrentwood, CAPreserving local history$5,000
Intersection of Arts Fault RadiSan Francisco, CAChampioning bay area artists$5,000
LifemovesSanta Clara, CAHomelessness$5,000
Loyola High SchoolLos Angeles, CAEducation$5,000
San Francisco Recreation and ParksSan Francisco, CAParks and recreation$5,000
Santa Catalina SchoolMonterey, CACatholic education$4,500
Rancho CieloSalinas, CAAt risk youth$4,000
Tokay FFAWoodbridge, CAEducation$4,000
ALS Families ProjectNew York, NYFind cure for als$3,000
Cornerstone Bible ChurchPort Jefferson Station, NYEducation- ministry$3,000
Mary Graham Childrens FoundationFrench Camp, CASupports foster children$3,000
Corey's PromiseHuntington, NYHelping families with children in hospital$2,500
Wounded Warriors ProjectTopeka, KSSupport veterans$2,500
Central California Food BankFresno, CAFood pantry$2,000
Habitat for Humanity of SuffolkMiddle Island, NYHousing$2,000
Kerman Community Services OrganizationKerman, CACommunity services organization$2,000
Golf Fights CancerNorton, MACancer research$2,000
St Mathews HouseSouth Naples, FLHelping families$2,000
The ShelterNaples, FLShelter for women and children$2,000
The Salvation Army- Los BanosLos Banos, CASalvation army$2,000
Cure SmaElk Grove Village, ILCure spinal muscular atrophy$1,500
Our Daily Bread Food PantryMarco Island, FLFood distribution$1,500
Postpartum Support CenterSan Rafael, CAPostpartum support$1,500
ALS Ride for LifeStony Brook, NYFind cure for als$1,000
Byron LibraryByron, CAEducating youth$1,000
Christi's International MinistryFresno, CAInternational ministry$1,000
Hospice East BayPleasant Hill, CAHospice care$1,000
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano CountyConcord, CAFood distribution$1,000
Little Flower Children Family Services of NyWading River, NYHoliday fund$1,000
Long Island Cares IncHauppauge, NYFood pantry$1,000
Long Island Lending a Helping HandRocky Point, NYFood pantry and community center$1,000
Stony Brook FoundationStony Brook, NYVeterans$1,000
Suffolk County Police FoundationCapiague, NYAssist law enforcement agencies with improving the quality of services provided$1,000
Thomas Scully FoundationMiller Place, NYCancer$1,000
Village Community Resource CenterBrentwood, CAWifi hot spots to rural families$1,000
Spreckels Union Educational FoundationSpreckels, CAChildren education$1,000
University of Reno FoundationReno, NVEducation$1,000
Youth HavenNaples, FLProviding home, hope, and healing to abused and neglected children$1,000
Red Kettle KickoffSeaside, CASalvation army$500
Sacramento Valley National CemetaryWinters, CACemetary$300

By state: California 27 · New York 12 · Florida 4 · Kansas 1 · Massachusetts 1 · Illinois 1

About this foundation

Vaquero Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Monterey, California, tax-exempt since 1976. 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 Vaquero 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 Vaquero Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $152K across 47 grants, a median of $2,000.

Where does Vaquero Foundation give?

California (27 grants), New York (12 grants), Florida (4 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Monterey that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Nancy Buck Ransom Foundationsince 1979 Monterey, CA $1.5M31 grants · 2024 $15KYes $44M
William McCakey Chapman and Adaline D Chapman Foundationsince 1985 Monterey, CA $720K32 grants · 2024 $20KYes $22M
Darabont Charitable Trustsince 2022 Monterey, CA $1.0M2 grants · 2025 $508KYes $20M
Lawrence Weissberg Foundationsince 1987 Monterey, CA $35K8 grants · 2023 $4,500Yes $1.1M
Email me matching grants