Private foundation · EIN 95-1513384 · San Diego, California

J W Sefton 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: 7 grants paid, $1.3M total, median $130K. 100% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
7
$1.3M
Median grant
$130K
Stays in CA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$20M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
San Diego Natural History MuseumSan Diego, CAGrant for general operating support$425K
Forever Balboa ParkSan Diego, CABotanical building and gardens pledge$375K
Hubbs-Sea World Research InstituteSan Diego, CAWild abalone restoration$145K
Living Coast Discovery CenterChula Vista, CAEducation without boundaries program$130K
San Diego Humane SocietySan Diego, CAGrant for project wildlife$125K
The San Diego FoundationSan Diego, CAGrant for friends of chula vista animal care facility$90K
Emilio Nares FoundationSan Diego, CAComprehensive care initiatives$35K

About this foundation

J W Sefton Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in San Diego, California, tax-exempt since 1952. 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 J W Sefton 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 J W Sefton Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $1.3M across 7 grants, a median of $130K.

Where does J W Sefton Foundation give?

California (7 grants), per its latest filing.

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