Private foundation · EIN 95-4081969 · Downey, California

Ellen and Clarence 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 2024 Form 990-PF: 22 grants paid, $46K total, median $1,500. 82% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
22
$46K
Median grant
$1,500
Stays in CA
82%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.2M

Grants paid in 2024

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CAOperating funds$7,000
Delta Zeta FoundationOxford, OHOperating funds$5,000
Heart Mountain Wy FoundationPowell, WYOperating funds$4,500
Orange Coast Optimist Club of G GSanta Ana, CAOperating funds$4,000
Cultural Heritage FoundationLos Angeles, CAOperating funds$2,000
Downey Unified School DistrictDowney, CAOperating funds$2,000
Japanese American Cultural CcLos Angeles, CAOperating funds$2,000
City of HopeDefuniak Springs, WYOperating funds$2,000
Sanctuary of Universal LoveBurlington, CTOperating funds$2,000
LA Sierra UniversityRiverside, CAOperating funds$2,000
South Gator Basketball ClubSouth Gate, CAOperating funds$2,000
Riverside Art MuseumRiverside, CAOperating funds$1,000
Integrity Sports Training IncArcadia, CAOperating funds$1,000
Helping Other People ExcelGardena, CAOperating funds$1,000
Assistance League of RiversideRiverside, CAOperating funds$1,000
VFW FoundationJurupa Valley, CAOperating funds$1,000
Rccd FoundationRiverside, CAOperating funds$1,000
Temple City Hs BaseballArcadia, CAOperating funds$1,000
Olive CrestSanta Ana, CAOperating funds$1,000
Community PartnersLos Angeles, CAOperating funds$1,000
Santa Ana Soccer ClubArcadia, CAOperating funds$1,000
Glendora Hs Diamond ClubGlendora, CAOperating funds$1,000

By state: California 18 · Wyoming 2 · Ohio 1 · Connecticut 1

About this foundation

Ellen and Clarence Peterson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Downey, California, administered in care of Gary Castagnola, tax-exempt since 1987. 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 Ellen and Clarence Peterson Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 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 Ellen and Clarence Peterson Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $46K across 22 grants, a median of $1,500.

Where does Ellen and Clarence Peterson Foundation give?

California (18 grants), Wyoming (2 grants), Ohio (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Downey that accept applications

All in California
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Downey Kiwanis Foundationsince 1985 Downey, CA $281K12 grants · 2025 $6,538Yes $6.5M
William & Flora Hewlett Foundationsince 1968 Menlo Park, CA $625M2,001 grants · 2024 $150KYes $13B
David and Lucile Packard Foundationsince 1964 Los Altos, CA $350M1,029 grants · 2024 $150KYes $8.3B
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