Foundations that fund organizations in Lee Vining, California
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Lee Vining nonprofits
23 private foundations gave $70K to Lee Vining organizations in their latest filings; 2 of the 23 that say either way accept applications.
29 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Lee Vining around $1,000. 14 of these funders are based in California; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 23
- Accept applications
- 2
- of 23 that state a policy
- Dollars to Lee Vining
- $70K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 29
- Typical median grant
- $1,000
- Based in CA
- 61%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Lee Vining organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dechambeau Creek Foundation | Lee Vining, CA | 6 | $34K | $4,000 | Preselected only | 2024 director's fund award recipient; Ambiental 2024 travel; 2024 docent program |
| Patagoniaorg | Ventura, CA | 1 | $15K | $15K | Preselected only | To support environmental projects. |
| Mitchell Foundation for Nature Art & Science | Pasadena, CA | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Yes | General support |
| The Lorber Foundation | Amherst, MA | 2 | $2,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | General fund to support mission |
| Elizabeth M Gitt Foundation | North Myrtle Beach, SC | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Preselected only | Environmental steward/water rghts |
| Above & Beyond Teaching Formerly - Carlston Family Foundation | San Rafael, CA | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Yes | 2025 Outstanding Teachers of America Award |
| Ferrari Family Foundation | Portola Valley, CA | 1 | $1,025 | $1,025 | Preselected only | Support |
| Kirsonis Family Foundation | Malibu, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Financial support |
| Monimos Foundation | Ojai, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | For the preservation of mono lake and its habitat. |
| The William C Anderson Wilderness & Wild Wildlife Preservation Society Inc | Caldwell, NJ | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Preserve wildlife |
| Ronald Philip Saturno Foundation | Berkeley, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | General |
| George J and Theresa L Cotsirilos Merced Foundation | Berkeley, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | General Support |
| Charlies Choice Foundation | Bruceton Mills, WV | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | General operating |
| Carol and Warren Sinsheimer Foundation Inc | San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Environmental conservation |
| Seawood Foundation | San Jose, CA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Environmental protection |
| The Wolfe Foundation | San Mateo, CA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Unrestricted |
| Sutton Family Foundation | Encinitas, CA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Environment |
| Bruce Ford Brown Memorial Trust | Wilmington, DE | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | General & Unrestricted |
| Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr Fund | San Francisco, CA | 1 | $400 | $400 | Preselected only | For general support. |
| Nord Family Foundation | Princeton, NJ | 1 | $300 | $300 | Preselected only | General unrestricted |
| Smidinger Trust | Springfield, VA | 1 | $100 | $100 | Preselected only | Preserve and protect Mono Lake |
| Shell USA Company Foundation | Houston, TX | 1 | $85 | $85 | Preselected only | 85 |
| Love Lucky Dog Foundation | Durango, CO | 1 | $35 | $35 | Preselected only | general fund |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Lee Vining, California?
Dechambeau Creek Foundation, Patagoniaorg, Mitchell Foundation for Nature Art & Science, The Lorber Foundation, Elizabeth M Gitt Foundation and 18 others reported grants to Lee Vining organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Lee Vining. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.