Foundations that fund organizations in SF, California
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for SF nonprofits
5 private foundations gave $28K to SF organizations in their latest filings; 1 of the 5 that say either way accept applications.
5 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to SF around $1,000. 5 of these funders are based in California; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 5
- Accept applications
- 1
- of 5 that state a policy
- Dollars to SF
- $28K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 5
- Typical median grant
- $1,000
- Based in CA
- 100%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to SF organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation | West Hollywood, CA | 1 | $25K | $25K | Preselected only | General use |
| The Sanger Family Foundation John Sanger Trustee | San Francisco, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Yes | General support |
| Arora Charitable Foundation | Alamo, CA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | tO Support an educational, play-based, child-centered coope… |
| Lorne and Ilona Parker Foundation | Petaluma, CA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Community News/ Education |
| Cheng's Foundation | Moraga, CA | 1 | $200 | $200 | Preselected only | Provide finacial support to the organziation. |
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 SF, California?
The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation, The Sanger Family Foundation John Sanger Trustee, Arora Charitable Foundation, Lorne and Ilona Parker Foundation, Cheng's Foundation reported grants to SF 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 SF. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.