Funding Priorities
The Atkinson Foundation is committed to funding:
- Community-based and community-led nonprofit organizations in San Mateo County that address the needs identified by the communities they serve, prioritizing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities and historically marginalized communities in North County and on the Coastside.
- Nonprofit organizations that provide the majority of their services to San Mateo County residents.
- Nonprofit organizations with budgets less than $10 million.
We support nonprofit organizations that provide services in three areas:
We distribute approximately one million dollars in grants each year. Grant amounts vary depending on an organization’s size, project, and need but generally are not less than $10,000 and do not exceed $20,000.
Education and Youth Development
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
In-School Programs
Enhance TK to 12 public education curriculum and provide academic and/or life enriching activities to students who are underserved with a focus on elementary and middle school students. (programs provided by nonprofit organizations that take place in schools as part of the curriculum)
Out-of-School Programs
Provide youth development opportunities to students in grades TK to 12 who are underserved with a focus on elementary and middle school students. (supplementary programs provided by nonprofit organizations that take place away from school sites when school is not in session)
Early Childhood Care and Education
Assist low-income families with the care and early educational learning journey of their children from birth through preschool
Vocational Education
Offer youth and adults who face significant obstacles to employment with training and services that prepare them for job placement
Please note: We do not provide funding directly to public or private schools, colleges or universities, and do not fund college scholarships.
Community Support
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
Basic Needs
Provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and support to help sustain healthy families and build strong communities
Mental and Physical Health Services
Support the mental and physical health and wellness of youth and adults through prevention, intervention, individual care, and community services
Immigrants/Refugees Programs
Protect the rights of newcomers and strengthen their opportunities for forward mobility
Women’s Services
Support reproductive and prenatal care and services for survivors of domestic violence
Lois Atkinson Fund: People with Disabilities
Through the Lois Atkinson Fund, we support nonprofit organizations that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive through access to educational, vocational, and housing opportunities that support their mental and physical health, develop life skills, and provide a sense of community.
Education and Youth Development
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
In-School Programs
Enhance TK to 12 public education curriculum and provide academic and/or life enriching activities to students who are underserved with a focus on elementary and middle school students. (programs provided by nonprofit organizations that take place in schools as part of the curriculum)
Out-of-School Programs
Provide youth development opportunities to students in grades TK to 12 who are underserved with a focus on elementary and middle school students. (supplementary programs provided by nonprofit organizations that take place away from school sites when school is not in session)
Early Childhood Care and Education
Assist low-income families with the care and early educational learning journey of their children from birth through preschool
Vocational Education
Offer youth and adults who face significant obstacles to employment with training and services that prepare them for job placement
Please note: We do not provide funding directly to public or private schools, colleges or universities, and do not fund college scholarships.
Community Support
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
Basic Needs
Provide essential resources such as food, shelter, and support to help sustain healthy families and build strong communities
Mental and Physical Health Services
Support the mental and physical health and wellness of youth and adults through prevention, intervention, individual care, and community services
Immigrants/Refugees Programs
Protect the rights of newcomers and strengthen their opportunities for forward mobility
Women’s Services
Support reproductive and prenatal care and services for survivors of domestic violence
Lois Atkinson Fund: People with Disabilities
Through the Lois Atkinson Fund, we support nonprofit organizations that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive through access to educational, vocational, and housing opportunities that support their mental and physical health, develop life skills, and provide a sense of community.
Eligibility Guidelines
Eligible organizations must meet the following guidelines to be considered for grant funding:
- Operate under an IRS 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization
- Provide direct services to residents primarily of San Mateo County, California
- Organizations must have a budget of less than $10,000,000
- The foundation does not support public or private schools, colleges or universities, research, individuals, events, annual appeals, scholarships, advocacy efforts, sports group sponsorship, or statewide/national umbrella organizations.
New Applicants
- New applicants are welcome to contact the foundation to determine if their organization is within guidelines before submitting a proposal. Click here for staff contact information.
Returning Grantees
- Please apply according to the sub-program area for your organization and the corresponding application deadline.
- An applicant will usually not receive more than one grant in a 12-month period.
- At the board’s discretion, multi-year grants may occasionally be awarded.
Declined Proposals
- If a proposal has been declined, organizations must wait at least one year to reapply for funding.
- If you received a declination in response to your proposal and are planning to resubmit, please contact Evan Jones, Senior Philanthropic Advisor to discuss your program prior to applying again.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines
The Board meets three times a year to review proposals and make decisions. Applicants can expect a prompt notification once a decision has been made. Please apply according to the sub-program area for your organization and the corresponding application deadline.
| Sub-Program Area | Program Area | Application Deadline | Grant Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental & Physical Health Services | Community Support | Feb 1st, 11:59pm | End of March |
| In-School Programs | Education & Youth Development | ||
| Immigrants/Refugees Programs | Community Support | May 1st, 11:59pm | End of June |
| Women’s Services | Community Support | ||
| People with Disabilities | Lois Atkinson Fund | ||
| Out-of-School Programs | Education & Youth Development | ||
| Basic Needs | Community Support | Aug 1st, 11:59pm | End of September |
| Early Childhood Care & Education | Education & Youth Development | ||
| Vocational Education | Education & Youth Development | ||
By the Numbers
number grants paid in 2022
grantee partners in 2022
