Funding Priorities
The Atkinson Foundation provides opportunities for individuals in San Mateo County to attain their highest potential in areas of educational, social, and economic life; to assist their efforts to become independent and self-sufficient; and to generally improve the quality of their lives. Primary consideration is given to programs that benefit children, youth, and families; immigrants; those who are economically at-risk; people with mental and/or physical health conditions; those recovering from addiction; those affected by physical abuse.
We distribute approximately one million dollars in grants each year. Most grants range between $5,000 and $15,000. Grant amounts vary depending on an organization’s size, project, and need.
We are committed to supporting community-based and community-led organizations that address the needs identified by the communities they serve. This includes support to organizations focused on geographic areas and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities in San Mateo County that have historically been marginalized. The Foundation does not actively seek to fund organizations with leadership who enter communities with external solutions.
The Foundation supports organizations that provide direct services to residents of San Mateo County. In our decision-making, we prioritize Bay Area-based organizations that serve a significant concentration of San Mateo County residents.
Education and Youth Development
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
In-School Programs
Enhancing K-12 public education curriculum and provide academic and/or enrichment activities to underserved students (programs that take place in schools, but are offered by nonprofit organizations)
Out-of-School Programs
Providing youth development opportunities to underserved students in grades K-12 (programs that take place away from school sites)
Early Childhood Care and Education
Assisting low-income families in the caring and early learning journey of their young children
Vocational Education
Providing 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.
Community Support
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
Basic Needs
Providing such as food, shelter, and/or family support resources to help sustain healthy families and strong communities
Mental/Physical Health Services
Supporting the well-being of youth and adults faced with mental and/or physical health conditions and addictions
Immigrants/Refugees Programs
Protecting the rights of newcomers and create opportunities for forward mobility
Women’s Services
Supporting reproductive and prenatal care, and wrap-around services for survivors of domestic violence, to ensure all women are healthy and safe
Education and Youth Development
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
In-School Programs
Enhancing K-12 public education curriculum and provide academic and/or enrichment activities to underserved students (programs that take place in schools, but are offered by nonprofit organizations)
Out-of-School Programs
Providing youth development opportunities to underserved students in grades K-12 (programs that take place away from school sites)
Early Childhood Care and Education
Assisting low-income families in the caring and early learning journey of their young children
Vocational Education
Providing 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.
Community Support
We support nonprofit organizations that provide:
Basic Needs
Providing such as food, shelter, and/or family support resources to help sustain healthy families and strong communities
Mental/Physical Health Services
Supporting the well-being of youth and adults faced with mental and/or physical health conditions and addictions
Immigrants/Refugees Programs
Protecting the rights of newcomers and create opportunities for forward mobility
Women’s Services
Supporting reproductive and prenatal care, and wrap-around services for survivors of domestic violence, to ensure all women are healthy and safe
Eligibility Guidelines
Eligible organizations must meet the following guidelines to be considered for grant funding:
- Operate under an IRS 501(c)(3) status or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization
- Provide direct services to residents of San Mateo County, California. In our decision-making, we prioritize Bay Area-based organizations that serve a significant concentration of San Mateo County residents.
- All grants are one-year grants.
- The foundation does not support research, individuals, events, annual appeals, scholarships, advocacy efforts, sports group sponsorship, or statewide/national umbrella organizations.
New Applicants
- New applicants are welcome to call the foundation to determine if their organization is within guidelines before submitting a proposal. Click here for staff contact information.
Returning Grantees
- An applicant will usually not receive more than one grant in a 12-month period.
- If you are a returning grantee, please apply for the same grantmaking round as the previous year.
Declined Proposals
- If a proposal has been declined, organizations must wait one year to reapply for funding.
- If you received a declination in response to your proposal and are planning to resubmit, please contact Avani Patel, Senior Program Officer (apatel@pfs-llc.net) to discuss your program prior to applying again.
Application Deadlines
The Board meets quarterly to review proposals and make decisions. Applicants can expect prompt notification once a decision has been reached. Requests received after each deadline will be considered at the following deadline (i.e., an application received on May 15 will be reviewed in August).
February 1
Decisions made in
March
May 1
Decisions made in
June
August 1
Decisions made in
September
November 1
Decisions made in
December
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the grant making cycle or process.
By the Numbers
number grants paid in 2022
grantee partners in 2022
