Education and Youth Development

The Atkinson Foundation is a private grantmaking organization dedicated to supporting grassroots, community-based nonprofits in San Mateo County, California. With an emphasis on equity and community leadership, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, especially those in North County and the Coastside regions. The foundation allocates approximately one million dollars annually in total grantmaking and supports organizations with budgets under $10 million. Individual grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on organizational size, project scope, and demonstrated need. The Education and Youth Development program is a core focus of the Atkinson Foundation’s philanthropic efforts. This program area is structured to enhance educational outcomes and youth well-being through a variety of strategic initiatives. These include In-School Programs that supplement the public education curriculum for students from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. These initiatives are particularly designed to benefit underserved student populations, with a special emphasis on elementary and middle school levels. Programs must be delivered by nonprofit organizations and integrated directly into the school day. Complementing the in-school efforts, the foundation also supports Out-of-School Programs that provide developmental opportunities outside the classroom. These programs cater to the same TK–12 student demographic, offering enriching experiences during non-school hours or academic breaks. The focus remains on elementary and middle school students who face barriers to access. Such support helps expand the scope of youth development beyond the traditional classroom, offering social, emotional, and experiential learning opportunities. Further, the foundation funds Early Childhood Care and Education initiatives targeting families with children from birth to preschool age. These programs aim to increase access to high-quality early learning environments for low-income families, setting a foundation for long-term educational success. The Vocational Education subprogram, meanwhile, provides workforce development resources to youth and adults who face barriers to employment. These may include job training, skill development, and direct services that improve employability. Eligibility for funding requires organizations to operate under or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity, primarily serve residents of San Mateo County, and have an organizational budget under $10 million. The foundation does not fund public or private educational institutions directly, nor does it provide scholarships, support for research, advocacy efforts, sports sponsorships, or statewide/national umbrella organizations. Funding is restricted to direct service provision and does not include capital campaigns or general institutional support. The application process is structured around three deadlines annually for the Education and Youth Development program. In-School Programs must apply by February 1, Out-of-School Programs by May 1, and Early Childhood Care and Education and Vocational Education programs by August 1. All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m., with grant decisions communicated by the end of the following month. While the foundation may occasionally award multi-year grants at the discretion of its board, organizations are generally not eligible to receive more than one grant within a 12-month period. Declined applicants must wait one year to reapply and are encouraged to consult with the Senior Program Officer prior to resubmission.

Applicants are advised to draft responses in Word or Google Docs, confirm eligibility with staff before applying, and contact the program officer if reapplying after a declined proposal.