The Atkinson Foundation is a private grantmaking entity focused on enhancing opportunities for individuals in San Mateo County, California. It emphasizes support for individuals to reach their highest potential in educational, social, and economic areas, and promotes independence and self-sufficiency. The Foundation prioritizes community-led and community-based organizations that serve populations historically marginalized, particularly BIPOC communities, children, youth, families, immigrants, and economically at-risk individuals. The foundation distributes about one million dollars in grants annually, with typical grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, determined by project scope, organization size, and financial need.
The foundation focuses its funding on direct services for residents of San Mateo County. It supports programs in four core educational categories: in-school programs that enrich K-12 public education curricula; out-of-school programs for underserved K-12 students; early childhood care and education for low-income families; and vocational education that prepares youth and adults facing barriers to employment. Funding is not provided directly to public or private schools and excludes research, events, scholarships, sports sponsorships, advocacy, and umbrella organizations operating statewide or nationally.
Eligible applicants must operate under a 501(c)(3) tax status or be fiscally sponsored by such an organization and must offer direct services within San Mateo County. While the foundation does not fund individuals or entities outside these criteria, Bay Area-based organizations that serve a large portion of the county’s population receive priority. New applicants are encouraged to confirm eligibility with the foundation prior to applying. Declined applicants must wait one year before reapplying and are advised to consult with Avani Patel, Senior Program Officer, before resubmitting.
The Atkinson Foundation reviews applications quarterly, with submission deadlines at 11:59 p.m. PST on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31. Board decisions are made in the following months: March, June, September, and December, respectively. Returning grantees should apply during the same round as the previous year. The foundation is currently not accepting applications from organizations that have not received a grant in the past three years.
Applications must be submitted through the foundation's online portal, where applicants can also access a downloadable Application Outline to guide their submission and gather necessary documents. It is recommended that applicants collaborate using a word processor before final submission. Technical support is available from Rachel Murch Watters, Grants Manager, at rmurchwatters@pfs-llc.net or by phone at (415) 561-6540 ext. 284. For program-related queries, especially when reapplying, Avani Patel can be contacted at apatel@pfs-llc.net.
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.
