Atkinson Foundation Grants Program in California

The Atkinson Foundation Grants Program in California aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals in San Mateo County by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. The foundation focuses on helping residents achieve their highest potential in educational, social, and economic aspects of life. The grants are designed to assist individuals in becoming independent and self-sufficient, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as children, youth, families, immigrants, the elderly, and those facing economic hardships or health challenges. The primary purpose of the Atkinson Foundation Grants Program is to support programs that directly benefit specific groups within the community. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that serve children, youth, and families; immigrants; the elderly; economically at-risk individuals; and those dealing with mental or physical health issues, addiction recovery, or experiences of physical abuse. The foundation emphasizes the importance of direct service provision to residents of San Mateo County, with a preference for organizations based in the Bay Area that serve a significant number of local residents. Funding from the Atkinson Foundation typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with most grants awarded at the upper end of this range. The grants are intended for one-year projects and can be used to support a variety of programs. The foundation's focus areas include education and youth development, community support, basic needs, mental and physical health services, senior programs, immigrant and refugee services, and women's services. Eligible organizations can utilize the funding to enhance educational programs, provide essential community services, and support vulnerable populations. To be eligible for funding, organizations must operate under an IRS 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. They must provide direct services to residents of San Mateo County and prioritize serving a significant concentration of local residents. The foundation does not support research, individual projects, events, annual appeals, scholarships, advocacy efforts, sports sponsorships, or statewide/national umbrella organizations. The application process requires organizations to submit a proposal that addresses specific questions related to their programs and intended use of funds. Evaluation criteria for grant applications include the alignment of the proposed project with the foundation's focus areas, the potential impact on the community, and the organization's capacity to deliver the proposed services effectively. The deadline for submitting applications for the Atkinson Foundation Grants Program is November 1, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria and prepare their proposals in advance of this deadline. For further information, potential applicants can visit the Atkinson Foundation's website or contact the foundation directly.