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The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Annual Giving
$19.6M
Grant Range
$15K - $0.1M
Decision Time
8mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $19.6 million
  • Total Assets: $439 million (2024)
  • Typical Grant Size: $50,000 (median)
  • Grant Range: $15,000 - $100,000+ (rarely exceeds 10% of organization's budget)
  • Decision Time: 6-8 weeks for LOI response; up to 6 months for full proposal
  • Geographic Focus: Los Angeles County only
  • Annual Grants: 250-367 grants per year

Contact Details

Website: www.rmpf.org Email: info@rmpf.org Phone: 213-362-7600 Address: Los Angeles, CA

Application Portal: Blackbaud YourCause GrantsConnect (upgraded June 2025) For Questions: Call 213-362-7600 to speak with a program officer

Overview

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation was established in 1961 by Ralph M. Parsons, founder of the Ralph M. Parsons Company, a renowned global engineering and construction firm. When Parsons passed away in 1974, he left the foundation $4 million in cash and 600,000 shares of Parsons Corporation. In 1976, the Foundation became fully independent from the company and they are now completely separate entities. Today, with total assets of $439 million (2024), the Foundation improves the well-being of Los Angeles County residents through responsive grantmaking across four program areas: Civic & Cultural, Education, Health, and Human Services. In 2024, the Foundation awarded approximately $19.6 million across 367 grants. The Foundation describes its grantmaking philosophy as "responsive," operating from the belief "that nonprofits know what is best for the people and communities they serve." Under the leadership of President & CEO Jennifer Price-Letscher, who was appointed in July 2023 after 12 years with the Foundation, the staff and Board strive to support the County's best nonprofit organizations and prioritize those delivering direct services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates across four program areas, all limited to Los Angeles County:

Civic & Cultural ($15,000 - $100,000+) Supports organizations and institutions that contribute to Los Angeles' cultural and civic vibrancy, including performing arts organizations, museums, botanical gardens, arts education programs, and those promoting civic engagement and leadership. Recent grantees include the African American Leadership Board ($15,000), California Dance Institute ($35,000), Descanso Gardens ($35,000), and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles ($35,000).

Education ($20,000 - $100,000+) Underscores the importance of access to quality learning opportunities for all, with special focus on underserved populations. Supports organizations from "cradle to career," including early care and education, K-12 education, charter schools, academic enrichment, college access and persistence, higher education, and vocational training. Recent grantees include Chinatown Service Center youth mentoring program ($20,000), College Track ($50,000), and Equitas Academy Charter Schools ($100,000).

Health ($50,000 - $100,000+) Invests in organizations promoting health and well-being among vulnerable populations, emphasizing community clinics, mental health providers, prevention services, emergency and trauma centers, and health care facility improvements. Recent grantees include AltaMed Health Services for telehealth capacity ($75,000), Amanecer Community Counseling Service for mental health ($50,000), and Los Angeles Christian Health Centers ($100,000).

Human Services ($25,000 - $50,000+) Reflects commitment to improving lives of Los Angeles' most vulnerable community members, including low-income children and families, foster youth, seniors, the working poor, and homeless populations. Funds a broad range including child welfare, youth development, supportive services, and basic needs. Recent grantees include various Boys and Girls Clubs, Children's Action Network for foster parent recruitment ($25,000), and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank ($50,000).

Grant Type and Application Method

  • More than half of Foundation grantmaking is for general operating support
  • Organizations also receive funds for capital projects (buildings/equipment), specific programs, and staff positions
  • Rolling basis: LOIs accepted daily with no deadlines
  • Median grant: $50,000
  • Grants rarely exceed 10% of an organization's project or budget costs
  • The Foundation makes approximately 250-367 grants annually

Priority Areas

  • Direct service delivery organizations strengthening the fabric of Los Angeles County
  • Organizations serving underserved and vulnerable populations
  • Programs demonstrating exemplary quality and community impact
  • Organizations with strong track records and fiscal health
  • Projects addressing fundamental needs in civic/cultural life, education, health, or human services

What They Don't Fund

Explicitly excluded:

  • Environmental causes
  • Animal welfare
  • Direct aid to individuals
  • Scholarship support
  • Loans or program-related investments
  • Organizations outside Los Angeles County
  • Religious activities or sectarian purposes

Additional restrictions:

  • Only one request per organization per 12-month period
  • Grants rarely exceed 10% of an organization's budget

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO

Jennifer Price-Letscher was appointed President & CEO in July 2023 after serving as Interim President & CEO since January 2023. She has worked at the Foundation for over 12 years in various roles including Vice President of Grants & Initiatives, Director of Programs & Special Projects, and Senior Program Officer. She succeeded Wendy Garen, who retired after over 37 years with the Foundation.

Board of Directors

The Foundation has an active Board of Directors that reviews and makes final funding decisions on all grant recommendations presented by program staff through a peer review process. Board member Elizabeth Lowe has served as chair of the LA County Commission for Children's Services and on boards of the Children's Institute, Inc. and Los Angeles Universal Preschool.

Program Staff

Program officers are generalists rather than being assigned to specific program areas, ensuring each request is treated independently and evaluated on its own merits. They are broadly knowledgeable about the nonprofit community and conduct thorough due diligence including site visits for proposals under active review.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation uses a two-stage application process beginning with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI):

Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

  • Required first step for all applicants, regardless of previous funding history
  • Submitted via online portal: Blackbaud YourCause GrantsConnect (upgraded June 2025)
  • Accepted on a rolling basis (daily, no deadlines)
  • Response expected within 6-8 weeks
  • Organizations with LOIs that best align with current priorities are invited to submit full proposals

Stage 2: Full Proposal

  • By invitation only
  • Applicants have 60 days to complete and submit after invitation
  • Submitted through the same online portal
  • Review includes a site visit with a program officer
  • Decision timeline: up to 6 months from proposal submission

Important Constraints:

  • Only one request per organization per 12-month period
  • Site visits are conducted when a proposal is under active review, scheduled by Foundation staff
  • A high priority is placed on contact with applicant agencies

Decision Timeline

  • LOI Response: 6-8 weeks from submission
  • Full Proposal Invitation: If invited, 60 days to submit
  • Proposal Review: Up to 6 months from receipt of full proposal to funding decision
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 8-10 months from initial LOI to final decision for invited proposals

Review Process:

  • Initial staff review of LOI
  • Invited proposals undergo thorough analysis by program officers
  • Site visits conducted for proposals under active review
  • Peer review process among program staff
  • Board presentation and final decision

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However:

  • The Foundation makes 250-367 grants annually
  • Foundation describes receiving many requests and can only consider one per organization per year
  • Organizations whose LOIs "best align" with current priorities are invited to full proposals
  • The multi-stage process suggests selective advancement from LOI to full proposal stage

Reapplication Policy

If declined: Organizations are eligible to reapply 12 months after the date of declination provided in the declination letter.

Encouraged contact: Organizations are welcome to call the Foundation (213-362-7600) to speak with a program officer regarding a declined request to better understand the decision and improve future applications.

If funded: Organizations can submit another request 12 months after the date of the last request, not necessarily after the grant period ends.

Application Success Factors

Foundation Philosophy and What They Look For

The Foundation operates on the principle that "nonprofits know what is best for the people and communities they serve," making it a responsive grantmaker rather than prescriptive. Staff and Board look for:

  • Exemplary programs and projects from the County's best nonprofit organizations
  • Direct service delivery organizations (highest priority)
  • Strong organizational capacity and fiscal health
  • Deep community connections and understanding of populations served
  • Organizations strengthening the fabric of the Los Angeles region

Before You Apply: Research and Preparation

Required preparation:

  • Review the Foundation's Funding Priorities page thoroughly
  • Search the Searchable Grants Database to see organizations recently funded and grant amounts
  • Read through the comprehensive FAQs section
  • Ensure your organization serves Los Angeles County exclusively or has LA County-specific programs
  • Verify you haven't applied within the past 12 months

If you have questions: Call the Foundation at 213-362-7600 to speak with a program officer before applying. This demonstrates serious interest and allows you to confirm fit.

Site Visits: A Critical Component

Site visits are conducted for proposals under active review, signaling you are advancing through the process. This is the Foundation's way of:

  • Better understanding your work firsthand
  • Meeting staff and seeing facilities
  • Assessing organizational capacity and culture
  • Building relationships with potential grantees

Prepare for site visits by:

  • Having key staff available
  • Preparing concise presentations of your work
  • Being ready to show program operations in action
  • Having financial and impact data readily accessible

Grant Size and Budget Considerations

  • Median grant: $50,000 - This is the typical award amount
  • Grants rarely exceed 10% of an organization's project or budget costs
  • General operating support represents more than half of all grants
  • Organizations also successfully request capital funding, program support, and staff position funding

Strategic consideration: If you need $100,000 but your budget is $800,000, you're within the 10% guideline. If your total budget is $300,000, requesting $50,000 (median) positions you well.

Language and Approach

The Foundation values:

  • Responsive grantmaking - They respond to what nonprofits identify as needed
  • Exemplary quality - Demonstrate excellence and best practices
  • Community strengthening - Show how your work builds community fabric
  • Direct service - Emphasize frontline work with beneficiaries
  • Vulnerable populations - Highlight service to underserved communities

Recent Funding Examples to Study

Review these types of recently funded projects:

  • Telehealth capacity building (AltaMed, $75,000)
  • Youth academic mentoring (Chinatown Service Center, $20,000)
  • General support for established organizations (Boys and Girls Clubs, College Track, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank)
  • School-based arts education (California Dance Institute, $35,000)
  • Foster parent recruitment (Children's Action Network, $25,000)
  • Mental health services (Amanecer Community Counseling Service, $50,000)
  • Charter school support (Equitas Academy, $100,000)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Applying outside the 12-month window from last request
  • Requesting more than 10% of your organization's budget
  • Serving areas outside Los Angeles County
  • Focusing on issues outside the four program areas
  • Proposing environmental or animal welfare projects
  • Submitting without reviewing the grants database first
  • Bypassing the LOI and attempting to submit a full proposal

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Geographic focus is absolute: Only Los Angeles County organizations or LA County-specific programs are eligible. This is a non-negotiable requirement that eliminates many otherwise qualified applicants.

  2. Relationship-building matters: The Foundation encourages calls to program officers before applying and conducts site visits for proposals under review. This is a funder that values personal connection and understanding organizations beyond paper applications.

  3. General operating support is welcome: With more than half of grants for general support, don't feel pressured to create a special project. If your organization does strong work, request what you truly need.

  4. Responsive, not prescriptive approach: The Foundation trusts nonprofits to know what their communities need. Don't over-engineer your request to match perceived Foundation preferences—present your authentic organizational needs and strengths.

  5. One chance per year rule: You have only one opportunity every 12 months to make your case, so ensure timing is right, your request is well-developed, and you've done thorough preparation including database research and potentially a pre-application call.

  6. Study the grants database strategically: This publicly searchable database reveals funding patterns, typical grant sizes by program area, and types of organizations receiving support. Use it to calibrate your request and confirm organizational fit.

  7. The LOI is your gateway: With 6-8 weeks to receive feedback, the LOI must be compelling and clearly demonstrate alignment with Foundation priorities. Being invited to submit a full proposal means you've cleared a significant hurdle—not all LOI submitters advance.

References

  1. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation official website - Funding Priorities https://rmpf.org/grantmaking/funding-priorities/ (Accessed November 2025)

  2. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation - How to Apply https://rmpf.org/grantmaking/how-to-apply/ (Accessed November 2025)

  3. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation - FAQs https://rmpf.org/grantmaking/faqs/ (Accessed November 2025)

  4. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation - Grants Database https://rmpf.org/grantmaking/grants-database/ (Accessed November 2025)

  5. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation - About Us https://rmpf.org/about-us/ (Accessed November 2025)

  6. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation - Ralph M. Parsons Biography https://rmpf.org/about-us/ralph-parsons/ (Accessed November 2025)

  7. Business Wire - "Jennifer Price-Letscher Named as New President & CEO of The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation" July 12, 2023 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230712739547/en/ (Accessed November 2025)

  8. Inside Philanthropy - Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Profile https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/california-los-angeles-grants/ralph-m-parsons-foundation (Accessed November 2025)

  9. Instrumentl - Ralph M. Parsons Foundation 990 Report https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ralph-m-parsons-foundation (Accessed November 2025 - Financial data from 2023-2024 IRS Form 990 filings)

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