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M & I Pfister Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.5M
Grant Range
$38K - $0.2M

M & I Pfister Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $547,800 (2023)
  • Assets: $24 million
  • Grant Range: Median $38,000 - Maximum $225,000
  • Total Grants (2023): 11 awards
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily San Diego and La Jolla, California, with some support in other states including New York, Texas, and Virginia
  • Foundation Type: Private family foundation

Contact Details

Address: 862 Prospect Street, Suite A, La Jolla, CA 92037

Phone: (858) 551-8785

President: Maryanne Pfister

No website available.

Overview

The M & I Pfister Foundation was established in 2006 as a private family foundation in California. With assets of approximately $24 million, the foundation distributed $547,800 in grants during 2023 through 11 awards. Led by Maryanne Pfister (President) and Irwin Pfister (Treasurer/Secretary), the foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on arts and culture, the environment, and domesticated animals. The Pfisters made La Jolla their permanent home in 2005 and have been deeply involved in the San Diego philanthropic community since. The foundation's grantmaking reflects the family's strong commitment to cultural institutions, particularly those in the San Diego region, with a notable emphasis on supporting general operations of established arts organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation primarily offers general support grants rather than project-specific funding. Based on 2023-2024 data:

  • Grant Range: $38,000 (median) to $225,000 (maximum)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis with general application and IRS determination letter required
  • No specific deadlines or restrictions

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three primary areas:

Arts and Culture: The foundation's strongest area of support, particularly for visual arts, performing arts, and museums. Known recipients include:

  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) - The Pfister Gallery is named in honor of Maryanne and Irwin Pfister's support
  • The New Children's Museum
  • San Diego Symphony
  • La Jolla Playhouse
  • Murals of La Jolla

Environment: Environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives

Domesticated Animals: Animal welfare organizations and programs

Geographic Preference: While primarily focused on San Diego and La Jolla organizations, the foundation has supported organizations in Bellaire (TX), Davis (CA), New York (NY), Richmond (VA), and other California cities.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation's giving pattern suggests a focus on established institutions rather than startups or individual projects.

Governance and Leadership

Maryanne Pfister, President: Ms. Pfister moved to La Jolla with her husband Irwin in 2005 and has been deeply engaged in the San Diego cultural community. She serves as Board President of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), a position she assumed after years as vice president. During her tenure, she chaired both the Advancement Committee and Capital Campaign Committee, helping raise funds for MCASD's $105 million renovation and expansion completed in 2022. She is also on the board of The New Children's Museum and is a former director of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Foundation Board, where she served on the Executive Committee.

Irwin Pfister, Treasurer/Secretary: Co-leads the foundation with Maryanne. The Pfister Gallery at MCASD, featuring the museum's California Light and Space collection, is named in honor of both Maryanne and Irwin's generous support.

Both leaders work on a voluntary basis, receiving no compensation for their foundation roles.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through a general application process:

  • Application Requirements: General application with IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) documentation)
  • Deadlines: No specific deadlines - rolling basis
  • Restrictions: No documented restrictions
  • Contact: Maryanne Pfister at (858) 551-8785 or via mail at 862 Prospect Street, Suite A, La Jolla, CA 92037

The foundation does not maintain a website or online application portal. Organizations should submit written applications by mail or contact Ms. Pfister directly by phone.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. With only 11 grants made in 2023, the foundation appears to be highly selective and may take time to review applications thoroughly.

Success Rates

  • 2023: 11 awards made from $24 million in assets (highly selective)
  • Average grant size: $49,800
  • The foundation's selectivity suggests a competitive application process

The relatively small number of annual grants (11 in 2023, 7 in 2022) indicates that this is a highly selective funder with specific interests aligned closely with the trustees' philanthropic priorities.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Given the foundation's pattern of supporting established institutions, it appears likely that successful grantees may receive repeat funding.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment: Organizations in the San Diego and La Jolla area appear to have a significant advantage, given the Pfisters' deep roots and involvement in the local community.

Established Institutions: The foundation's grant recipients tend to be well-established cultural institutions rather than newer organizations or grassroots initiatives. Organizations with track records and strong governance structures appear to be preferred.

Arts and Culture Focus: The foundation shows particular interest in visual arts and performing arts organizations, with notable support for MCASD, The New Children's Museum, San Diego Symphony, and La Jolla Playhouse.

General Operating Support: The foundation appears to prefer providing general support grants rather than project-specific funding, suggesting they value institutional sustainability over individual programs.

Personal Connection: Given that this is a family foundation with hands-on leadership, organizations where the Pfisters have board involvement or personal connection (such as MCASD, The New Children's Museum, and formerly the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) are likely to be strongly considered.

Professional Presentation: As with any private foundation, a well-prepared application demonstrating organizational capacity, financial stability, and clear mission alignment will be essential.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Local focus is key: Priority is clearly given to San Diego and La Jolla organizations where the Pfisters have established community ties since 2005
  • Target established institutions: The foundation supports well-established cultural organizations with proven track records rather than emerging groups
  • Emphasize arts and culture: Visual and performing arts organizations, particularly museums and theaters, appear to be the strongest fit
  • Seek general operating support: Frame requests around institutional sustainability rather than specific projects
  • Small number of grants: With only 11 grants made annually, competition is intense; applications must demonstrate strong mission alignment
  • Direct contact approach: Without a website or formal guidelines, direct outreach to Maryanne Pfister may be beneficial for discussing fit before submitting a full application
  • Consider board connections: Organizations where board members have connections to the Pfisters or their philanthropic interests may have an advantage

References

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