William S And Nancy E Thompson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $19.9 million
• Success Rate: Not available (trustee discretion)
• Decision Time: Not applicable
• Grant Range: $500,000-$14,000,000
• Geographic Focus: California, particularly Orange County; some national reach

Contact Details

• Phone: (949) 209-6210
• Address: 660 Newport Center Dr Ste 1220, Newport Beach, CA 92660
• Website: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The William S And Nancy E Thompson Foundation, established in 2004, is a private family foundation with approximately $74 million in total assets and annual giving of approximately $19.9 million (based on 2023 990-PF filing). Founded by William (Bill) S. Thompson, who retired as CEO and Chairman of PIMCO in 2009, and his wife Nancy, the foundation reflects their commitment to improving health, welfare, and education, particularly for children. The foundation's philanthropic approach focuses on making strategic, multi-year commitments designed to create significant, lasting impact in their priority areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation operates through trustee discretion without a formal public application process. Recent major commitments include:

• Part of $14.8 million partnership for UCI School of Medicine autism centre (Thompson Foundation contributed $14 million of the total)
• $800,000 to Chapman University for autism-related initiatives
• $500,000 to Chapman's Thompson Policy Institute on Disability
• Regular support to educational and healthcare institutions

Priority Areas

• Autism research, treatment, and family support services
• Higher education, particularly medical and disability research
• Healthcare innovation and access
• Youth development and educational opportunities
• Community services for underserved populations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus on established institutions and does not have a mechanism for unsolicited proposals from smaller organisations.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees and Officers:

• William S. Thompson (Trustee) - Retired CEO of PIMCO (2009), Chairman Emeritus
• Nancy E. Thompson (Trustee)
• Donald C. Thompson (Director)
• Jennifer T. Lavenson (CFO)

Bill Thompson has stated about their philanthropic philosophy: "Private philanthropy is an indispensable part of the health care landscape," emphasising the role of private funding in maintaining quality patient care, state-of-the-art technology, and attracting top medical talent.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees, typically to established institutions with which they have existing relationships or strategic alignment.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on their giving patterns, potential strategies include:

• The Thompsons are known to support Chapman University and UC Irvine extensively - connections through these institutions may be valuable
• They have particular interest in autism-related initiatives
• Focus on collaborative, multi-institutional approaches as demonstrated by their support for the Centre for Autism that brought together UCI, Chapman, and CHOC
• The foundation values long-term partnerships and multi-year commitments over one-time grants

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - relationships are typically ongoing multi-year partnerships.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated philosophy:

• Institutional credibility: The foundation primarily supports established universities, medical centres, and recognised nonprofits
• Autism connection: Projects related to autism research, treatment, or family support align strongly with their core mission
• Collaborative approaches: They favour initiatives that bring multiple organisations together
• Long-term impact: Multi-year projects with sustainable outcomes are preferred over short-term interventions
• Innovation in healthcare: Projects that advance medical research or improve healthcare delivery
• Focus on children and families: Initiatives benefiting children, particularly those with disabilities or from underserved communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder without a public application process - direct solicitation is unlikely to succeed • Strong alignment with autism-related causes • Preference for established institutions, particularly in Orange County (UCI, Chapman, CHOC) • Values collaborative, multi-institutional approaches over single-organisation projects • Makes substantial, multi-year commitments rather than small, one-time grants • Bill Thompson's PIMCO background suggests appreciation for strategic, investment-driven philanthropy • Best approach is through existing relationships with their supported institutions or board connections

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - William S And Nancy E Thompson Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/206371108
• Orange County Business Journal. "Thompson Foundation, Commission Give $14.8M for Autism Center." Accessed January 2025. https://www.ocbj.com/healthcare/thompson-foundation-commission-give-148m-autism-ce/
• First 5 Orange County. "Commission Announces The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders of Southern California." Accessed January 2025. https://first5oc.org/commission-announces-the-center-for-autism-and-neurodevelopmental-disorders-of-southern-california/
• Chapman University. "Thompson Policy Institute on Disability Awarded $500,000 Grant." July 20, 2021. https://blogs.chapman.edu/education/2021/07/20/thompson-policy-institute-on-disability-awarded-new-500000/
• Chapman University. "$3 Million Gift to Chapman University from the William S. and Nancy E. Thompson Foundation Will Establish the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability and Autism." October 5, 2015. https://news.chapman.edu/2015/10/05/3-million-gift-to-chapman-university-from-the-william-s-and-nancy-e-thompson-foundation-will-establish-the-thompson-policy-institute-on-disability-and-autism/
• Cause IQ - William S and Nancy E Thompson Foundation Profile. Accessed January 2025. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/william-s-and-nancy-e-thompson-foundation,206371108/
• PIMCO. "PIMCO Names Bill Thompson As Chairman Emeritus." January 23, 2019. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/23/1704441/0/en/PIMCO-Names-Bill-Thompson-As-Chairman-Emeritus.html