Egg Foundation (Cameron Schrier Foundation)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,436,572 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (invitation only)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $150,000 (with exceptional larger grants)
• Geographic Focus: United States, South Africa, select international

Contact Details

• Website: www.cameronschrier.org
• Phone: 415-680-1230
• Email: info@cameronschrier.org
• Address: One Letterman Drive, Building D, Suite DM700, San Francisco, CA 94129

Overview

The Egg Foundation, operating as the Cameron Schrier Foundation (EIN: 20-8090285), is a private independent foundation established in 2006 with tax-exempt status since 2008. With assets of over $74 million, the foundation distributes approximately $3.4 million annually in grants. Founded by Derek Schrier and Cecily Cameron, the foundation focuses on developing young leaders, promoting education equity, helping communities in need, and encouraging informed public discourse and civil society. The foundation's work is deeply influenced by the founders' personal experiences, particularly Derek Schrier's work supporting South Africa's anti-apartheid movement during the 1994 elections. The foundation maintains a strong commitment to both U.S.-based organizations, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, and South African institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes both project-specific and unrestricted operating grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, with exceptional larger grants like the $2.5 million endowment to Howard University.

Priority Areas

• Academic & Research Institutions
• Community Services and Youth Development
• Development of Future Leaders
• Education Equity
• Strengthening Democracy and Civil Society
• Independent Journalism and Media
• Legal Services for Marginalized Communities

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and works exclusively with pre-identified partner organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Co-Founders:

• Derek Schrier - Co-Founder and CEO, Founder of Indaba Capital Management, worked on South African elections in 1994 supporting anti-apartheid movement
• Cecily Cameron - Co-Founder, Writer with background in financial services and tech industries, Board member of Larkin Street Youth Services

Executive Leadership:

• Julia Unger - Executive Director (since 2009), leads operations, programs, and grantmaking initiatives
• Jennifer Anderson - Associate Director of Operations

Derek Schrier on the foundation's South Africa focus: "My time in South Africa impacted me in ways I couldn't have imagined. The experience helped shape who I am today; I am better off for it‚ and owe South Africa a debt of gratitude."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Cameron Schrier Foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited proposals. Grants are made to organizations identified through the founders' and staff's established networks and relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on analysis of their grant patterns, the foundation identifies partners through:

• The founders' personal networks from their time at Princeton and Stanford Universities
• Derek Schrier's connections from his work in South Africa during the 1994 elections
• Board connections at organizations like Larkin Street Youth Services where Cecily Cameron serves
• Previous grantees who demonstrate strong outcomes and alignment with foundation priorities
• Organizations working in specific focus areas like Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - invitation only process

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - relationship-based grantmaking

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, analysis of their giving patterns reveals:

• The foundation maintains long-term partnerships with organizations, providing repeated funding over multiple years (Equal Education, GroundUp, 826 Valencia)
• They value organizations that align with the founders' personal experiences and passions, particularly those connected to South Africa or addressing education equity
• Recipients typically have established track records and are well-known in their sectors
• The foundation supports both large institutions (Howard University, Princeton) and smaller grassroots organizations
• They provide both restricted project grants and unrestricted operating support, showing flexibility in funding approach

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals - traditional grant applications will not be considered
• Building relationships with board members, staff, or existing grantees may be the only pathway to consideration
• The foundation demonstrates loyalty to existing partners, often funding the same organizations for multiple years
• Strong alignment with South Africa work or education equity in the Bay Area appears crucial
• The foundation values both academic institutions and grassroots community organizations
• With over $74 million in assets and consistent annual giving around $3.4 million, they have substantial capacity for sustained support
• Consider connections through Princeton or Stanford alumni networks, as both founders attended these institutions

References

• Cameron Schrier Foundation official website (www.cameronschrier.org) - Accessed February 4, 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990 data for 2024 fiscal year
• Cause IQ nonprofit database - Organization profile and financial data
• Charity Navigator profile - Financial and operational information
• Foundation Directory Online (Candid) - Grant history and patterns
• Inside Philanthropy - Foundation profiles and giving analysis
• Howard University announcement of $2.5M gift for Africana Studies
• Wits University announcements on endowed chairs and fellowship programs
• GroundUp funding disclosures - Grant recipient information
• GuideStar/Candid nonprofit profiles - Organizational data