William Gumpert Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,760,000 (2023-2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $230,000 - $360,000
• Geographic Focus: California and Arizona (primarily San Diego County, CA)

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 231549, Encinitas, CA 92023

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or publicly listed phone/email contact information.

Overview

The William Gumpert Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2007 and based in Encinitas, California. With total assets of approximately $41 million, the foundation awarded $1,760,000 in grants to 11 organizations in its most recent fiscal year. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded 122 individual grants totaling $17,034,985, demonstrating consistent philanthropic engagement over more than a decade.

The foundation operates as a private family foundation focusing primarily on care for the terminally ill and their families, education through golf, and various youth and family services. The foundation operates with a highly selective approach, making grants only to preselected charitable organizations through trustee discretion rather than through a public application process.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with public application processes. Grants are made to preselected organizations through trustee discretion, typically awarding 11-13 grants annually with an average grant size of approximately $160,000.

Recent Grant Recipients (2022-2024):

• Hospice of the North Coast: $280,000 - $360,000 (Care for the Terminally Ill and Their Family)
• Anti-Defamation League: $305,000 - $325,000 (Justice and Fair Treatment for All)
• Venice Family Clinic: $255,000 - $305,000 (Healthcare for People in Need)
• Women's Resource Center: $240,000 - $295,000 (Shelter and Help for Abused)
• Pro Kids Golf Academy (First Tee San Diego): $230,000 - $240,000 (Education through Golf)

Priority Areas

1. End-of-Life Care: Hospice services and support for terminally ill patients and their families
2. Youth Development Through Golf: Golf-based educational programs
3. Healthcare Access: Medical services for underserved populations
4. Family Services: Domestic violence prevention, family support services
5. Children and Youth Services: Educational programs, youth development initiatives
6. Human Services: General support for vulnerable populations
7. Senior Care: Programs supporting elderly residents in need

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's grant history suggests they do not fund:

• Organizations outside California and Arizona
• International programs
• Individual scholarships or direct aid to individuals
• Political organizations or advocacy campaigns
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Unsolicited applications from organizations not pre-identified by trustees

Governance and Leadership

David Cornsweet, Director/President

• Compensation: $249,847 (40 hours/week)
• Background: Holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and was a psychotherapist in private practice for over 40 years
• Additional Role: President of Divine Will Foundation

Patrick Dempsey, Director

• Compensation: $249,847 (40 hours/week)
• Background: Owned and operated his own health and fitness business for over 30 years
• Tenure: Trustee since 2008

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The William Gumpert Foundation operates exclusively by making contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation serves as presenting sponsor for the annual Guardians of San Diego "Take a Swing for Seniors" event benefiting Seacrest Foundation, held at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Golf Club in Carlsbad. The foundation has also sponsored local military troops at Hospice of the North Coast's Annual Golf Tournament and supported their Butterfly Release memorial events. These documented public activities demonstrate the foundation's community involvement but should not be interpreted as an invitation to solicit funds.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a private foundation operating by trustee discretion, decision timelines are internal and not disclosed.

Success Rates

Not applicable. The foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept applications. However, grant patterns suggest the foundation provides multi-year support to organizations.

Application Success Factors

While the William Gumpert Foundation does not accept applications, organizations seeking to understand the foundation's values can observe:

Characteristics of Funded Organizations:

• Long-term impact focus with sustained community impact over decades
• Alignment with specific causes: hospice care, golf-based youth education, healthcare access, and domestic violence prevention
• Geographic proximity: Strong preference for San Diego County organizations, particularly in North County communities
• Multi-year relationships: Several organizations receive funding consistently across years
• Service to vulnerable populations: terminally ill patients, abuse survivors, underserved youth, and low-income families

Foundation Values Based on Grant Patterns:

• Dignity in end-of-life care through substantial support for hospice services
• Youth development through sports, particularly golf education programs
• Access to essential services including healthcare and shelter for underserved populations
• Justice and equity demonstrated through support for organizations serving abused individuals

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process: This foundation operates entirely by trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited applications
• Multi-year commitment model: The foundation demonstrates loyalty to organizations with consistent annual support
• Substantial grant sizes: Average grant of $160,000 with typical grants ranging from $230,000 to $360,000
• Geographic concentration: San Diego County, particularly North County communities, receives primary focus
• Focused priorities: Clear focus areas rather than broad philanthropic interests
• Professional grantmaking: Two full-time, well-compensated directors suggest sophisticated due diligence and grant management

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - William Gumpert Foundation (EIN: 26-6065762). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/266065762 (Accessed February 2026)

2. Charity Navigator - William Gumpert Foundation Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/266065762 (Accessed February 2026)

3. Instrumentl - William Gumpert Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/william-gumpert-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

4. GuideStar by Candid - William Gumpert Foundation Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/26-6065762 (Accessed February 2026)

5. Grantable - Gumpert Foundation Profile & Grants. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/gumpert-foundation-us-foundation-266065762 (Accessed February 2026)

6. Foundation Directory Online - William Gumpert Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=GUMP002 (Accessed February 2026)

7. Cause IQ - Gumpert Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/gumpert-foundation,266065762/ (Accessed February 2026)

8. Grantmakers.io - William Gumpert Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/266065762-william-gumpert-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)

9. San Diego Union-Tribune. "Seacrest Foundation presents Guardians of San Diego's 32nd Annual 'Take a Swing for Seniors'." August 3, 2024

10. Hospice of the North Coast. "Another Successful Celebration of Life Hosted by Hospice of the North Coast." 2018