← Back to US Funders Directory

Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.0M
Grant Range
$5K - $2.5M
Decision Time
2w

Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,040,017 (2023)
  • Total Assets: ~$91 million
  • Number of Grants: 108 grants awarded in 2023
  • Average Grant: $20,000
  • Grant Range: Varies widely - from $20,000 average to occasional seven-figure grants
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily San Diego County, CA
  • Application Deadlines: Quarterly - February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1
  • Decision Time: Within 2 weeks after quarterly board meeting

Contact Details

Address: Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation 10731 Treena Street, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92131

Contact:

President: Jay Thomas

Overview

The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation was established in 1997 by Walt and Betty Zable, founders of Cubic Corporation, a major defense and public transport industry company. Walt Zable, an All-American football receiver at the College of William and Mary with a physics degree, served as CEO of Cubic for six decades until his death in 2012 at age 97. With assets of approximately $91 million, the foundation distributed over $5 million in grants in 2023, making 108 awards to San Diego County organizations.

The foundation's mission is to continue the Zables' legacy by encouraging and promoting health, science research, supporting programs that benefit youth and underprivileged individuals, and advancing sports-related activities primarily in San Diego County. As board president Warren Magill stated, "Part of our job, I think, is to keep Walt's legacy alive in San Diego." The foundation operates as a general funder with flexible bylaws that do not restrict grants to specific areas, though they maintain clear historical priorities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle with a single application process. Grants are made across a broad spectrum:

  • Standard Grants: Average $20,000, supporting diverse programs in San Diego County
  • Major Grants: Occasional transformational gifts (e.g., $2.5 million to SDSU Stadium Excellence Fund, $1 million challenge grants to TERI)
  • Application Method: Online portal only (quarterly deadlines)

Priority Areas

The foundation has historically funded programs in these areas:

  • Youth Programs: Educational initiatives, youth development, programs serving children and young adults
  • Health & Science Research: Medical research, healthcare initiatives, scientific advancement
  • Sports-Related Activities: Athletics programs, sports facilities, active lifestyle promotion
  • Military Support: Programs benefiting active and retired military personnel
  • Services for Underprivileged Individuals: Including programs for people with developmental disabilities

The foundation states in its bylaws that it does not restrict grants to specific areas and will consider requests from other areas, demonstrating flexibility beyond these historical priorities.

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside San Diego County (as general rule, though exceptions may be considered)
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations
  • Offshore organizations or activities (without specific foundation approval)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Jay Thomas - President
  • Warren Magill - Treasurer (also serves as board spokesperson)
  • Kathryn Starr - Secretary

Warren Magill, as board president, has publicly articulated the foundation's philosophy, noting of their $2.5 million SDSU grant: "Walt would have liked not only the sports part of it, but the general impact as well." This reflects the foundation's appreciation for projects with both mission alignment and broader community impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation requires all applications to be submitted through their online grant application portal. Applications submitted by mail or personal delivery will be returned.

Key Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
  • Generally restricted to San Diego County organizations
  • Can only submit one request every twelve months

Application Deadlines:

  • February 1 (for March board meeting)
  • May 1 (for June board meeting)
  • August 1 (for September board meeting)
  • November 1 (for December board meeting)

Applicants will receive email confirmation upon submission. The foundation may request additional information or schedule a site visit during the review process.

Decision Timeline

  • Board Meetings: Quarterly on the first Wednesday in March, June, September, and December
  • Notification: Applicants will generally be notified within two weeks after a board meeting
  • Grant Agreement: Approved applicants receive a grant agreement letter specifying the amount and terms; the grant is funded after the signed agreement is received

Success Rates

With 108 grants awarded in 2023, 92 in 2022, and 101 in 2021, the foundation maintains a consistent level of grant-making. However, specific success rate percentages (applications received vs. awarded) are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may only submit requests once every twelve months. This policy applies whether the previous application was successful or not, suggesting unsuccessful applicants must wait a full year before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented priorities and recent grants, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Clear San Diego County Impact The foundation's geographic focus is explicit. Projects should clearly articulate benefits to San Diego County residents.

2. Alignment with Founder Legacy As Warren Magill emphasized, the foundation seeks to "keep Walt's legacy alive in San Diego." Projects that resonate with Walt Zable's background in physics, engineering, sports, and business innovation may have particular appeal.

3. Multi-Dimensional Impact Magill's comment about the SDSU grant - appreciating "not only the sports part of it, but the general impact as well" - suggests the foundation values projects with benefits beyond their primary purpose.

4. Service to Historical Priority Populations Strong alignment with youth, underprivileged individuals, military personnel, or sports participants has characterized successful applications historically.

5. Transformational Potential While the average grant is $20,000, the foundation has demonstrated willingness to make seven-figure investments in projects with significant impact, such as the TERI arts buildings serving people with developmental disabilities.

6. Capacity for Challenge Grants The foundation has used challenge grant structures (as with TERI's $1 million challenge), suggesting they value organizations that can leverage their funding to attract additional support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is firm: San Diego County focus is central to the foundation's mission; ensure your project clearly serves this area
  • Flexible within priorities: While they have historical funding areas, their bylaws don't restrict grants to specific fields - compelling proposals outside typical categories may still be considered
  • Grant range is wide: Don't assume $20,000 is a ceiling; transformational projects can secure six- or seven-figure grants
  • Timing is predictable: Quarterly deadlines and two-week notification windows allow strategic planning
  • One shot per year: With only one application allowed every twelve months, ensure your proposal is thoroughly developed and well-aligned before submission
  • Impact matters more than category: The foundation appreciates broader community benefits beyond narrow program outcomes
  • Honor the legacy: Understanding Walt and Betty Zable's values - innovation, sports, science, community service - can inform how you frame your proposal
  • Be patient with communication: With only quarterly board meetings, the process moves deliberately; plan accordingly

References

← Back to US Funders Directory