Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,010,200 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 6 weeks for full application review
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: Long Beach, California

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.jsgf.org/
• Phone: 562-437-2882
• Email: info@jsgf.org
• Address: 333 West Broadway, Ste 312, Long Beach, CA 90802

Overview

The Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation was established in 1989 by Josephine Gumbiner, a social worker and therapist who moved to Long Beach in 1949. Since its founding, JSGF has invested over $20 million in frontline nonprofits providing essential services to women and children in Long Beach. The foundation reported assets of over $14.7 million and distributed $1,010,200 in grants through 54 awards in 2023. Following a year-long strategic planning process, the foundation has decided to spend down its assets and close its doors in 2027 after 35 years of operation. As of September 6, 2023, the foundation is no longer accepting unsolicited applications and has transitioned to invitation-only grantmaking for its remaining years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $5,000 - $50,000 (supporting organizations serving women and children)
• Program Support: $5,000 - $50,000 (specific programs with direct service impact)

Priority Areas

• Temporary and transitional housing for women and children
• After-school tutoring and mentoring programs
• Cultural enrichment initiatives
• Pre-K education and early childhood development
• Parental involvement programs
• Job training and workforce development
• Mental, dental, and healthcare services
• Programs with special emphasis on intervention, prevention, and direct services

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations serving less than 75% Long Beach residents
• Organizations that have received grants for three consecutive years (must wait 12 months before reapplying)
• Unsolicited applications (as of September 2023)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Julie Meenan - Also co-founder of Long Beach Gives, a major fundraising initiative supporting local nonprofits. Three of founder Josephine Gumbiner's children continue to play a role in guiding the foundation as of 2021.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important Notice: As of September 6, 2023, the Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation is no longer accepting unsolicited Letters of Intent (LOIs). The foundation now operates on an invitation-only basis as it proceeds with its planned spend-down strategy through 2027.

Previously, the foundation used a two-step application process:

1. Letter of Intent reviewed on an ongoing basis
2. Full grant application for selected organizations

Getting on Their Radar

Given the invitation-only status, organizations interested in support should:

• Engage with Long Beach Gives, which the foundation's executive director co-founded
• Connect through The Nonprofit Partnership, which the foundation has historically supported
• Build relationships with current grantees who may provide introductions
• Participate in Long Beach nonprofit community events where foundation leadership is present

Decision Timeline

When the foundation was accepting applications:

• LOI notification: Within 90 days
• Full application review: 6 weeks for board review
• Grant term: 12 months unless otherwise noted

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made 54 awards in 2023 and 64 awards in 2022.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations could apply for and receive grants annually for up to three consecutive years, after which they must refrain from applying for twelve months.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's historical grantmaking patterns:

• Organizations must demonstrate that at least 75% of clients reside in Long Beach
• Strong emphasis on direct service provision rather than advocacy or research
• Clear demonstration of intervention and prevention strategies
• Programs showing measurable impact on women and children's lives
• Established nonprofits with proven track records in the Long Beach community
• Projects aligned with foundation's core areas: housing, education, healthcare, and job training

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation is in spend-down mode and will close in 2027
• No unsolicited applications accepted - all grants are now by invitation only
• Focus remains on Long Beach-based organizations serving women and children
• Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000
• Foundation has strong ties to Long Beach Gives and The Nonprofit Partnership
• Building relationships within the Long Beach nonprofit community is essential for potential consideration
• Foundation's legacy includes over $20 million invested since 1989

References

• Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation official website (https://www.jsgf.org/) - Accessed February 2026
• Instrumentl 990 Report for Josephine Gumbiner Foundation (https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/330345249) - Accessed February 2026
• Long Beach Business Journal article on Long Beach Gives and Julie Meenan - Accessed February 2026
• Foundation spend-down announcement on JSGF website - September 6, 2023
• Various nonprofit databases including Candid Foundation Directory, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, and Cause IQ - Accessed February 2026