Warne Family Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,209,998 (2024 fiscal year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (most grants generated internally)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Varies widely - examples include $75,000 to $140,000
• Geographic Focus: Southern California with emphasis on Orange County
• Total Assets: $26.6 million (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 18101 Von Karman Ave Ste 750, Irvine, CA 92612-0145

Email: grants@warnefoundation.org

Phone: (877) 968-6328 (Toll Free)

Fax: (949) 833-9584

Website: www.warnefoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 2001 by Miriam and Thomas Warne, who met while playing violin in the orchestra at Fullerton College, the Warne Family Charitable Foundation is a private family foundation with approximately $26.6 million in assets as of 2024. The foundation distributed $1,209,998 in charitable grants during its most recent fiscal year (2024), representing 89.8% of total expenses. With 41 grants awarded in 2022 and 32 grants in 2023, the foundation maintains an active grant-making program focused on three core areas: medical research (particularly lymphoma and cancer), educational opportunities for underserved children in art and agriculture, and strengthening families in communities where the extended Warne family lives. The foundation now involves multiple generations of the Warne family, with their children and grandchildren continuing the philanthropic legacy. The foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Southern California, with a strong emphasis on Orange County.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formally named grant programs but operates through a general grant-making structure:

• General Operating Grants: Applications submitted online via the foundation website on a rolling basis
• Scholarships: Students whose musical emphasis is a stringed instrument at accredited colleges/universities in Orange County, CA
• Special Education Scholarships: Warne Scholars in Special Education supports credential applicants from any state or country whose families earn less than $120,000 annually

Priority Areas

The foundation's mission encompasses three primary focus areas:

1. Medical Research: Critical medical research, especially in lymphoma and related forms of cancer
2. Education: Educational opportunities for underserved children, particularly in:
   • Arts education (with special emphasis on stringed instruments/music)
   • Agriculture education
3. Family Strengthening: Programs that enhance quality of life for families and encourage healthy values and harmony in communities where the Warne family lives
4. Environmental Conservation: The foundation maintains the Henry W. & Ellen R Warne Family Endowment Fund at Orange County Community Foundation for protecting endangered species

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated on their website, important limitations include:

• The foundation notes that "most grants are generated internally and only a very limited portion of the funds is available for such general grants"
• This suggests that unsolicited applications have limited success
• Geographic focus is primarily Southern California, particularly Orange County

Governance and Leadership

Founders and Family Leadership

Founders: Miriam and Thomas Warne (founded 2001)

• Met while playing violin in the orchestra at Fullerton College
• Continue their philanthropic work through multiple generations

Current Leadership: The foundation now involves the Warne children and grandchildren in continuing the foundation's work, though specific names of trustees and board members are not publicly disclosed in accessible databases.

Staffing: The foundation reports no full-time employees and operates through trustee administration.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online submission only through www.warnefoundation.org

Process:

1. Review the Grant Criteria PDF available on the foundation website
2. Submit a "Letter of Inquiry" through their online application system
3. Existing grantees can access progress reports or continue applications online

Contact for Questions: grants@warnefoundation.org or (877) 968-6328

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for information about review cycles and notification timelines.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation explicitly states that "most grants are generated internally and only a very limited portion of the funds is available for such general grants." This indicates:

• Most funding goes to organizations identified by the foundation
• Unsolicited applications face significant competition
• With approximately 32-41 grants awarded annually from a foundation with limited staff, selectivity is high

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly disclosed. The existence of "existing grantees" accessing progress reports suggests multi-year or repeat funding is possible for successful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's mission and structure, key success factors include:

• Geographic Alignment: Strong preference for Southern California nonprofits, especially those in Orange County where the Warne family lives
• Mission Alignment: Projects must clearly align with one of three core areas: medical research (lymphoma/cancer), education for underserved children (art/agriculture), or family strengthening programs
• Relationship-Driven: The foundation's statement that "most grants are generated internally" suggests relationship-building and being on the foundation's radar is crucial
• Musical/Arts Connection: Given the founders' background as violinists and their scholarship program for stringed instrument students, arts education programs may have particular resonance
• Clear Community Impact: Focus on "communities where the extended Warne family lives" suggests local impact and connection to Orange County is valued
• 501(c)(3) Status: Organizations must be qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Relationship Building is Critical: With most grants generated internally, cold applications face long odds. Consider ways to connect with the foundation or get on their radar through Orange County nonprofit networks
• Orange County Focus: Geographic alignment with Orange County, California is a significant advantage
• Mission Fit Must Be Precise: Ensure your project clearly aligns with lymphoma/cancer research, arts/agriculture education for underserved children, or family strengthening programs
• Consider the Arts Angle: The founders' musical background and scholarships for stringed instrument students suggest arts education may be a particularly compelling angle
• Limited Funding Pool for General Grants: Set realistic expectations given the foundation's candid statement about limited funds for unsolicited applications
• Multi-Generational Vision: The involvement of children and grandchildren suggests the foundation values long-term community impact and sustainable programs
• Strong Financials: With $26.6 million in assets and consistent annual giving around $1.2-1.5 million, the foundation has substantial resources but is selective in deployment

References

1. Warne Family Charitable Foundation Official Website - https://warnefoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
2. Warne Family Charitable Foundation Grants Page - https://warnefoundation.org/grants/ (Accessed February 2026)
3. Warne Family Charitable Foundation About Page - https://warnefoundation.org/about-us/ (Accessed February 2026)
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Warne Family Charitable Foundation (EIN: 33-0937768) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/330937768 (Accessed February 2026)
5. Cause IQ - Warne Family Charitable Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/warne-family-charitable-foundation,330937768/ (Accessed February 2026)
6. Grantmakers.io - Warne Family Charitable Foundation Profile - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/330937768-warne-family-charitable-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)
7. GuideStar Profile - Warne Family Charitable Foundation - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/33-0937768 (Accessed February 2026)
8. Candid Foundation Directory - Warne Family Charitable Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=WARN057 (Accessed February 2026)