Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation

Quick Stats

• Founded: 2002
• Annual Giving: $521,100 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 15 grants (2023)
• Average Grant Size: ~$35,000
• Assets: $1 million+
• Geographic Focus: Not publicly specified
• Foundation Type: 501(c)(3) Private Family Foundation

Contact Details

Address: 3003 Shadow Brook Lane, Westlake Village, CA 91361-3208

Phone: (310) 897-1161

Contact Person: Gillian Kaltman, President

Website: No public website

Note: This foundation does not maintain a public website or online presence. Contact must be made through traditional correspondence.

Overview

The Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2002 (some sources indicate 2000) and based in Westlake Village, California. Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization with over $1 million in assets, the foundation focuses exclusively on supporting organizations that work with children, with particular emphasis on children's health initiatives related to the heart and circulatory system. In 2023, the foundation distributed $521,100 across 15 grants, with an average award of approximately $35,000. As a private family foundation, it operates without a public website or formal online presence, maintaining a more traditional approach to grantmaking through direct correspondence and relationship-based philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grantmaking program focused on children's health organizations. Grant amounts and award numbers have varied over recent years:

• 2023: 15 grants totaling $521,100
• 2022: 16 grants
• 2020: 5 grants
• 2019: 5 grants

While specific grant ranges are not publicly disclosed, the average grant size in 2023 was approximately $35,000.

Priority Areas

Primary Focus: Organizations working with children, particularly those addressing:

• Children's health initiatives
• Heart and circulatory system conditions
• Pediatric cardiac care and related health services

Eligible Organizations: Must demonstrate they work directly with children and maintain federal and state non-profit, tax-exempt status.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, as a children's health foundation, it is reasonable to assume the foundation does not support:

• Organizations not working with children
• Adult-only health programs
• Non-health-related charitable activities

Governance and Leadership

Gillian Kaltman serves as President of the Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation. As a private family foundation, the Kaltman family maintains oversight of the foundation's grantmaking activities and strategic direction.

Additional trustee and officer information is available through the foundation's annual Form 990-PF filings with the IRS.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation accepts applications through traditional letter submission. There is no online portal or formal application form.

Application Requirements:

• Submit a letter describing your organization and grant request
• Include proof of federal and state non-profit, tax-exempt status (501(c)(3) documentation)
• Mail correspondence to: 3003 Shadow Brook Lane, Westlake Village, CA 91361-3208
• Alternatively, contact Gillian Kaltman at (310) 897-1161 for preliminary discussion

Application Method: Rolling basis (specific deadlines not publicly announced)

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation with a modest annual grant portfolio (15-16 grants per year), applicants should expect the review process may take several months depending on the foundation's review cycle and trustee meeting schedule.

Success Rates

With 15 grants awarded in 2023 from an unspecified number of applications, precise success rates cannot be calculated. However, the relatively small number of annual awards (15-16) suggests the foundation is selective in its grantmaking.

Historical grant activity shows some variation:

• 2019-2020: 5 grants per year
• 2022: 16 grants
• 2023: 15 grants

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication guidelines if an initial request is unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about this private family foundation, the following factors are likely to strengthen an application:

1. Clear Children's Health Focus: Demonstrate direct work with children, particularly in cardiac or circulatory health areas that align with the foundation's name and mission.

2. Proof of Tax-Exempt Status: Ensure all required 501(c)(3) documentation is included with your letter submission, as this is explicitly required.

3. Concise, Professional Correspondence: Since applications are letter-based, a well-written, professional letter that clearly articulates your organization's mission, the specific need or project, and expected outcomes will be essential.

4. Established Track Record: As a private foundation making a limited number of grants, evidence of your organization's effectiveness and sustainability in serving children's health needs will be important.

5. Reasonable Grant Request: With an average grant size of approximately $35,000 in 2023, requests should be proportionate to the foundation's typical giving patterns.

6. Personal Connection: Consider whether a phone conversation with Gillian Kaltman prior to submitting a formal letter might be appropriate to gauge interest and ensure alignment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No online presence: This foundation operates traditionally without a website or online portal—all contact must be through mail or phone
• Letter-based applications: Prepare a compelling letter with all required documentation rather than completing a formal application form
• Modest portfolio: With only 15 grants awarded in 2023, competition is likely high; ensure strong alignment with children's health focus
• Tax documentation required: Must include proof of 501(c)(3) status with your submission
• Average grant ~$35,000: Tailor your request to align with the foundation's typical giving range
• Private family foundation: Decision-making rests with the Kaltman family; relationships and trust may play a significant role
• Consider pre-application contact: Given the personal nature of this foundation, a preliminary phone call may be valuable before submitting a formal request

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation. EIN 33-0939709. Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/330939709 (Accessed March 2026)

2. Cause IQ - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation profile. Westlake Village, CA. Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/connecting-kids-heart-2-heart,330939709/ (Accessed March 2026)

3. Instrumentl - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation 990 Report. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/connecting-kids-heart-2-heart-foundation (Accessed March 2026)

4. Candid Foundation Directory - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation profile. Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=CONN088 (Accessed March 2026)

5. GuideStar by Candid - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation Profile. Available at: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/33-0939709 (Accessed March 2026)

6. Grantmakers.io - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Profile. EIN 330939709. Available at: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/330939709-connecting-kids-heart-2-heart/ (Accessed March 2026)

7. Tax Exempt World - Connecting Kids Heart 2 Heart Foundation organizational information. Available at: https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=1269919 (Accessed March 2026)