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Horowitz Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.6M

Horowitz Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,580,132 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable - no public application process
  • Decision Time: Not applicable - invitation only
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly
  • Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on San Francisco and Las Vegas areas
  • Total Assets: $144.8 million (2024)

Contact Details

The foundation does not provide public contact information for grant inquiries.

Administrative Information:

  • Location: Las Vegas, NV
  • EIN: 35-7050910
  • Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Foundation
  • Established: 2013, received tax-exempt status May 2014

Overview

The Horowitz Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2013 by Felicia Horowitz, wife of venture capital investor Benjamin Horowitz (co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz). The foundation has grown substantially since its inception, reaching $144.8 million in assets by 2024. The foundation distributed $7.6 million in charitable grants in 2024 (11 awards), $7.6 million in 2023 (8 awards), and made 12 awards in 2022.

The foundation focuses on supporting organizations that provide services for low-income individuals and families, youth programs, and prison education initiatives. The foundation's grantmaking reflects the personal philanthropic interests of its founders, particularly Felicia Horowitz's longstanding commitment to social justice and community service. Ben Horowitz has stated that Felicia "has done more than anybody in Silicon Valley to bring people of all walks of life together in tech and lift up the people in society who struggle the most."

The foundation is managed by two trustees: Felicia Annette Horowitz and Sophia Noel Horowitz, neither of whom receive compensation for their service. The foundation's primary funding comes from contributions from Ben and Felicia Horowitz, who committed with other Andreessen Horowitz partners to donate at least half of all income from their venture capital careers to philanthropic causes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate structured grant programs with published application cycles. Instead, grants are made at the discretion of the trustees to organizations aligned with the foundation's mission.

Priority Areas

Based on documented grantmaking history, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Social Services for Low-Income Communities: Supporting organizations providing direct services to economically disadvantaged individuals and families
  • Youth Programs: Funding initiatives that support young people, particularly in underserved communities
  • Prison Education and Anti-Recidivism: Supporting criminal justice reform through education and reentry programs (historically received over $500,000)
  • Social Justice Organizations: Including human rights advocacy and community development
  • Healthcare and Brain Health: Connections to organizations like Keep Memory Alive and Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas
  • Homeless Services: Historical support for organizations serving homeless populations

Notable Past Recipients

According to research findings, the foundation has historically supported:

  • American Jewish World Service: Over $1 million (human rights organization)
  • Glide Memorial Church: Nearly $1 million (nondenominational church in San Francisco's Tenderloin providing homeless services and social justice programming)
  • Anti-recidivism and prison outreach organizations: Over $500,000 collectively
  • Via Services: Initial philanthropic contribution from Andreessen Horowitz partners
  • Stanford University: Documented grants over multiple years

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's grantmaking pattern suggests focus on direct service organizations rather than:

  • Academic research (except in specific cases)
  • Arts and culture
  • Environmental causes
  • International development (except through specific human rights organizations)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Felicia Horowitz - Founder and CEO Felicia has been deeply involved in philanthropic work for over 15 years, with particular dedication to Glide Memorial Church where she volunteered in the food distribution program. She received the WACO Theater Everyday People award in 2019 for her activism. Felicia serves on the board of Keep Memory Alive, supporting the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. She is known for advocating for social justice causes and has been described as playing a vital role in bringing diversity to the technology sector.

Sophia Noel Horowitz - Trustee

Benjamin Horowitz - Contributing Donor (not a trustee) Ben Horowitz is a general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He established the firm's Cultural Leadership Fund to support African Americans entering technology. Ben has publicly defended and celebrated his wife's philanthropic work.

Philanthropic Philosophy

Ben Horowitz's public statement encapsulates the foundation's approach: Felicia "has done more than anybody in Silicon Valley to bring people of all walks of life together in tech and lift up the people in society who struggle the most." This reflects a commitment to social equity, direct service, and community uplift.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Horowitz Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. According to FoundationSearch, the foundation "does not respond to unsolicited applications for funding."

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, typically to organizations with which the foundation has established relationships or connections through the trustees' personal involvement and networks.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a rolling basis at trustee discretion rather than through scheduled application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable for external applicants, as there is no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since there is no public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, based on the foundation's documented grantmaking patterns, organizations that have received support typically share these characteristics:

  • Direct Service Model: Organizations providing hands-on services to communities in need, rather than solely advocacy or research
  • Alignment with Social Justice: Clear commitment to equity, justice, and serving marginalized populations
  • Focus on Systemic Issues: Addressing root causes of poverty, incarceration, and inequality
  • Geographic Connection: Presence or impact in the San Francisco Bay Area or Las Vegas regions where the trustees have personal connections
  • Trustee Personal Connection: Organizations where trustees have direct involvement, volunteer experience, or board participation
  • Demonstrated Impact: Established track record of meaningful community impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited proposals
  • Relationship-Driven Grantmaking: Grants flow to organizations where trustees have personal involvement or established connections
  • Social Justice Focus: Strong emphasis on serving low-income communities, criminal justice reform, and social equity
  • Geographic Ties Matter: San Francisco Bay Area and Las Vegas connections appear significant in grantmaking patterns
  • Substantial Resources: With $144.8 million in assets and $7.6 million in annual giving, this is a well-resourced foundation
  • Trustee Discretion: All funding decisions rest with Felicia and Sophia Horowitz
  • Evolving Priorities: The foundation's grantmaking focus has evolved over time, reflecting the trustees' changing interests and involvement

References

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