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Robert And Dana Emery Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.7M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.2M
Decision Time
4mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,680,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Approximately $10,000 - $200,000 (estimated based on average grant size)
  • Geographic Focus: San Francisco Bay Area, California
  • Total Assets: $155,552,794 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 81 awards in 2024

Contact Details

Address: 3711 Kennett Pike, Suite 220, Wilmington, DE 19807 Phone: (302) 498-6008 Trustee: Rockefeller Trust Company (Delaware) EIN: 37-6537105

Note: The foundation is incorporated in Delaware but focuses its grantmaking in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Overview

The Robert and Dana Emery Family Foundation was established in 2013 as a private independent foundation by Robert Langworthy Emery, former CEO of Robertson Stephens investment bank, and Dana Morton Emery, President and CEO of Dodge & Cox. The foundation has experienced significant growth since its inception, expanding from $10 million in assets in 2012 to over $155 million in 2024. Annual giving has also increased substantially, distributing approximately $5.7 million in grants in 2024 across 81 organizations. The foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, providing both general operating support and project-specific funding to 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation receives approximately $10 million in contributions annually and generates additional revenue through investment dividends.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides general operating support and project-specific funding to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Based on 2024 data, the average grant size is approximately $70,000, though actual grant amounts likely vary considerably based on organizational needs and project scope.

Application Details:

  • Deadline: June 30th annually
  • Format: Written requests only (no specific format required)
  • Eligibility: IRC Section 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Geographic Focus: San Francisco Bay Area of California

Priority Areas

While specific program priorities are not publicly disclosed, the foundation's grantmaking appears to align with the philanthropic interests of its founders. Dana Emery serves on the National Board of Directors of Summer Search (youth development and education access) and is a member of the UCSF Board of Overseers (health and medical research), which may indicate areas of interest.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, though as a private foundation, they limit funding to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and focus geographically on the San Francisco Bay Area.

Governance and Leadership

Founders and Key Individuals

Robert Langworthy Emery Former CEO and President of Robertson Stephens, one of Silicon Valley's most prominent investment banks during the technology boom. He joined Robertson Stephens in 1985 to establish its healthcare M&A practice and later became President and then CEO. Robertson Stephens was among the most active investment banks in the technology sector, underwriting 74 IPOs valued at $5.5 billion between 1999-2000.

Dana Morton Emery President, CEO, and Chair of Dodge & Cox, a San Francisco-based investment management firm. She joined Dodge & Cox in 1983 and is a member of the Fixed Income and Global Bond Investment Policy Committees. Dana holds a B.A. from Stanford University, is a CFA charterholder and Chartered Investment Counselor. She is the Founding Co-Chair of The Credit Roundtable, former Chairman of the Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee, and a member of the Fixed Income Analysts Society Hall of Fame. She serves on the National Board of Directors of Summer Search and is a member of the UCSF Board of Overseers.

Trustee Rockefeller Trust Company (Delaware) serves as trustee and receives $20,000 in annual compensation. The Rockefeller Trust Company provides comprehensive fiduciary services and trust administration for the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts written grant requests with a June 30th annual deadline. Applications do not require a specific format but must be submitted in writing. All applicants must be IRC Section 501(c)(3) organizations operating in or serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Important Note: As a private family foundation with limited public information about its application procedures, the foundation likely operates with significant trustee discretion in its grantmaking decisions. The foundation does not maintain a public website or detailed application guidelines, suggesting a more selective approach to grantmaking.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the June 30th application deadline and typical private foundation practices, applicants should expect decisions to be made within 3-6 months following the deadline.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. However, the foundation made 81 grants in 2024, up from 80 in 2023 and 55 in 2022, indicating steady growth in grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information about this foundation's specific preferences, grant writers should consider the following:

  • Geographic Alignment: The foundation exclusively focuses on the San Francisco Bay Area. Organizations must demonstrate clear connections to and impact within this region.

  • Organizational Strength: With significant assets and substantial grant sizes, the foundation likely seeks organizations with demonstrated capacity and track records of effective program delivery.

  • Alignment with Founder Interests: While not explicitly stated, the founders' board service and professional backgrounds suggest potential interest areas:

    • Youth development and educational access (Summer Search connection)
    • Healthcare and medical research (UCSF connection)
    • Financial literacy and economic development (given professional backgrounds in investment management)

  • General Operating vs. Project Support: The foundation provides both types of support, so clearly articulate which you are seeking and why it's appropriate for your organization.

  • Financial Transparency: As the foundation is managed by Rockefeller Trust Company and receives annual contributions from its founders, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and clear financial reporting will be important.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Private Foundation Model: This is a private family foundation with limited public application infrastructure. Building awareness of your organization may be as important as formal applications.

  • Growing Grantmaking: The foundation has significantly increased both total giving and number of grants over recent years (from 19 grants in 2020 to 81 in 2024), suggesting expanding philanthropic activity.

  • Geographic Specificity: San Francisco Bay Area focus is absolute—organizations outside this region should not apply.

  • Annual Deadline: Unlike rolling applications, the June 30th deadline requires planning and advance preparation.

  • Average Grant Size: With approximately $70,000 average grants, this foundation makes meaningful contributions that can significantly impact organizational budgets.

  • Limited Public Information: The absence of a website or detailed guidelines suggests relationship-based grantmaking may play a role. Consider networking within the Bay Area philanthropic community.

  • Trustee Management: Rockefeller Trust Company's role as trustee means professional fiduciary oversight, suggesting the foundation values proper governance and compliance.

References

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