Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,158,834 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Varies widely ($35,000 - $500,000+ based on recent grants)
• Geographic Focus: California-focused with some national reach

Contact Details

• Address: 51 Glenwood Ave, Ross, CA 94957-9656
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Website: No public website
• Application Process: No public application process (invitation only)

Overview

The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2002 in California, receiving IRS tax-exempt status in March 2003. With assets exceeding $50 million, the foundation distributes approximately $6 million annually to 20-25 carefully selected organizations. Founded by Elizabeth and the late William J. Patterson, the foundation seeks to contribute to a sustainable future through strategic investments in environmental initiatives, educational programs, and healthy community projects. The foundation maintains strong ties to the California Academy of Sciences, where both Pattersons served as Board Chairs, and has endowed five Patterson Scholar Chairs for scientist-educators.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Since specific program names are not publicly detailed, grants are distributed through trustee-directed giving aligned with three focus areas:

• Environmental Initiatives: Variable amounts supporting sustainability and conservation
• Educational Programs: Including significant support for outdoor learning and science education
• Healthy Community Projects: Supporting community wellbeing initiatives

Priority Areas

• Environmental conservation and sustainability
• Science and environmental education
• Community health and wellbeing
• Support for California-based initiatives with some national reach
• Indigenous communities' access to ancestral lands

What They Don't Fund

As a private foundation operating by invitation only, they do not fund unsolicited proposals from organizations outside their preselected network.

Governance and Leadership

Elizabeth Patterson serves as President of the foundation. She is the former Chair and current Chair Emeritus of the California Academy of Sciences Board of Trustees, having served on the board since 2011 and as Chair from 2018. The late William J. Patterson (deceased 2010) previously served as Chair of the California Academy of Sciences Board of Trustees from 2007-2010, leading the institution's $500 million capital campaign.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations aligned with their mission. All grants are awarded through trustee discretion and existing relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation maintains strong relationships with the California Academy of Sciences, where the Patterson Scholars program has been established. Organizations working in environmental education, particularly those with connections to California scientific and educational institutions, may be more likely to be identified for support. The foundation has demonstrated interest in collaborative funding initiatives, such as the First Nations Development Institute's Access to Ancestral Lands project.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available as grants are made through internal selection processes.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation only foundation.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's invitation-only status, organizations cannot directly apply. However, based on their funding patterns:

• Environmental Education Focus: The foundation has provided substantial support ($500,000 over two years) to Ten Strands for outdoor learning initiatives and state policy advocacy
• Collaborative Initiatives: Participation in multi-foundation collaborations, such as the First Nations Development Institute project supporting 12 California tribes
• Science Institution Connections: Strong ties to the California Academy of Sciences, including fully endowing five Patterson Scholar Chairs
• California-Based Impact: Primary focus on California organizations with demonstrated impact in environmental and educational sectors
• Sustainable Future Mission: All funded projects align with contributing to environmental, educational, and community sustainability

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a closed foundation that does not accept unsolicited grant applications
• Annual giving of approximately $6 million distributed to 20-25 organizations
• Strong emphasis on environmental education and sustainability in California
• Significant relationship with California Academy of Sciences and scientific education
• Participates in collaborative funding initiatives with other foundations
• Organizations in their network receive substantial, multi-year support
• Focus on projects that contribute to a sustainable future through environmental, educational, and community health initiatives

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings for EIN 38-3667071 (Accessed February 2024)
• Grantmakers.io - IRS Form 990 data for Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation (Accessed February 2024)
• Charity Navigator - EIN 383667071 profile (Accessed February 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Patterson Foundation profile (Accessed February 2024)
• California Academy of Sciences - Board of Trustees announcements and Patterson Scholars program information (2013-2018)
• First Nations Development Institute - Access to Ancestral Lands Project documentation (March 2022 - August 2023)
• Ten Strands - Funding records via InfluenceWatch (2020-2022)
• CauseIQ nonprofit database - Patterson Foundation profile (Accessed February 2024)