Focusing Philanthropy Inc
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $33.1 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: United States
Contact Details
- Website: focusingphilanthropy.org
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- EIN: 45-2405071
Overview
Focusing Philanthropy Inc is a public foundation established in 2012 that applies an investment model approach to philanthropy. With over $156 million contributed to date impacting more than 13 million lives, the foundation focuses on overcoming barriers to human potential through strategic investments in programs that increase income and improve access to healthcare and education. The foundation has grown significantly from $1.08 million in revenue in 2012 to $35.28 million in 2024. Notably, the founders cover 100% of operational expenses, allowing all donor contributions to go directly to program support.
Funding Priorities
Priority Areas
- Programs that overcome barriers to unleash human potential
- Income generation and economic mobility initiatives
- Healthcare access improvements
- Education and workforce development programs
- High-impact, scalable interventions with measurable outcomes
Focus on Investment Model
The foundation conducts rigorous diligence, ongoing monitoring, and transparent reporting on all investments, treating philanthropic giving with the same rigor as financial investments.
Governance and Leadership
- Lawrence Gilson: Chairman/Director (unpaid position)
- Elliott Gilson: Director ($75,000 compensation)
- Jason Windebank: Treasurer ($130,926 compensation)
- Whitney Schaefer: Communications Manager ($157,500 compensation)
The foundation maintains lean operations with executive compensation representing less than 1% of total expenses, demonstrating commitment to maximizing program impact.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not appear to have a public application process. Grants are likely awarded through proactive identification of high-impact organizations and programs that align with their investment model approach. They conduct extensive due diligence on potential grantees before making funding decisions.
Getting on Their Radar
Based on available information, Focusing Philanthropy appears to proactively identify organizations through their investment model approach. One documented partnership is with Per Scholas for training individuals underrepresented in IT for high-growth careers. Organizations with proven, scalable models for addressing income, healthcare, or education barriers may align with their priorities.
Application Success Factors
Organizations that may align with Focusing Philanthropy's approach demonstrate:
- Substantial, measurable impact on beneficiaries
- Strong institutional credibility and track record
- Clear capacity to effectively deploy additional funding
- Scalable program models
- Focus on overcoming systemic barriers to human potential
- Strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Focusing Philanthropy operates more like an impact investment fund than a traditional foundation
- They prioritize measurable, scalable impact over traditional grant-making approaches
- The foundation covers all operational costs separately, maximizing donor impact
- They seek organizations with proven models rather than accepting unsolicited proposals
- Strong emphasis on data, monitoring, and transparent reporting
- Focus areas include economic mobility, healthcare access, and education
- Partnership approach with extensive due diligence and ongoing monitoring
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Focusing Philanthropy Inc (accessed December 2024)
- Focusing Philanthropy official website (focusingphilanthropy.org) (accessed December 2024)
- IRS Form 990 data for EIN 45-2405071 (2024 filing)