The John C Mithun Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,279,614 (2023)
Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation-only grantmaking)
Grant Range: Varies from individual scholarships to $1.5 million capital gifts
Geographic Focus: Santa Barbara County, California
Total Assets: $59.5 million (2024)
Number of Grants: 63 awards in 2023

Contact Details

Address: 1135 Harbor Hills Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109-1740
Phone: (805) 695-8178
Alternative Address: 117 Calle Bello, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
EIN: 45-4228213

IMPORTANT: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Overview

The John C Mithun Foundation is a private independent foundation established in April 2012 and based in Santa Barbara, California. With total assets of $59.5 million as of 2024 and annual giving of approximately $2.3 million, the foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on supporting the marriage of arts and education, providing funding for youth-based performance initiatives, and ensuring the continuation of musical education in schools. The foundation is governed by three trustees: President John C. Mithun (also known as "Jack Mithun"), Vice President Mercedes Millington (a former elementary school educator), and Secretary Susan M. Torrey. In September 2025, the foundation was honored at the Granada Theatre's Ninth Annual Legends Gala for its contributions to the performing arts community in Santa Barbara. The foundation demonstrates strong commitment to Santa Barbara County organizations, with 80.9% of expenses dedicated to charitable disbursements, making it one of the most significant philanthropic entities supporting arts, education, and youth development in the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines. Instead, it makes strategic investments in organizations aligned with its mission. Notable funding areas include:

Arts and Education Integration

Lobero Theatre Community Access Fund: $100,000+ annually to subsidize local performing arts and youth performance organizations
Granada Theatre Support: Major contributor to Santa Barbara's historic performing arts venue
Support for youth-based performance initiatives and musical education programs

Educational Excellence

San Marcos High School Building Community Wellness Project: $1.5 million lead gift (2024) - the single largest donation ever made to San Marcos High School
Santa Barbara Education Foundation: Ongoing support for teacher innovation grants
UCSB Scholarships: Individual need-based scholarships for undergraduate students
Support for Health Careers Academy programs

Children and Family Services

Santa Barbara Family YMCA: $90,000 for childcare scholarships and financial assistance
Girls Inc. Goleta Valley Center: Support for library development and endowment building
Programs directly serving children and families in Santa Barbara County

Priority Areas

Based on documented grants and public statements from foundation leadership, the foundation prioritizes:

Performing Arts for Youth: Youth theater, music education, dance programs, and performance opportunities for young people
Arts-Education Integration: Programs that combine artistic expression with educational achievement
Community Wellness: Health education, mental health support, and wellness initiatives for students
Educational Innovation: Teacher-led innovation, career pathway programs (especially health careers), and transformative educational facilities
Access and Equity: Scholarships and subsidies ensuring all children can access arts education and childcare regardless of financial means
Santa Barbara County Focus: Strong preference for organizations serving Santa Barbara County communities

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish explicit exclusions, research suggests they do not typically fund:

Organizations outside Santa Barbara County
Capital campaigns unrelated to education or arts facilities
General operating support for large established organizations (prefer transformative projects)
Individual artists (focus is on youth programs and educational institutions)
Religious organizations for sectarian purposes
Political campaigns or lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

John C. Mithun - President
Also known as "Jack Mithun," he serves as the foundation's president. The foundation honors his mother, Doris B. Mithun, who worked as a dietitian and nutritionist. The Health Careers Academy complex at San Marcos High School was named the Doris B. Mithun Health Careers Academy in recognition of the foundation's $1.5 million gift.

Mercedes Millington - Vice President
A former elementary school educator with deep passion for the performing arts. Described by Granada Theatre leadership as a "visionary whose generosity and passion have illuminated the performing arts across our community." Millington has stated about the performing arts: "It's something we all need... we need to feed our souls."

Susan M. Torrey - Secretary
Serves as secretary of the foundation with compensation of $15,000 (2024). Torrey represents the foundation in public announcements and has articulated the foundation's commitment to education, stating regarding the San Marcos High School gift: "We are honored to support San Marcos High School... It is San Marcos paving the future for students."

The foundation operates with a lean structure, with the three trustees making all grantmaking decisions. The foundation's governance reflects strong personal involvement from trustees who are deeply embedded in Santa Barbara's arts and education community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds, as documented in their IRS Form 990-PF filings.

Organizations cannot submit grant applications, letters of inquiry, or proposals unless specifically invited to do so by the foundation's trustees. The foundation proactively identifies organizations aligned with their interests in arts education, youth development, and community wellness.

Getting on Their Radar

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations interested in potential funding should focus on relationship-building strategies:

Build Visibility in Santa Barbara Arts and Education Networks

The foundation's trustees are actively involved with the Granada Theatre and Lobero Theatre - both venues serve as hubs for Santa Barbara's performing arts community
Trustees Mercedes Millington and Susan M. Torrey were honored at the Granada Theatre's Ninth Annual Legends Gala (September 2025), indicating strong connections to this venue
Organizations working in youth performing arts should build relationships with these established institutions

Demonstrate Impact in Foundation Priority Areas

The foundation has shown particular interest in programs combining arts and education
Programs serving youth with performance opportunities, musical education, or arts integration have received support
Community wellness and health education programs (especially those serving students) align with recent major gifts

Cultivate Relationships Through Board Connections

Mercedes Millington's background as an elementary school educator suggests she may be approachable by educational organizations
The foundation's support for organizations like the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, Royal Pride Foundation, and Channel Islands YMCA suggests trustees are engaged with established nonprofit leadership in the county
Attendance at Granada Theatre and Lobero Theatre events may provide networking opportunities

Key Considerations:

The foundation appears to favor organizations with which trustees can develop personal connections and see direct impact
Multi-year relationships are common - the foundation provides ongoing support to Lobero Theatre, Granada Theatre, UCSB, and others
Transformative projects with naming opportunities may be of particular interest (e.g., Doris B. Mithun Health Careers Academy)
Projects that serve multiple foundation priorities (arts + education + youth + community impact) are most likely to attract attention

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on its own timeline for identifying and approaching organizations. Based on the San Marcos High School announcement in May 2024, major gifts may be developed over extended periods through trustee engagement with organizations before formal commitments are made.

Success Rates

Not applicable - there is no application process. The foundation made 63 grants in 2023, 58 grants in 2022, and 60 grants in 2021, suggesting consistent annual grantmaking to a portfolio of organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no formal application process. However, the foundation's pattern of ongoing support to organizations like Lobero Theatre, Granada Theatre, UCSB, Santa Barbara Education Foundation, and others suggests they maintain long-term relationships with aligned organizations.

Application Success Factors

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this foundation does not accept applications, these factors represent patterns observed in organizations that have received funding, which may inform relationship-building strategies.

Alignment with Arts-Education Mission

Organizations that successfully attract support demonstrate clear integration of arts and education. As described in multiple sources, the foundation "focuses its philanthropic efforts on supporting the important marriage of arts and education, providing funding for youth-based performance initiatives, including the continuation of musical education in schools."

Examples of funded projects:

Lobero Theatre Community Access Fund: Provides $100,000+ annually to subsidize local performing arts and youth performance organizations, directly supporting youth access to professional performance venues
San Marcos High School Building Community Wellness Project: $1.5 million gift creates Health Careers Academy while transforming student wellness center, combining education, health, and student wellbeing
Santa Barbara Education Foundation teacher grants: Supports classroom innovation including theater performance camps and creative teaching approaches

Deep Santa Barbara County Roots

All documented grants benefit Santa Barbara County organizations. The foundation demonstrates strong preference for local impact where trustees can witness results firsthand. Funded organizations include established Santa Barbara institutions (Granada Theatre, Lobero Theatre, UCSB) and school-based programs (San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District).

Transformative Impact on Youth

The foundation prioritizes programs creating lasting change for young people. Susan Torrey's statement about the San Marcos gift - "It is San Marcos paving the future for students" - reflects this focus on transformative outcomes. Mercedes Millington's perspective as a former elementary school educator influences the foundation's emphasis on programs that "feed our souls" through arts education.

Multi-Dimensional Community Benefit

Successful projects often serve multiple constituencies. The San Marcos High School project, for example, addresses:

Student mental health needs (wellness center transformation)
Career pathway development (Health Careers Academy)
Educational facility modernization (replacing portables with permanent structures)
Community health awareness (dietitian/nutritionist Doris B. Mithun honored through naming)

Naming and Recognition Opportunities

The foundation appears receptive to naming opportunities that honor family members. The Doris B. Mithun Health Careers Academy naming demonstrates willingness to create legacy through major capital gifts when projects align with family values and foundation mission.

Established Organizational Track Record

Funded organizations demonstrate strong governance, community standing, and operational excellence:

Granada Theatre: Historic venue celebrating 100 years, recognized leader in Santa Barbara performing arts
Lobero Theatre: Oldest continuously operating theater in California
UCSB: Major research university
Royal Pride Foundation: Established 2013, invested over $4 million in San Marcos High School
Channel Islands YMCA: Large regional organization with proven childcare program track record

Personal Connection and Trustee Engagement

The foundation's leadership demonstrates personal involvement in funded initiatives:

Trustees Mercedes Millington and Susan M. Torrey were honored at Granada Theatre gala, indicating active participation in arts community
Foundation provides ongoing multi-year support to organizations, suggesting sustained trustee engagement
Trustee quote from Dan Oh: "Giving is not about programs; it's about restoring joy and possibility for generations to come" - reflects values-driven, relationship-based philanthropy

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No Unsolicited Applications: This foundation does not accept proposals, applications, or letters of inquiry. Do not send unsolicited funding requests.
Relationship-Building is Essential: Focus on building visibility and relationships within Santa Barbara County's arts and education networks, particularly through Granada Theatre and Lobero Theatre connections.
Arts + Education = Strong Alignment: Programs integrating performing arts with educational outcomes are the foundation's sweet spot. Youth-based performance initiatives and musical education programs demonstrate strongest alignment.
Santa Barbara County Only: All documented grants benefit Santa Barbara County organizations. Out-of-area organizations should not pursue this funder.
Think Transformative, Not Incremental: The foundation favors projects creating lasting change (e.g., $1.5 million for facilities transformation) over small operational grants, though they do provide ongoing support to established programs like the Lobero Community Access Fund.
Multi-Year Relationships Valued: The foundation maintains long-term commitments to organizations (Lobero Theatre, Granada Theatre, UCSB scholarships, Santa Barbara Education Foundation), suggesting they prefer sustained impact over one-time gifts.
Youth Development Central: All funding ultimately serves children and youth, whether through performing arts access, educational innovation, health career pathways, or childcare scholarships. Adult-focused programs are not in scope.
Trustees are Hands-On: With only three trustees making all decisions, personal relationships and alignment with trustee values (particularly Mercedes Millington's passion for arts education and Susan M. Torrey's commitment to student futures) are crucial.

References

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The John C Mithun Foundation (EIN 45-4228213). Form 990-PF filings 2021-2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/454228213 (Accessed January 2026)
The Santa Barbara Independent. "A Glamorous Granada Legends Gala." September 18, 2025. https://www.independent.com/2025/09/18/a-glamorous-granada-legends-gala/
Noozhawk. "San Marcos High Gets $1.5 Million for Community Wellness Project." May 9, 2024. https://www.noozhawk.com/san-marcos-high-gets-1-5-million-for-community-wellness-project/
The Santa Barbara Independent. "San Marcos High School's Building Community Wellness Project Receives $1.5 Million Dollar Lead Donation from John C. Mithun Foundation." May 9, 2024. https://www.independent.com/2024/05/09/san-marcos-high-schools-building-community-wellness-project-recieves-1-5-million-dollar-lead-donation-from-john-c-mithun-foundation/
Lobero Theatre. "Youth Programs." https://www.lobero.org/support/youth/ (Accessed January 2026)
Noozhawk. "Lobero Theatre Foundation Continues to Serve Santa Barbara's Performing Arts." https://www.noozhawk.com/lobero_theatre_foundation_continues_to_serve_santa_barbaras_performing_arts/ (Accessed January 2026)
Noozhawk. "Santa Barbara Family YMCA Receives $90,000 for Childcare Program." https://www.noozhawk.com/santa_barbara_family_ymca_receives_90000_for_childcare_program/ (Accessed January 2026)
Channel Islands YMCA. "In the News: The Santa Barbara Family YMCA receives $90,000 for Childcare." https://www.ciymca.org/news/news-santa-barbara-family-ymca-receives-90000-childcare (Accessed January 2026)
Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara. "Impact Stories & Positive Effect Testimonials." https://girlsincsb.org/impact_stories/the-heart-of-educational-programs/ (Accessed January 2026)
UCSB Psychological & Brain Sciences. "The PBS Department would like to congratulate Alessandra (Allie) Mittelstet for receiving this years Philip S. Rethis Memorial Award." 2019. https://psych.ucsb.edu/news-events/news/2019/pbs-department-would-congratulate-alessandra-allie-mittelstet-receiving-years
Grantmakers.io. "Profile - The John C Mithun Foundation." https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/454228213-the-john-c-mithun-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)
Candid Foundation Directory. "The John C. Mithun Foundation." https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=JOHN782 (Accessed January 2026)
Santa Barbara Education Foundation. "Our Supporters." https://sbefoundation.org/our-supporters/ (Accessed January 2026)
Noozhawk. "Santa Barbara Education Foundation Awards a Record $200,000 in Grants." https://www.noozhawk.com/santa-barbara-education-foundation-awards-a-record-200000-in-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)