Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $2.6-3.1 million
- Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
- Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
- Grant Range: Information not publicly available
- Geographic Focus: Primarily United States
Contact Details
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- EIN: 45-6495102
- Website: Not publicly available
- Email: Not publicly available
- Phone: Not publicly available
Overview
The Harman Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2011 with approximately $36.3 million in assets as of 2024. The foundation distributes between $2.6 and $3.1 million annually in charitable grants, representing 89-92% of its total expenses. Based in Los Angeles, California, the foundation is led by prominent trustee Jane Harman, a former U.S. Representative who served nine terms in Congress and is known for her expertise in national security, intelligence, and public policy. The foundation maintains a relatively low public profile and operates primarily through trustee-directed giving rather than a public application process.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not maintain publicly announced grant programs or funding streams. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees.
Priority Areas
While specific funding priorities are not publicly documented, based on the background and interests of key trustee Jane Harman, the foundation likely supports:
- Policy and governance initiatives
- National security and international affairs organizations
- Women's leadership and empowerment programs
- Educational institutions
- Democratic institutions and civic engagement
What They Don't Fund
No public information available regarding funding exclusions.
Governance and Leadership
Board of Trustees:
- Jane Harman (Trustee) - Former U.S. Representative, President Emerita of Wilson Center
- Barbara Harman (Trustee/Executive Director) - Compensation: $192,133
- Brian Frank (Trustee)
- Julia Cain (Trustee)
- Molly Small (Trustee)
- Grace Harman (Trustee)
- Rachael Quitkin (Trustee)
- Jacob Gabriel Harman (Trustee)
Staff:
- Nancy Swartz (Grants/Operations Manager) - Compensation: $114,516
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees, typically to organizations with which trustees have existing relationships or that align with the foundation's strategic priorities.
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - decisions are made on an ongoing basis at trustee discretion.
Success Rates
Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - the foundation does not maintain a public application process.
Application Success Factors
As this is a private foundation without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations seeking support would need to:
- Have existing relationships with board members
- Align closely with the foundation's implied priorities based on trustee backgrounds
- Demonstrate excellence in areas of trustee interest, particularly policy, governance, and civic engagement
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Harman Family Foundation is a significant private funder distributing $2.6-3.1 million annually
- There is no public application process; grants are made at trustee discretion
- The foundation maintains minimal public presence with no website or published guidelines
- Given Jane Harman's background, organizations working in policy, security, and democratic governance may align with foundation interests
- Building relationships with trustees would be essential for any organization seeking support
- The foundation has substantial assets ($36.3 million) suggesting stable, ongoing grantmaking capacity
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Harman Family Foundation profile (Accessed January 2026)
- CauseIQ - Harman Family Foundation financial data (Accessed January 2026)
- Wilson Center - Jane Harman biography (Accessed January 2026)
- Charity Navigator - Harman Family Foundation listing (Accessed January 2026)