The Parker Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,056,625 (2023)
• Success Rate: 18.7% (59 approved out of 315 requests in FY 2025)
• Decision Time: Varies by board meeting schedule (6 meetings annually)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $150,000 (median: $25,000)
• Geographic Focus: San Diego County, California only
• Total Assets: $41.7 million
• Number of Grants: 67 grants awarded in 2023

Contact Details

Address: 2604-B El Camino Real, Suite 244, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 720-0630
Website: https://theparkerfoundation.org
Email: Available through website contact form
EIN: 51-0141231

Overview

The Parker Foundation was established on October 5, 1971, by Gerald T. and Inez Grant Parker. Starting with $4 million in assets, the Foundation now manages assets exceeding $48 million and has awarded more than $66 million in grants over its 50+ year history. The Foundation's mission is to improve quality of life throughout San Diego County by supporting a broad range of charitable organizations serving the region. The Foundation emphasizes partial seed money and matching or challenge grants, with the philosophy of not creating organizational dependency. As one of San Diego's most generous grantmakers, the Foundation plays a vital role in strengthening the local nonprofit community, supporting organizations of all sizes including a significant number of first-time grantees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Parker Foundation operates on a rolling application basis with six board meetings held annually. Applications are accepted year-round with specific deadlines posted on their website. All application materials must be submitted by NOON on the posted deadline date.

• General Operating Support: $5,000 - $150,000 (typical range)
• Capital Projects/Equipment: Varies, seed money and matching grants preferred
• Project-Specific Funding: $5,000 - $150,000
• Median Grant Size: $25,000

Priority Areas

The Foundation makes grants across five main categories:

1. Arts and Culture: Visual and performing arts, museums, zoos
2. Education: Public and private educational institutions, museums, libraries
3. Medical: Health care organizations, clinics, hospitals, medical research
4. Adult and Youth Services: Social service programs for all ages
5. Community Activities: Community organizing, development efforts, conservation

Recent funding patterns show significant support for overlapping concerns of housing, sustainable community development, and conservation in the San Diego area. The Foundation supports organizations addressing homelessness, immigrant services, environmental preservation, and healthcare access.

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Conferences or symposia (generally)
• Religious organizations (except for direct support of nonsectarian educational or service projects)
• Projects that would make an organization dependent on the Foundation
• Organizations outside San Diego County
• Organizations that received funding less than 2 years ago

Governance and Leadership

Officers and Directors

• Raymond Ellis - President: Focused on making a positive impact through community service with wide-ranging business, nonprofit, and public leadership experience
• Will Beamer - Vice President
• Vicki Reed - Secretary
• Dori Kaufman - Treasurer
• Lexy Harshman - Chief Administrative Officer
• Katy McDonald - Director

Foundation Philosophy

The Foundation was established by Inez Grant Parker in 1971 following the death of her husband Gerald T. Parker in 1970. The Parkers had moved to Southern California, making their home in La Jolla after Gerald retired from Commerce in 1948. Inez is honored through the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego. The Foundation continues their legacy of supporting San Diego County organizations across diverse areas of need.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Parker Foundation accepts applications through an online submission process:

1. Download and complete the cover page from the Foundation's website

2. Prepare required documents:

   • Completed cover page (signed by Executive Director)
   • Detailed project description including:
     • Specific amount requested
     • Specific use of funds
     • Degree of benefit to San Diego County residents
     • Number of individuals directly aided or affected
     • Method for measuring results
   • Comprehensive project budget with all funding sources (committed and potential)
   • Most recent annual financial report (audited financial statement preferred, or Form 990)
   • Current IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status
   • For equipment grants: paid invoice after grant is awarded

3. Submit by NOON on the posted deadline date through the online portal

4. Grant proposals delivered in person are NOT accepted

Board Meeting Schedule

The Foundation holds six board meetings annually with specific deadlines posted throughout the year on their website. New deadlines are added regularly, so applicants should check the Board Schedule page at https://theparkerfoundation.org/grant-making/grant-seekers/board-schedule/ for current dates.

Decision Timeline

• Applications are reviewed at the next scheduled board meeting following the deadline
• Decisions are made at board meetings held six times per year
• Organizations are notified of decisions after board meetings
• During FY 2025, the Board considered 315 requests and approved 59, with 13 pending at year-end

Success Rates

Overall Success Rate: 18.7% (based on 59 approvals out of 315 requests in FY 2025)

This competitive success rate reflects the Foundation's thorough review process and limited funding capacity relative to demand. The Foundation supports organizations of all sizes, with a significant portion of grants going to first-time grantees, indicating openness to new applicants who align with priorities.

Reapplication Policy

After a Grant Award: Organizations must wait at least two (2) years from the date on the grant agreement before submitting another proposal.

After a Denial: Organizations must wait at least one (1) year from the date on the denial letter before reapplying. Applications submitted prior to that time will not be considered.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Measurable Outcomes

The Foundation strongly emphasizes measurable results. Applications must describe the method by which project results can be measured and commit to providing a six-month report showing measured outcomes. Be specific about metrics and evaluation methods.

Show Benefit to San Diego County

Clearly articulate the degree to which the project benefits San Diego County residents and specify the number of individuals directly aided or affected. The Foundation is geographically restricted to funding projects serving San Diego County.

Provide Comprehensive Budget Details

Submit a comprehensive project budget detailing specific items and associated costs. The budget must clearly outline ALL funding sources, including both committed and potential contributions. The Foundation gives preference to partial seed money and matching/challenge grants.

Distinguish Your Organization

Describe partnership organizations and clearly distinguish your organization from similar service providers. Explain how clients find your services and what makes your approach unique or effective.

Review Historical Summaries

The Foundation explicitly encourages applicants to review their Historical Summaries to better understand the scope and types of projects previously funded. These are available on their website by fiscal year (e.g., 2023 Grant Summary, 2025 Grant Summary).

Be the Expert

The Foundation recognizes that applicants are experts in their own missions and anticipates proposals will reflect the organization's most important needs. Don't be afraid to articulate your highest priorities rather than trying to guess what the Foundation wants to fund.

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

Recent successful grants include:

• Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans ($150K) - General support for immigrant services
• Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest ($100K) - General support for healthcare access
• Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation ($75K) - Environmental preservation
• San Diego Blood Bank ($260,800+ over time) - Lifesaving resources including a bloodmobile expected to save 315,000 lives over 15 years
• Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation - Local Carlsbad conservation efforts
• Catholic Charities of San Diego - Homelessness services

Financial Sustainability

Avoid creating dependency - the Foundation's philosophy emphasizes partial support and matching grants rather than becoming a primary funding source. Demonstrate multiple funding streams and sustainability plans.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only organizations serving San Diego County are eligible - do not apply if your work is outside this area
• Wait periods matter: Plan ahead for the 2-year wait after receiving a grant or 1-year wait after a denial
• Measurement is critical: Build strong evaluation methodology into your proposal from the start with specific, quantifiable outcomes
• Timing strategy: With only 18.7% success rate, consider board meeting schedules and submit when you have the strongest possible case
• Budget transparency: Show all funding sources honestly, including potential sources - the Foundation values partnerships and matching opportunities
• Review historical grants: Use the Foundation's grant summaries to understand what types and sizes of projects they've funded recently
• First-time applicants welcome: Don't be discouraged by lack of prior relationship - a significant portion of grants go to first-time grantees

References

1. The Parker Foundation official website. https://theparkerfoundation.org. Accessed February 26, 2026.
2. The Parker Foundation - Grant Making page. https://theparkerfoundation.org/grant-making/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
3. The Parker Foundation - Application Process page. https://theparkerfoundation.org/grant-making/grant-seekers/application-process-online/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
4. The Parker Foundation - Officers and Directors page. https://theparkerfoundation.org/about-us/officers-and-directors/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
5. The Parker Foundation - Reporting Requirements page. https://theparkerfoundation.org/grant-making/grant-recipients/follow-up-reports/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Parker Foundation (EIN 51-0141231). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/510141231. Accessed February 26, 2026.
7. Cause IQ - Parker Foundation profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/parker-foundation,510141231/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
8. The Parker Foundation - 2023 Form 990-PF Public Disclosure. https://theparkerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2023-990-PF-Public-Disclosure-Copy-The-Parker-Foundation.pdf. Accessed February 26, 2026.
9. Inside Philanthropy - The Parker Foundation profile. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/southern-california-grants/the-parker-foundation. Accessed February 26, 2026.
10. Candid Foundation Directory - The Parker Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=PARK003. Accessed February 26, 2026.
11. The Independent - "Toast To Olde Tymes – Inez Grant Parker and Gerald T. Parker." https://kcindependent.com/toast-to-olde-tymes-inez-grant-parker-and-gerald-t-parker/. Accessed February 26, 2026.
12. Grantmakers.io - Parker Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/510141231-parker-foundation/. Accessed February 26, 2026.