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Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.4M
Decision Time
2mo

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7.4 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 60 days from submission
  • Grant Range: Varies (typically no more than 25% of organization's budget)
  • Geographic Focus: Contra Costa County, California

Contact Details

Website: https://lesherfoundation.org
Phone: 925-935-9988
Email: ngardezi@lesherfoundation.org (Nilofar Gardezi, Program Officer)
Address: 1333 N. California Blvd., Suite 575, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Overview

The Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation was established in 1989 by Dean and Margaret Lesher. Dean Lesher was a newspaper publisher who founded Lesher Communications. Based in Walnut Creek, California, the foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants to date and holds total assets of $95.3 million as of 2024. The foundation's mission is "to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County, California" through strategic investments in children and families, education, and arts and culture. The foundation is currently managed by Dean and Margaret's children and grandchildren, with Devorah Levine serving as Executive Director.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Responsive Grants: Supporting emerging needs of nonprofits in Children & Families, Education, and Arts & Culture
  • Strategic Partnerships: Focus on Thriving Children, Safety Net, Arts Access, and East Contra Costa County
  • CARE Fund Grants: $200,000 allocated to support nonprofit staff well-being

Priority Areas

  • Children and families, especially in underserved areas
  • Educational opportunities for vulnerable populations
  • Arts and culture access for all residents
  • Community development in East Contra Costa County
  • Safety net services for vulnerable populations

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Conferences or travel costs
  • Start-up organizations
  • Health care issues
  • Fundraising events
  • Debt retirement
  • Lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Devorah Levine (Compensation: $254,167 in 2024)
Program Officer: Nilofar Gardezi
The foundation is managed by Dean and Margaret Lesher's children and grandchildren, continuing the family's philanthropic legacy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses an E-Grant System for all applications:

  1. User registration in E-Grant System required
  2. Submit Letter of Inquiry (for new applicants)
  3. Complete full application upon invitation
  4. Provide supplemental documents including financial statements
  5. Select grant request type: Program/Project Support, General Operating Support, or Capital Support

Important Note: The foundation is currently not accepting new Letters of Inquiry until January 2027 due to unprecedented needs of the nonprofit community. They are focusing on being more responsive to current grantee partners.

Decision Timeline

  • Proposals reviewed within 60 days
  • Decisions announced after board meetings
  • Notification via email and applicant dashboard
  • Grant payments typically made within 45 days of contract execution via ACH electronic payments

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Organizations cannot reapply within 12 months if denied. All reporting requirements from previous grants must be completed before submitting new applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's guidelines and approach:

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with Contra Costa County community needs
  • Ensure request is no more than 25% of organization's total budget
  • Provide comprehensive financial documentation
  • Clearly define project start and end dates
  • Do not request retroactive funding
  • Show how your work supports vulnerable populations in the county
  • Multi-year funding possible after establishing initial relationship with foundation
  • Capital grant applications considered primarily from current or past grantees
  • Complete all previous grant reports before applying for new funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Foundation exclusively funds organizations in or serving Contra Costa County, California
  • Currently pausing new applications until January 2027 to focus on existing grantee partners
  • Grants typically limited to 25% of organization's budget to ensure diversified funding
  • Strong preference for established organizations over start-ups
  • Multi-year and capital funding available after initial successful partnership
  • Electronic application system requires advance registration and thorough documentation
  • Foundation emphasizes supporting underserved populations and vulnerable communities

References

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