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Davidson Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.9M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,945,280 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $50.7 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: Information not publicly available
  • Number of Grants: 59 awards (2023), 61 awards (2022)
  • Geographic Focus: San Jose and Santa Clara County area, California
  • Application Process: No public application process identified

Contact Details

Address: 255 W Julian St Ste 200, San Jose, CA 95110-2406

EIN: 77-0325599

Note: The foundation does not appear to have a public website or published contact information for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Davidson Family Foundation was established in 1992 in California by Charles W. Davidson, a legendary Silicon Valley developer and philanthropist who pioneered affordable housing development and built thousands of homes in the Bay Area. The foundation became tax-exempt in April 1993 and continues to operate as a private family foundation following Davidson's death in 2021 at age 90. With assets exceeding $50 million and annual giving of nearly $3 million, the foundation sponsors housing, educational, food service, and health care opportunities for low-income families and individuals across major metropolitan areas. The foundation was designed to continue giving in perpetuity, now managed by Davidson's children and grandchildren.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily for:

  • Community services - Supporting low-income and disadvantaged families
  • Education - Including significant support for San Jose State University
  • Animal welfare - Protection and welfare programs
  • Children and youth services - Including childcare and development programs
  • Health organizations - Healthcare access for underserved populations
  • Housing - Affordable housing initiatives for low-income individuals

Known Grantees

Based on available information, the foundation has supported:

  • YWCA (including the YWCA Davidson center in San Jose)
  • San Jose State University (including a $15 million gift in 2007 to name the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering)
  • San Juan Bautista Child Care Center
  • Local nonprofit affordable housing organizations in the San Jose area

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership (as of 2024)

  • Charles W. Davidson Jr - President
  • Stephanie L. Davidson - Director
  • Michele Tigue - Vice President (compensated $82,755 in 2024)
  • Judy Bush - Treasurer (compensated $50,000 in 2024)
  • Michael Robins - Director

About the Founder

Charles W. Davidson was described by colleagues as one of Silicon Valley's most unsung philanthropists. He preferred to give anonymously and was known for his generosity to the local nonprofit affordable housing industry. Through his company L&D Construction, when the market was struggling and funding was scarce, nonprofits could turn to Davidson for help involving hundreds of thousands of dollars. His legacy continues through the family foundation, which was designed to be managed by his children and eventually his grandchildren.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. There is no identified website, application portal, or published application guidelines. The foundation appears to operate through trustee discretion, with grants awarded to organizations identified by the board and family members.

Getting on Their Radar

The Davidson Family Foundation's grant-making appears to be relationship-driven and connected to the Davidson family's longstanding ties to the San Jose community. Specific strategies based on this funder's documented approach:

  • San Jose State University connections: The foundation has deep ties to SJSU, with Charles W. Davidson serving as one of 11 founding directors and founding chair of the Tower Foundation (SJSU's auxiliary philanthropic organization). Organizations with SJSU partnerships may have visibility.

  • Affordable housing sector relationships: Charles Davidson worked closely with nonprofit affordable housing developers in San Jose. Geoffrey Morgan, president and CEO of First Community Housing, noted that nonprofits in the affordable housing space had direct access to Davidson for support. Organizations working in affordable housing may benefit from connections through this sector.

  • Long-term community presence: The foundation has supported organizations like YWCA and San Juan Bautista Child Care Center over time, suggesting loyalty to established community organizations serving low-income families in Santa Clara County.

Decision Timeline

Information not publicly available.

Success Rates

With 59 grants awarded in 2023 from an unknown number of inquiries, success rate data is not available. The lack of a public application process suggests grants are primarily awarded to pre-selected organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Given this foundation's unique approach to grant-making through trustee discretion:

  • Geographic alignment: Strong preference for organizations serving San Jose and Santa Clara County, particularly those supporting low-income and disadvantaged families
  • Established community presence: The foundation appears to support well-established local organizations with proven track records
  • Mission alignment: Organizations addressing housing, education, childcare, health care, and food security for low-income individuals align with the foundation's documented priorities
  • SJSU connections: Educational programs or partnerships involving San Jose State University may receive favorable consideration given the family's deep commitment to the institution
  • Affordable housing focus: Nonprofit housing developers working on affordable housing projects in San Jose have historically received support
  • Child and family services: Organizations providing educational support, enrichment, and opportunities for disadvantaged children and families
  • Animal welfare: Organizations focused on animal protection and welfare are within their funding scope

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a private family foundation without a public application process—relationship building and community connections are essential for potential funding
  • The foundation maintains strong geographic focus on San Jose and Santa Clara County, with particular attention to serving low-income families
  • Historical giving patterns show sustained support for established community organizations rather than one-time project grants
  • Organizations with connections to San Jose State University or the nonprofit affordable housing sector may have better visibility
  • The foundation continues Charles W. Davidson's legacy of supporting vulnerable populations with emphasis on housing, education, childcare, and basic needs
  • With nearly $3 million in annual giving distributed across approximately 60 grants, average grant size is likely around $50,000, though this varies
  • The foundation is managed by Davidson's children and will continue operating in perpetuity, suggesting long-term commitment to the San Jose community

References

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