Sobrato Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $62,500,000+ (2023)
Total Assets: Over $1 billion
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Rolling basis, no fixed timeline
Grant Range: $50,000 - several million (majority under $500,000)
Geographic Focus: Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, San Mateo, Southern Alameda counties) and California statewide for English Learner programs
Application Process: No unsolicited applications; invitation only or email introduction

Contact Details

Address: 599 Castro St Ste 400, Mountain View, CA 94041-3009

Website: https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/

EIN: 77-0348912

Overview

The Sobrato Family Foundation was established in 1996 by real estate developer John A. Sobrato and members of the Sobrato family. Operating as Sobrato Philanthropies, the organization holds over $1 billion in assets and distributed $62.5 million in grants in 2023. The foundation's mission is to partner with communities to meet immediate needs, address systemic barriers, and pursue social justice to build a more equitable and sustainable world. Sobrato Philanthropies is part of The Sobrato Organization, a multi-generational, family-owned firm that has shaped Silicon Valley's development over nearly 70 years. The foundation is a recognized leader in general operating support (GOS) grants, having pioneered flexible, multi-year funding since 2004. In 2019, the foundation approved an expansion plan to consolidate collective, collaborative, and individual family giving, with three generations of the Sobrato family actively engaged in grantmaking, advocacy, and impact investing.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Essential Human Services - $22,215,050 allocated Multi-year, unrestricted general operating support for Silicon Valley nonprofits providing safety net services including housing and shelter, community health services, food services, hospice and senior care, domestic violence response and legal aid, emergency assistance, and family and children services. Typical grants range from $50,000 to several million.

English Learners Program - $20,280,000 allocated Three-pronged approach supporting English language learners K-12:

Statewide Impact: State-level policy and advocacy
Regional Opportunities: Implementation of bilingual education policies in Silicon Valley
EL Ecosystem: Research, evaluation, and narrative change initiatives statewide The foundation developed the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) model, a research-based preschool through third grade program that has been implemented for over 15 years.

Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits - $16,174,582 allocated Below-market office space for 70+ Silicon Valley nonprofits at four locations (San Jose, Milpitas, Redwood Shores, Palo Alto) comprising 333,000 square feet. Office space is invitation-only for organizations serving low-income residents in priority communities. Conference space is available free to all Bay Area 501(c)(3) organizations with required insurance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Oceans Program - $13,700,000 allocated $25 million commitment launched in 2020 for ocean protection through grants and impact investments, supporting organizations like Oceana Mexico and Oceana Philippines.

Pathways for Success - $8,680,000 allocated Career pathway programs that develop career ladders to middle-skill jobs, working with industry employer partners to expand employment opportunities for the Silicon Valley workforce.

Postsecondary Success - $3,502,500 allocated Programs expanding avenues for low-income and English learner students to attain college credentials through improved educational quality, equity, and choice.

Climate Program - $23 million over three years (launched 2021) Focus on domestic carbon emissions reduction, clean energy transition, and Indigenous forest stewardship.

Family Giving - $1,180,928 allocated Individual family members support distinct priorities including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, educational institutions, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, financial inclusion, election reform, sustainable food systems, health and wellness, medical innovation, economic/social/racial justice, and reproductive rights.

Priority Areas

Geographic Priorities: San Jose (particularly East and Downtown), North Fair Oaks, Hayward, Unincorporated Southern Alameda County, South San Francisco, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, Shoreview, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, and Gilroy

Population Focus: Low-income and economically vulnerable residents of Silicon Valley; English language learners K-12; communities facing systemic barriers

Program Characteristics: The foundation strongly emphasizes multi-year, unrestricted general operating support to allow nonprofits to focus on service delivery rather than fundraising. From 2004 to 2016, Sobrato gave $17.7 million in human services support grants, $8 million for education, $7 million for housing, and $15.5 million to youth development, healthcare, food and nutrition, and employment.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Organizations must be invited to apply or receive approval to submit after an email introduction. The foundation's geographic focus is limited to Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, San Mateo, Southern Alameda counties) for most programs, with English Learner support extending statewide in California.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by three generations of the Sobrato family with an estimated family wealth of $6 billion. The organization has evolved to include non-family board members and executive leadership.

Key Family Members:

John A. Sobrato: Founder and real estate developer; focuses on affordable housing, homelessness prevention, educational institutions, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and financial inclusion
Susan Sobrato: Co-founder with John A. Sobrato
John Michael Sobrato: Second generation; focuses on election reform and sustainable food systems
Timi Sobrato: Supports sustainable food systems
Lisa Sobrato Sonsini: Second generation family member
Sheri Sobrato: Focuses on health, wellness, medical innovation, and impact media
John Matthew Sobrato: Third generation; focuses on economic/social/racial justice, reproductive rights, and education access
Andie Sobrato: Supports economic/social/racial justice initiatives

The foundation emphasizes core values of "mutual accountability, collaboration, engagement, excellence, and integrity" across philanthropic and business activities. Leadership has explicitly stated commitment to "addressing issues of racism and injustice" and advancing work toward justice and safety for all.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Applications are extended by invitation only, or organizations may email an introduction to grants@sobrato.org describing their organization and work.

For invited applicants:

All grant requests must be submitted through the online application portal on the Sobrato website
There are no fixed deadlines for grant submissions
The Board of Trustees meets periodically throughout the year
Incomplete grant requests may be deferred

Applicants should carefully review grant eligibility requirements before applying and select the appropriate funding category: Essential Human Services, Pathways for Success, Office Space, Conference Center, English Learners Program, Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits, Family Giving, Postsecondary Success, or Oceans.

Getting on Their Radar

Sobrato's Silicon Valley grantmaking is the most accessible program, with published priorities available on their website. Organizations serving economically challenged populations in the foundation's priority geographic areas (San Jose, North Fair Oaks, Hayward, etc.) should:

Email grants@sobrato.org with a concise introduction of the organization and its work serving low-income Silicon Valley residents
Demonstrate deep community roots in Silicon Valley and alignment with the foundation's focus on economic self-reliance and independence
Highlight service to priority geographic communities and economically disadvantaged populations
Emphasize organizational capacity, program quality, and financial sustainability
Consider applying for free conference space first as an entry point to demonstrate alignment with the foundation's mission

Organizations working on English Learner education statewide in California or ocean conservation initiatives may also find opportunities through those specific programs.

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed and vary depending on the Board of Trustees' meeting schedule and the specific program. Since grants are primarily by invitation or follow email introductions, the timeline from initial contact to decision is likely several months but not specified.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and operates primarily through invitations or approved introductions, the success rate for invited applicants is likely higher than typical open-application foundations.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's emphasis on multi-year grants and long-term partnerships, successful grantees typically receive continued support over multiple years rather than needing to reapply annually.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented approach and priorities:

Focus on General Operating Support: Sobrato has been a leader in general operating support grants since 2004. The foundation explicitly values flexible, unrestricted funding that allows nonprofits to focus on service delivery rather than fundraising. Applications that request general operating support rather than project-specific funding align with this philosophy.

Serve Economically Challenged Populations: The foundation requires that grantees serve economically challenged clients, reflecting their commitment to marginalized communities. Organizations must demonstrate direct service to low-income and economically vulnerable residents.

Geographic Alignment: For Silicon Valley programs, organizations must serve priority communities including San Jose (especially East and Downtown), North Fair Oaks, Hayward, South San Francisco, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and other specified areas. Geographic focus is a critical eligibility factor.

Multi-Year Partnership Approach: The foundation emphasizes long-term partnerships and multi-year support. Organizations should demonstrate capacity for sustained impact and ongoing relationships rather than one-time projects.

Organizational Capacity: The foundation considers organizational capacity, program quality, financial sustainability, and effective use of resources in its selection process. Strong organizational infrastructure and proven track record are important factors.

Community-Driven Approach: Sobrato values a "community-driven approach to grantmaking" and deep community roots. Organizations should demonstrate authentic community connections and responsiveness to community needs.

Examples of Funded Organizations: Recent grantees include Year Up Bay Area, Destination Home of San Jose, Adobe Services of Fremont, United Way of the Bay Area, Foundation for Hispanic Education, Abode Services, Bill Wilson Center, Downtown Streets Team, Family Supportive Housing, LifeMoves, and Rebuilding Together Peninsula. These examples show a range of organization sizes with strong representation of smaller community-based organizations.

Housing First Philosophy: For homelessness-related programs, the foundation emphasizes a Housing First approach with significant investment in both interim and permanent supportive housing solutions.

English Learner Focus: For education grants, demonstrating understanding of and commitment to English learner student success, bilingual education, and implementation of effective EL strategies (such as the SEAL model) strengthens applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Do not submit unsolicited applications - Email grants@sobrato.org first with a concise introduction if your organization serves low-income Silicon Valley residents or English learners in California
General operating support is preferred - Sobrato has championed flexible, unrestricted funding since 2004 and values allowing nonprofits to focus on services rather than fundraising
Geographic focus is critical - Organizations must serve priority communities in Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Southern Alameda counties (or English learners statewide for EL programs)
Multi-year partnerships are the norm - The foundation seeks long-term relationships rather than one-time grants; demonstrate capacity for sustained impact
Economic disadvantage is central - Grantees must serve economically challenged clients; this is a core eligibility requirement built into their grantmaking approach
Organizational strength matters - The foundation considers capacity, program quality, financial sustainability, and effective resource use in selection decisions
Silicon Valley program is most accessible - If your organization fits the profile, this is the best entry point with published priorities and relatively clear eligibility criteria
Consider Sobrato Centers - Free conference space is available to all Bay Area 501(c)(3) organizations and may serve as an introduction to the foundation's work; office space is invitation-only but represents significant long-term support

References

Sobrato Philanthropies Official Website - What We Fund. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/what-we-fund/ (Accessed December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies Official Website - How to Apply. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/how-to-apply/ (Accessed December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies Official Website - About. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/about/ (Accessed December 17, 2025)
Candid Foundation Directory - The Sobrato Family Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SOBR001 (Referenced December 17, 2025)
GuideStar Profile - Sobrato Family Foundation (EIN 77-0348912). https://www.guidestar.org/profile/77-0348912 (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Cause IQ - Sobrato Family Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/sobrato-family-foundation,770348912/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Inside Philanthropy - Sobrato Philanthropies. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/bay-area-grants/sobrato-philanthropies (Accessed December 17, 2025)
Inside Philanthropy - "The Personal and the Collective: How Three Generations of the Billionaire Sobrato Family Give" (March 17, 2022). https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2022-3-17-the-personal-and-the-collective-how-three-generations-of-the-billionaire-sobrato-family-give (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies - General Operating Support in the Field & Sobrato's GOS Grants. https://www.sobrato.com/essential-human-services/reflecting-on-15-years-of-general-operating-support-grantmaking/general-operating-support-in-the-field-sobratos-gos-grants/ (Accessed December 17, 2025)
Inside Philanthropy - "This Foundation Has Been Giving General Support for Years. What's It Learned?" (May 15, 2018). https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2018/5/15/sobrato-family-foundation-general-support-grants-study (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies - Essential Human Services. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/what-we-fund/silicon-valley/essential-human-services/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies - Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/what-we-fund/silicon-valley/sobrato-centers-for-nonprofits-scnp/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies - Office Space Eligibility. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/how-to-apply/eligibility-who-to-contact/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)
SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) Official Website. https://www.seal.org/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)
California Department of Education - ELR Illustrative Example: SEAL Model. https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ml/rmsobrato.asp (Referenced December 17, 2025)
Sobrato Philanthropies - About the English Learner Program. https://www.sobrato.com/sobrato-philanthropies/what-we-fund/english-learners/about-the-english-learner-program/ (Referenced December 17, 2025)