Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $5.8 million (2023)
- Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
- Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
- Grant Range: $8,000 - $2.3 million
- Geographic Focus: San Diego region, U.S. nationwide, with some global reach
Contact Details
- Website: www.thecekfoundation.org
- Address: 2820 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 91911-4804
- Phone: Not publicly listed
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Application Support: Not available - foundation does not accept unsolicited applications
Overview
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp Foundation (CEK Foundation) is a private family foundation established in 2017 with approximately $170 million in total assets and annual grantmaking of $5-6 million. Founded by Chuck Kreutzkamp (deceased) and Ernestina Kreutzkamp, the foundation's mission is to strengthen communities and improve the lives of vulnerable populations in San Diego and globally. The foundation distributed $5,762,500 across 30 grants in 2023, with individual grants ranging from $8,000 to $2.3 million. Led by President/CEO Ernestina Alonso (daughter of the founders), the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and explicitly states they do not accept unsolicited grant requests.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not maintain formal grant programs but distributes funding across diverse categories:
- General Operating Support: Up to $2.3 million (largest grants to established partners)
- Program-Specific Initiatives: $50,000 - $1.5 million (through intermediary organizations)
- Community Services: $8,000 - $250,000 (local San Diego organizations)
Priority Areas
- Kids & Youth Programs (orphans, vulnerable children)
- Animals, Farming & Environment
- Support for Veterans
- Cancer Treatment & Research
- Hispanic Communities
- Skilled Trades Education
- Second Chance Hiring (formerly incarcerated individuals)
- Poverty Alleviation
- Childhood Drowning Prevention
- Financial Health & Literacy
- Music Education (Inherit the Music, Women in Music)
What They Don't Fund
Not explicitly stated on website or in public documents
Governance and Leadership
Ernestina Kreutzkamp - Chairman/Secretary, Co-founder
- Values education and dignity, committed to improving lives of the less fortunate
Ernestina Alonso - President/CEO
- Daughter of founders, leading most foundation efforts
- Compensation: $273,420
Fernanda Alonso - Treasurer
- Compensation: $18,000
Pilita M Tana - Operations
- Compensation: $110,250
The foundation's leadership emphasizes collaborative work with communities and believes "Anyone can be a philanthropist."
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. The CEK Foundation explicitly states on their website: "The CEK Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests." They only make contributions to "preselected charitable organizations." Grants are awarded through invitation only, based on existing relationships and trustee discretion.
Getting on Their Radar
The foundation positions itself as "a source of education, inspiration, and a beacon" for organizations wanting to make global impact. While they don't accept applications, they welcome collaboration with "like-minded organizations." Their website includes a philanthropy quiz, suggesting interest in educating and engaging with the philanthropic community. Organizations in their priority areas, particularly those serving San Diego communities or addressing their specific focus areas, may benefit from building relationships through shared networks and demonstrating alignment with their mission.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly disclosed
Success Rates
Not applicable due to invitation-only model
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - invitation-only foundation
Application Success Factors
Since the foundation operates by invitation only, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, analysis of their giving patterns reveals:
- Recent grants show preference for established organizations with proven track records
- Strong alignment with San Diego community needs appears important
- Foundation funds both large national organizations (Charles Schwab, Save the Children) and local groups (YMCA of San Diego County)
- Multi-purpose grants through intermediary organizations (Philanthropic Impact Foundation received $1.5 million for 8 different initiatives)
- Foundation values collaborative approaches and addressing root causes of societal issues
- Personal connections and existing relationships with foundation leadership appear essential
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- No public application process - organizations cannot apply directly for funding
- Foundation distributes approximately $5.8 million annually across 20-30 organizations
- Grant sizes vary widely from $8,000 to $2.3 million, with median around $50,000
- Strong San Diego focus but also funds nationally and some international work
- Family-led foundation with clear values around dignity, education, and serving vulnerable populations
- Best opportunities likely through existing networks, intermediary organizations, or collaborative initiatives
- Foundation sees itself as educator and collaborator in philanthropic space, not just funder
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 data and financial information (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/813811851) - Accessed January 8, 2026
- The CEK Foundation Official Website (https://www.thecekfoundation.org/) - Accessed January 8, 2026
- The CEK Foundation - Our Approach page (https://www.thecekfoundation.org/our-approach) - Accessed January 8, 2026
- Cause IQ organizational profile with grant recipient data (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/chuck-and-ernestina-kreutzkamp-foundation,813811851/) - Accessed January 8, 2026
- Grantmakers.io profile with historical giving patterns (https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/813811851-chuck-and-ernestina-kreutzkamp-foundation/) - Accessed January 8, 2026