Friese Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,377,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $100 - $600,000
• Geographic Focus: California-based, national scope

Contact Details

• Website: https://thefriesefoundation.com/
• Phone: (818) 217-4144
• Email: Not publicly available
• Address: 20021 Northridge Road, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Overview

The Friese Foundation (EIN: 83-2753741) is a private foundation established in 2019 by Donald E. Friese, founder and former CEO of C.R. Laurence Co., and his son D.J. Friese. With assets of $59.9 million, the foundation distributed $5.4 million across 77 grants in 2023, averaging $69,831 per award. Operating under the mission "Bridging the gap from hopelessness to wholeness," the foundation focuses on providing life-changing opportunities and promoting healing and wellness for underserved individuals and communities. Donald Friese's background as a U.S. Army veteran and self-made businessman who sold his company for over $500 million significantly influences the foundation's giving priorities, particularly its strong support for veterans' causes and workforce development in the glass industry.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grant Program: $100 - $600,000 (trustee discretion, invitation-only)
• Median grant size: $50,000
• Average grant: $69,831 (based on 77 awards in 2023)

Priority Areas

• Veterans programs and military support organizations
• Youth programs and education
• Animal rescue and wildlife conservation
• Physical and mental health services
• Food security and homelessness services
• Glass and glazing industry workforce development

What They Don't Fund

The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Governance and Leadership

Donald E. Friese - Founder and Director. Born 1940, U.S. Army veteran (1958-1961), built C.R. Laurence from $250,000 to over $500 million in annual revenues before selling in 2015. Known for distributing $86 million in bonuses to 1,400 employees upon company sale.

Donald E. Friese Jr. (D.J.) - President and Director (compensated $200,000 annually). Works alongside his father to manage foundation operations and grant distributions.

Andrea Friese - Treasurer and Director. Handles financial oversight and governance responsibilities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations" and "does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded through trustee discretion and invitation only.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach, organizations aligned with their priority areas should focus on:

• Building visibility within the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles philanthropic community where the Frieses are active
• Connecting through the glass and glazing industry networks, particularly through the National Glass Association where the foundation has deep ties
• Establishing relationships with current grantees who might facilitate introductions, particularly Providence Tarzana Medical Center, National Veterans Foundation, or the LA Regional Food Bank
• Participating in veterans' support networks, as Donald Friese's military service makes this a personal priority

Decision Timeline

Trustee discretion basis - no formal timeline

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only basis

Application Success Factors

Since the Friese Foundation operates by invitation only, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, based on their giving patterns:

• Veterans connection is critical: Organizations serving veterans receive priority consideration, reflecting Donald Friese's Army service
• Local presence matters: Strong concentration of giving in San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area
• Demonstrated impact required: The foundation supports established organizations with proven track records (Children's Hospital LA, St. Jude, American Red Cross)
• Personal mission alignment: Focus on organizations that embody "bridging the gap from hopelessness to wholeness"
• Industry connections help: Organizations connected to the glass/glazing industry have unique access through Donald Friese's business background
• Scale flexibility: While capable of major gifts ($50M to Providence Tarzana), the foundation also makes smaller grants starting at $100

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Friese Foundation is a significant grant maker ($5.4M annually) but operates exclusively through invitation and trustee discretion
• Veterans' organizations have the strongest alignment with founder's personal background and values
• The foundation has capacity for transformational gifts - demonstrated by the $50 million Providence Tarzana gift in 2021
• Geographic proximity to Chatsworth/San Fernando Valley increases likelihood of being on their radar
• Connection to the glass industry through National Glass Association provides a unique pathway to consideration
• Building relationships with current grantees may be the most viable path to eventual invitation
• The foundation's giving has grown consistently from 48 grants in 2019 to 77 in 2023, suggesting expanding reach

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Friese Foundation profile and Form 990-PF filings (2023, 2024)
• The Friese Foundation official website (https://thefriesefoundation.com/)
• National Glass Association Foundation press releases and announcements (2020-2025)
• Providence Tarzana Foundation announcement of $50 million gift (2021)
• C.R. Laurence company history and Donald Friese biographical information
• Charity databases including Foundation Directory and Candid profiles
• IRS tax-exempt organization records (EIN: 83-2753741)