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Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.7M
Grant Range
From $3K

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.7 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only funder)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation-only)
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $5,000 (youth program); larger amounts for invited organizations
  • Geographic Focus: Oregon (77% of grants), primarily Portland Metropolitan area

Contact Details

Website: https://schnitzercare.org/
Phone: (503) 973-0286
Address: 1121 SW Salmon, Portland, Oregon 97205
Email: Not publicly listed - contact via phone or website

Overview

Established in 1998, the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation has distributed over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects across Oregon and beyond. With assets totaling approximately $85.8 million, the foundation supports arts and culture, youth, education, medical, social service, and community activities that enhance quality of life. The foundation is guided by the principle "to whom much is given, much is expected," continuing the philanthropic legacy of Harold and Arlene Schnitzer under the leadership of their son, Jordan Schnitzer. In 2023, the foundation awarded 189 grants totaling $3.7 million, with 77% of contributions going to Oregon-based organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Direct Grants: By invitation only - amounts vary based on project scope
  • Schnitzer Cares: Student Grantmaking: $3,000-$5,000 per grant (youth-led program)
  • Care to Share Program: Medical assistance for low-income families (in partnership with OHSU)

Priority Areas

  • Arts and culture
  • Youth development and education
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Social services
  • Community enhancement activities
  • Direct benefit to Oregon residents

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations whose programming benefits people outside of Oregon
  • Unsolicited grant requests
  • Organizations not holding 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

Jordan D. Schnitzer - Executive Director and President, carries on the legacy of his late parents with the belief that "to whom much is given, much is expected."

Jeffrey F. Nudelman - Secretary

Keith Rozgo - Treasurer

Board of Directors includes Arielle and Audria Schnitzer among others. Board members serve without compensation, reflecting the foundation's commitment to maximizing charitable impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Due to large multi-year pledge commitments, the Board of Directors is no longer inviting or reviewing any grant proposals until further notice.

Exception - Youth Philanthropy Program: Organizations can apply to the Schnitzer Cares: Student Grantmaking program through participating high schools. Application window typically runs November 15 - December 31 annually. Organizations must submit:

  • Grant Application Form (short fillable PDF)
  • Cover Letter (750 words)
  • 501(c)(3) IRS Determination Letter

Getting on Their Radar

  • Join their mailing list through the foundation website for updates when grant opportunities become available
  • Participate in the Schnitzer Cares youth philanthropy program by connecting with participating high schools in Oregon
  • Build relationships with current grantees who may provide introductions when the foundation resumes accepting proposals

Decision Timeline

Not applicable for direct grants (invitation-only). For the youth philanthropy program, decisions are typically made by spring with awards ceremonies held in May.

Success Rates

In 2023, only 15 grant applications were accepted from organizations the foundation had not previously funded, indicating a strong preference for established relationships.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis. Organizations not previously funded have limited opportunities for consideration.

Application Success Factors

For the Schnitzer Cares Youth Philanthropy Program:

  • Demonstrate direct benefit to Oregon residents, particularly in the Portland Metropolitan area
  • Align programming with student-selected themes and priorities
  • Provide clear, concise project descriptions that resonate with youth decision-makers
  • Show measurable community impact within the $3,000-$5,000 grant range
  • Be prepared to attend awards celebrations and engage with student philanthropists

For potential invitation to direct grants (when available):

  • Establish a track record of successful programming in Oregon
  • Build relationships with foundation leadership and current grantees
  • Focus on arts, culture, youth, education, medical, or social service initiatives
  • Demonstrate alignment with the Schnitzer family's philanthropic values

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is primarily an invitation-only funder - unsolicited proposals are not accepted
  • The foundation has paused new grant invitations due to existing multi-year commitments
  • Best current opportunity is through the Schnitzer Cares youth philanthropy program ($3,000-$5,000 grants)
  • 77% of grants stay in Oregon, with Portland Metropolitan area receiving the majority
  • The foundation has given over $300 million over 27+ years to 1,200+ nonprofits
  • Youth philanthropy program has engaged 6,400+ students who have awarded $4.1 million
  • Organizations must demonstrate direct benefit to Oregon residents to be eligible

References

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