Danford Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,076,615 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available (rarely accepts new applicants)
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Average $20,704
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Bay Area, California (with some national reach)

Contact Details

• Website: https://danfordfisherhannig.org
• Phone: 650-482-3082
• Email: Not publicly available
• Application: http://danfordfoundation.org/apply
• Address: 990 Industrial Rd, Suite 206, San Carlos, CA 94070

Overview

Established in 1982 by Fred and Gladys Danford, the Danford Foundation (also operating as Danford Fisher Hannig Foundation) is a private grant-making foundation with assets of $15.6 million. The foundation has distributed over $12 million since inception, supporting over 150 charitable organizations primarily in the Bay Area. In 2024, they awarded 52 grants totaling $1,076,615. The foundation operates with minimal overhead, with directors utilizing their own resources to manage operations efficiently. Their strategic approach focuses on supporting local charities with efficient operations and sustained beneficial impact on communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs but makes discretionary grants averaging $20,704 to organizations in their established portfolio.

Priority Areas

• Health associations and medical research
• Children and youth services
• Social services (food security, housing assistance, job training, homeless services, substance abuse programs)
• Education
• Environment
• Diversity initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but the foundation rarely accepts new applicants outside their established portfolio of 150+ organizations.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Ted J. Hannig (also serves as Chair) CFO: Stacy Talamantes Secretary: Elmer Guerrero Directors: Paula Uccelli, Christine Ackermann

The foundation operates without dedicated offices or staff, with directors contributing their resources to maximize funds available for grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

While the foundation maintains an online application form at http://danfordfoundation.org/apply, they explicitly state they are "rarely open to new grant requests" due to longstanding commitments to their existing portfolio of recipients. The foundation operates primarily through trustee discretion for continuing relationships with established grantees.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation maintains relationships with over 150 local charities and prioritizes these existing partnerships. New organizations seeking support should demonstrate strong alignment with the foundation's focus on Bay Area communities and proven track records of efficient operations with immediate and sustained beneficial impact.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 52 grants in 2024, down from a peak of 102 in 2019. Given their stated policy of rarely accepting new applicants and their portfolio of 150+ organizations, success rates for new applicants are likely extremely low.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified, though the foundation's portfolio approach suggests ongoing relationships with successful grantees.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's explicit preference for existing relationships:

• Organizations already in their portfolio of 150+ grantees have the highest likelihood of continued support
• New applicants face significant barriers to entry as the foundation is "rarely open to new grant requests"
• Local Bay Area organizations with demonstrated efficient operations and immediate community impact may have marginally better chances
• The foundation values sustained beneficial impact on local communities
• Organizations should emphasize operational efficiency and direct service delivery

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation operates as a portfolio funder with established relationships rather than an open application process
• New organizations have extremely limited chances of receiving funding
• The foundation prioritizes Bay Area organizations with proven track records
• Average grants of approximately $20,000 suggest mid-sized operational support rather than major program funding
• The foundation's commitment to existing grantees means most annual funding is already allocated
• Consider this foundation only if your organization has existing connections or exceptional alignment with their priorities
• Focus efforts on other funders unless there is a compelling reason to pursue this foundation

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings (2016-2024): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/942819322
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynaviginator.org/ein/942819322
• Foundation Website: https://danfordfisherhannig.org
• Foundation Directory (Candid): https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=DANF006
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/danford-foundation
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-2819322
• Application Portal: http://danfordfoundation.org/apply
• Accessed: March 2026