Sand Hill Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $12.1 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Rolling basis
Grant Range: Up to $35,000 for capital grants
Geographic Focus: San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County, CA

Contact Details

Website: http://www.sandhillfoundation.org Phone: (650) 854-9310 Address: 3000 Sand Hill Road #4-130, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Overview

Founded in 1995 by Tom and Susan Ford, Sand Hill Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation with approximately $93 million in assets. The foundation has distributed over $140 million to 446 nonprofits since its inception, with 74% of funding directed to Silicon Valley communities. Currently led by President Susan Ford Dorsey, the foundation has made a strategic decision to accelerate its payout schedule and grant the majority of its assets by 2029. This spend-down strategy reflects their commitment to making transformational change at pivotal inflection points for organizations and the communities they serve.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Grants: Amount varies (invitation only)
Capital Needs Grants: Up to $35,000 (currently not accepting unsolicited applications)

Priority Areas

1. Opportunity: Building Family Economic Stability

Community healthcare services
After-school enrichment programs
College prep programs
Scholarships and fellowships

2. Wellness: Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health services for youth
Services that create safe, secure and stable families

3. Environment: Advocating for Nature and Sustainable Communities

Open space preservation
Environmental education
Environmental stewardship

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept applications from organizations that:

Have not received a grant from them in the last five years
Dedicate less than 50% of their efforts to youth and families in San Mateo County with limited financial means
Are located outside San Mateo and northern Santa Clara Counties

Governance and Leadership

President: Susan Ford Dorsey (Compensation: $262,000) Vice President: Susan Lockwood Treasurer: Michael Dorsey

The foundation partners with Pacific Foundation Services for grantmaking and operational support. Founded by Tom and Susan Ford, the foundation reflects their belief that "a community's ability to thrive is determined by the combination of equitable opportunity, dedication, and heart."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Sand Hill Foundation is no longer accepting applications from new organizations. Only organizations that have received a grant within the last five years are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines.

Getting on Their Radar

As the foundation has closed applications to new organizations and is spending down by 2029, organizations not currently in their portfolio have limited opportunities for engagement. The foundation works through Pacific Foundation Services, which may serve as an intermediary contact point for exceptional circumstances.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Specific decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation has funded 446 nonprofits since 1995 but does not publish current success rate statistics.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must have received a grant within the last five years to be eligible for new funding. Organizations that have not been funded recently are not eligible to apply.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's closed application process and spend-down strategy, success factors for current grantees include:

Demonstrating continued impact in San Mateo County communities
Maintaining focus on youth and families with limited financial means (50%+ of efforts)
Alignment with the foundation's three core priority areas
Showing transformational potential at organizational inflection points
Building on existing relationship and track record with the foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Closed to New Applicants: Only organizations funded within the last five years can apply
Spend-Down Foundation: Planning to distribute majority of assets by 2029, suggesting potentially larger grants for existing partners
Geographic Restriction: Strict focus on San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County
Youth and Family Focus: Organizations must dedicate at least 50% of efforts to youth and families with limited financial means
Rolling Applications: No fixed deadlines for eligible organizations
Partnership Approach: Works through Pacific Foundation Services for operational support
Transformational Focus: Seeks to support organizations at pivotal inflection points

References

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Sand Hill Foundation Profile (accessed December 31, 2025)
Sand Hill Foundation Official Website: http://www.sandhillfoundation.org (accessed December 31, 2025)
GuideStar Profile for Sand Hill Foundation, EIN: 94-3219107 (accessed December 31, 2025)
Cause IQ Profile for Sand Hill Foundation (accessed December 31, 2025)