Sand Hill Foundation

Sand Hill Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10.9 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Rolling basis
• Grant Range: Typically $25,000-$100,000 per year
• Geographic Focus: San Mateo County, CA

Contact Details

Website: http://www.sandhillfoundation.org Phone: (650) 854-9310 Email: grants@sandhillfoundation.org 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 organisations and the communities they serve.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation seeks to be responsive to partner organisations by funding a range of needs, such as general operations, projects, planning, capacity building, and capital campaigns. Grant amounts vary depending on the specific project and the applicant's needs at any given point in time, but most range from $25,000-$100,000 per year.

Priority Areas

The foundation partners with and funds locally-based organisations to strengthen economic stability and wellness for families with low income, and to advance advocacy efforts that create a more sustainable environment in San Mateo County.

1. Economic Stability: Building Family Economic Stability

• Community healthcare services
• After-school enrichment programmes
• College prep programmes
• Scholarships and fellowships
• Job training and entrepreneurship programmes creating career pathways

2. Wellness: Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being

• Mental health services for youth
• Services that create safe, secure and stable families
• Strengthening the system of mental health and youth services in San Mateo County

3. Environmental Sustainability: Advocating for Nature and Sustainable Communities

• Open space preservation
• Environmental education
• Environmental stewardship
• Advocacy efforts for a more sustainable environment

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept applications from organisations that:

• Have not received a grant from them in the last five years
• Do not dedicate at least 50% of their organisational efforts towards youth aged 11-25 and their families as they navigate daily life with limited financial means in San Mateo County
• Are located outside San Mateo County

Governance and Leadership

President: Susan Ford Dorsey 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 organisations. Only organisations 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. The foundation board and staff meet monthly to review proposals, except in December. Requests that must be considered before 31 December should be received no later than 31 October.

Getting on Their Radar

As the foundation has closed applications to new organisations and is spending down by 2029, organisations 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

Organisations must have received a grant within the last five years to be eligible for new funding. Organisations 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 aged 11-25 and their families with limited financial means (50%+ of organisational efforts)
• Alignment with the foundation's three core priority areas
• Showing transformational potential at organisational inflection points
• Building on existing relationship and track record with the foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Closed to New Applicants: Only organisations 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
• Youth and Family Focus: Organisations must dedicate at least 50% of efforts to youth aged 11-25 and their families with limited financial means in San Mateo County
• Rolling Applications: No fixed deadlines for eligible organisations
• Partnership Approach: Works through Pacific Foundation Services for operational support
• Transformational Focus: Seeks to support organisations at pivotal inflection points
• Grant Range: Most grants range from $25,000-$100,000 per year

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)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Sand Hill Foundation (accessed December 31, 2025)
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Sand Hill Foundation (accessed December 31, 2025)