William G Irwin Charity Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11.1 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Up to $700,000 (based on recent grants)
• Geographic Focus: California and Hawaii

Contact Details

• Website: williamgirwinfoundation.org
• Phone: (415) 362-6954
• Address: 1660 Bush St 300, San Francisco, CA 94109

Overview

The William G Irwin Charity Foundation is a private foundation established in 1942 in San Francisco, California. With total assets of over $115 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes approximately $11.1 million annually in charitable disbursements. The foundation's stated mission is "giving primarily for the physical improvement of humanity," with a focus on capital grants in California and Hawaii. As a private non-operating foundation with significant assets, it maintains a consistent grant-making program supporting various nonprofit organizations in its target geographic areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Based on recent grant data, the foundation makes substantial capital grants:

• Large capital grants: Up to $700,000 for major infrastructure projects
• Mid-range grants: $500,000-$600,000 for facility construction and rehabilitation centers
• Additional grants across 74 total recipients annually

Priority Areas

• Capital improvements and infrastructure projects
• Healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers
• Youth development facilities
• Public spaces and parks
• Physical improvement of humanity

Geographic Focus

• California
• Hawaii

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by:

• Anthony O Zanze (President)
• James F Zanze (Vice President)
• Michelle Sauger (Treasurer)
• Jane Olds Bogart (Trustee)
• William L Olds III (Audit Committee Chair)

All officers serve without compensation, indicating a commitment to maximizing charitable impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Based on available information, grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and existing relationships. Organizations seeking support should contact the foundation directly at (415) 362-6954 to inquire about potential funding opportunities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available

Recent Grant Recipients

Notable recent grants include:

• The Trust for Public Land: $700,000 for India Basin Waterfront Park
• Hana Health: $600,000 for Hana Health Rehabilitation and Support Center
• Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco Endowment Trust: $500,000 for construction of a new Sunnydale Boys & Girls Club

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on capital projects with clear physical infrastructure components
• Emphasize projects that improve physical spaces and facilities in California or Hawaii
• Consider the foundation's preference for projects that contribute to the "physical improvement of humanity"
• Given the lack of public application process, relationship building and direct contact are essential
• Target requests should align with the foundation's demonstrated grant range, with recent awards ranging from $500,000 to $700,000 for major projects
• The foundation has significant assets and consistent annual giving, suggesting capacity for substantial multi-year commitments

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - William G Irwin Charity Foundation (Accessed December 2024)
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile - William G Irwin Charity Foundation (Accessed December 2024)
• GuideStar Profile - EIN 94-6069873 (Accessed December 2024)
• Charity Navigator - William G Irwin Charity Foundation Profile (Accessed December 2024)
• Foundation website: williamgirwinfoundation.org (Accessed December 2024)