Crescent Porter Hale Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.6 million (5-year average)
• Success Rate: N/A (Invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Varies by program
• Geographic Focus: San Francisco Bay Area (5 counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.crescentporterhale.org
Phone: (415) 561-6540
Address: 1660 Bush Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94109
Management: Pacific Foundation Services, LLC

Program Contacts:

• Middle School Youth Success: Derek Aspacher (daspacher@pfs-llc.net)
• Safety Net Program for Seniors: Eunice Valentine (evalentine@pfs-llc.net)
• K-8 Catholic School Scholarships: Eunice Valentine (evalentine@pfs-llc.net)

Overview

The Crescent Porter Hale Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1964 with assets of approximately $118 million as of 2023. The foundation distributes an average of $5.6 million annually in grants, focusing on supporting vulnerable and underserved populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The foundation's mission centers on creating "a thriving Bay Area community where vulnerable and underserved people receive the supports they need to lead fulfilling lives." Their grantmaking is concentrated in three strategic areas: middle school youth success, senior safety net programs, and Catholic education support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates three distinct grant programs:

1. Middle School Youth Success Program

   • Supports high-quality social-emotional and academic learning opportunities for middle school youth
   • Focus on enrichment programs and comprehensive support services

2. Safety Net Program for Seniors

   • Addresses food insecurity among older adults
   • Funds food banks, food rescue agencies, and Meals on Wheels programs
   • Emphasis on ensuring seniors have reliable access to nutritious food

3. K-8 Catholic School Scholarships

   • Provides scholarship support for Catholic elementary and high school education
   • Aimed at increasing access to Catholic education for underserved families

Priority Areas

• Youth education and development (middle school focus)
• Senior services and food security
• Catholic education access
• Arts and music education

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the five Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo)
• Programs outside their three core focus areas
• Individual grant requests

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by Pacific Foundation Services, LLC, a professional foundation management company. Specific board member information is not publicly available, though the foundation maintains professional staff contacts for each program area.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. All grants are made by invitation only. The foundation identifies potential grantees through:

• Board and staff networks
• Professional foundation management company connections
• Existing relationships within the philanthropic community

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, organizations seeking support should:

• Ensure strong alignment with one of the three specific program areas
• Build visibility within Bay Area nonprofit networks where foundation staff and advisors are active
• Connect with Pacific Foundation Services, LLC staff who manage the foundation
• Develop relationships with current grantees who may provide introductions
• Contact the appropriate program officer directly to introduce your organization:
  • For middle school programs: Derek Aspacher
  • For senior food programs or Catholic schools: Eunice Valentine

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - grants are by invitation only

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, success factors focus on relationship building and strategic positioning:

• Program Alignment: Organizations must clearly fit within one of the three defined program areas - middle school youth success, senior food security, or Catholic school scholarships
• Geographic Specificity: Must serve residents of the five specified Bay Area counties
• Track Record: Demonstrated effectiveness in serving vulnerable populations is essential
• Network Connections: Relationships with current grantees or foundation advisors significantly increase likelihood of invitation
• Organizational Capacity: Evidence of strong management and ability to effectively utilize grant funds

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder - there is no open application process
• Focus areas are very specific: middle school youth, senior food programs, and Catholic school scholarships
• Geographic restriction to five Bay Area counties is strictly enforced
• Average annual grantmaking of $5.6 million suggests significant capacity for major gifts
• Professional management through Pacific Foundation Services provides structured approach to grantmaking
• Direct outreach to program contacts is the primary pathway to consideration
• Building relationships within Bay Area philanthropic networks is essential for access

References

• Crescent Porter Hale Foundation Official Website: https://www.crescentporterhale.org (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990PF Data for EIN 94-6093385 (2019-2023 filings)
• GuideStar Profile for Crescent Porter Hale Foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Data from ProPublica API (Accessed January 2026)