Harden Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $4.87 million (2024)
- Total Assets: $74.69 million
- Geographic Focus: Monterey County, California (primarily Salinas area)
- Foundation Type: Private Grantmaking Foundation
- Established: Tax-exempt since 1964
Contact Details
Mailing Address:
PO Box 779
Salinas, CA 93902-0779
EIN: 94-6098887
Overview
The Harden Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Salinas, California, with over $74 million in total assets and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4.87 million. Established as a tax-exempt organization in 1964, the foundation has been supporting the Monterey County community for nearly 60 years. The foundation generates revenue primarily through investment returns, including sales of assets (76.2% of revenue) and dividends (14.4%), allowing it to maintain consistent grantmaking capacity.
Funding Priorities
Priority Areas
Based on available mission information, the Harden Foundation supports projects that:
- Improve the well-being of young people
- Strengthen families
- Develop individual self-reliance and health
- Prevent inappropriate institutionalization
- Improve quality of life through cultural activities
- Encourage humane treatment of animals
- Eliminate duplication and improve coordination of social services
Governance and Leadership
Executive Director: Joseph C. Grainger (Compensation: $212,649 plus $58,120 in other benefits)
Board Officers:
- Linda Taylor - President
- Chris Dalman - Vice President/Secretary
- Tom Bryan - Vice President & Treasurer
Program Officer: Maria Holguin Guerrero (Compensation: $132,797 plus $44,356 in other benefits)
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Based on available research, the Harden Foundation does not appear to have a public online application portal or widely advertised application process. The foundation likely operates through:
- Invitation-only grants
- Pre-existing relationships with local organizations
- Trustee-directed giving
- Referrals from community partners
Organizations interested in funding should consider reaching out directly to the foundation office via mail at their PO Box address.
Getting on Their Radar
Without a public application process, organizations may benefit from:
- Building relationships with board members who are active in the Monterey County community
- Demonstrating strong alignment with the foundation's focus on youth, families, and social services
- Establishing a track record of effective service delivery in Monterey County
- Connecting through other local funders or collaborative efforts
Application Success Factors
Given the foundation's mission focus, successful grant recipients likely demonstrate:
- Direct impact on youth and families in Monterey County
- Programs that promote self-reliance and prevent institutionalization
- Collaborative approaches that reduce service duplication
- Strong local presence and community connections
- Measurable outcomes in health, education, or social service delivery
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Harden Foundation is a substantial local funder with approximately $4.87 million in annual grantmaking
- Focus areas strongly emphasize youth, families, and social service coordination
- No public application process is evident - relationship building appears essential
- The foundation maintains a low public profile despite significant assets
- Geographic focus appears limited to Monterey County, particularly the Salinas area
- Professional staff including an Executive Director and Program Officer suggest structured grantmaking processes despite lack of public application
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Harden Foundation Profile (Accessed December 2024)
- CauseIQ Foundation Profile (Accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Profile for EIN 94-6098887 (Accessed December 2024)