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Henry L. Guenther Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.5M
Grant Range
$20K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Henry L. Guenther Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,462,000 (2023)
  • Average Grant Size: $75,000
  • Number of Grants: 46 awards (2023)
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months from deadline to decision
  • Geographic Focus: California, primarily Southern California
  • Total Assets: $109 million+
  • Total Grants Awarded to Date: $108 million+

Contact Details

Address: 3020 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 300, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Phone: (562) 799-5544

Email: acolorado@guentherfoundation.org

Website: https://guentherfoundation.org

Preferred Contact Method: Letter or email only (phone calls not accepted for grant inquiries)

Overview

The Henry L. Guenther Foundation was established in 1956 by Pearl Guenther, wife of inventor Henry Louis Guenther, who founded the Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company in Los Angeles in 1910. The foundation operates as a private non-profit charitable California corporation organized to "promote and engage in exclusively charitable endeavors, which will tend to improve social conditions, promote human welfare, and/or alleviate pain and suffering."

The foundation underwent a major transformation in 1994 when it received 100% of Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company stock upon termination of a testamentary trust. In 2007, the foundation sold its complete Angelus holdings due to new IRS regulations and diversified its asset base. To date, the foundation has donated more than $108 million to charities supporting healthcare, education, youth, seniors, and vulnerable populations.

The foundation operates primarily through grants to capable organizations rather than administering its own programs, focusing on preserving and enriching benefits for California residents, particularly in Southern California, prioritizing medical services, youth opportunities, and humanitarian projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a semi-annual grant program with two application cycles per year. There are no minimum or maximum grant guidelines; applicants should request amounts "commensurate with the goals and outcomes" of their proposal. The average grant size is $75,000, with a median of $20,000.

Application Deadlines:

  • May 31: For consideration at the July board meeting (decisions by mid-August)
  • October 31: For consideration at the January board meeting (decisions by mid-February)

Priority Areas

The foundation funds programs that improve social conditions, promote human welfare, and alleviate pain and suffering, including:

  • Education: Educational programs and opportunities for youth
  • Individual and Family Services: Family support services and community programs
  • Veteran and Homeless Services: Homeless assistance and veterans' affairs
  • Medical Services: Medical equipment, technology, and healthcare facility improvements
  • Food Security: Food banks and food distribution programs
  • Emergency Services: Emergency response and crisis support
  • Housing Opportunities: Housing programs and capital campaigns
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborative community initiatives
  • Capital Campaigns: Construction and facility expansion projects

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals (only qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations)
  • Government agencies
  • Loans
  • Political campaigns
  • Endowments
  • Legislative lobbying
  • Multi-year grants (generally not preferred, though capital campaigns are considered)
  • Organizations outside California

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Susanne Sundberg (Chairman) - Joined the board in 1989 and became chairman in 2016. She is responsible for the overall program compliance, communication, and administration activities of the foundation. Former executive director of Human Services Association (28 years) and president of the Heck Family Foundation. Past Rotary International District Governor.

Charles "Chuck" Leatherbury (Treasurer) - Former operations manager at Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company. MBA from USC with senior consulting experience at Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Ann Leatherbury (Vice President/Secretary) - Over 20 years on the board. Long-standing family connection to both Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Company and the Henry L. Guenther Foundation since its inception.

Dr. Richard T. Battaglia (Director) - Joined in 2003. DDS from University of the Pacific; private dental practice owner and dental insurance consultant with 32-year track record in the industry.

Phillip Battaglia (Director) - Joined in 2017. General manager and president of W.M. Beaty & Associates (timberland management). California Registered Professional Forester and board member of The Forest Foundation.

Eric Mooberry (Director) - Joined in 2017. Grandson of an original founding board member. Sales professional in the canning industry; passionate about youth development nonprofits.

Staff

Alba Colorado (Office Administrator) - Joined in 2016 after working almost 20 years in the non-profit social services sector. UCLA graduate with program management expertise. Primary contact for grant applications.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications exclusively through their online platform at guentherfoundation.org. Paper submissions are no longer accepted. Applications can be saved and updated before final submission.

Letters of Intent: Not required at this time.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must be:

  • A public charity recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
  • In good standing with the California Franchise Tax Board (Section 23701d exempt)
  • Providing direct services to California residents

Required Documentation

All applications must include:

  1. IRS Section 501(c)(3) exemption letter
  2. California Franchise Tax Board exemption letter (Section 23701d)
  3. Tax Reform Act Section 509(a) notification classifying organization status
  4. Current audited financial statements
  5. List of officers, directors, and trustees
  6. Detailed project statement with complete budget and timeline
  7. Statement on benefits to California residents
  8. Documentation of community need
  9. Reporting methodology description
  10. Governing body authorization statement

Decision Timeline

May 31 Deadline: Applications receive decisions by mid-August (approximately 2.5 months)

October 31 Deadline: Applications receive decisions by mid-February (approximately 3.5 months)

All applicants are notified in writing of approval or denial within the specified windows.

Grant Implementation Requirements

  • Project Timeline: Proposed projects must be completed and implemented within 12 months
  • Funds Usage: Grant funds must be spent within 12 months or returned to the foundation
  • No Changes Allowed: "We will not consider any changes to the scope of work in the original grant request"
  • Reporting Requirements: Funded organizations must submit comprehensive six-month and 12-month reports including narratives, budgets, receipts, photos, and impact stories

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 46 grants in 2023, 51 grants in 2022, and 75 grants in 2021. Specific application success rates are not publicly disclosed, as the foundation does not publish total application numbers received.

Reapplication Policy

Previously funded organizations must wait a minimum of three years from the date of grant receipt before submitting a new application. This is a strict requirement applied to ensure broad distribution of funds across the California nonprofit sector.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Guidance

Clear California Impact: The foundation emphasizes that applications must demonstrate direct benefits to California residents. Include a specific "Statement on benefits to California residents" that clearly articulates who in California will be served.

Complete Documentation: The foundation requires comprehensive supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Use the printable PDF worksheet available on their website for planning purposes before completing the online application.

Realistic Budgets and Timelines: Request amounts that are "commensurate with the goals and outcomes" of the proposal. Projects must be achievable within 12 months, and budgets should be detailed and realistic.

Community Need Documentation: Applications must include documentation of community need. Use data, demographics, and community assessments to demonstrate the problem your project addresses.

No Director Input: Board directors cannot provide input on specific proposals to maintain objectivity. Do not attempt to contact board members directly about your proposal.

Medical and Technology Focus: The foundation has a historical emphasis on medical equipment and technology projects. Recent examples include funding for a Cardiovascular Hybrid Operating Room, a tomosynthesis digital mammography unit for PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Prebys Innovation & Education Center at Sharp HealthCare.

Southern California Priority: While the foundation serves all of California, there is a stated emphasis on Southern California communities. Organizations in this region may have a strategic advantage.

Strategic Considerations

Capital Campaigns: While multi-year grants are generally not preferred, the foundation does consider capital campaigns. These should be well-documented with clear construction timelines, equipment needs, and community impact.

Youth Opportunities: The foundation's stated priorities specifically mention "opportunities for youth." Programs serving young people should emphasize how they create pathways, skill development, or improved life outcomes.

Humanitarian Focus: The foundation's mission emphasizes improving social conditions and alleviating pain and suffering. Frame your proposal around how it addresses human welfare and reduces suffering in your community.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Eligibility is Critical: Only organizations serving California residents qualify, with preference for Southern California. Clearly demonstrate your California impact.

  • Plan for a 12-Month Project Cycle: All projects must be completed within 12 months, and no changes to scope are allowed. Build realistic, achievable timelines.

  • Wait Three Years Between Grants: If previously funded, you cannot apply again for three years from the date you received funds. Plan accordingly.

  • Use the Semi-Annual Deadlines Strategically: With only two deadlines per year (May 31 and October 31), plan your application timeline carefully and don't miss the cutoff dates.

  • Request Appropriate Amounts: With an average grant of $75,000 and median of $20,000, tailor your request to match the foundation's typical giving patterns. Consider whether your project fits this range.

  • Medical Equipment and Technology Projects Perform Well: The foundation has a demonstrated interest in healthcare facility improvements, medical equipment, and technology infrastructure.

  • Complete Documentation is Non-Negotiable: Gather all required documentation before beginning your online application. Missing items will disqualify your proposal.

  • Email Communication Only: Direct questions to acolorado@guentherfoundation.org via email or letter. Phone calls are not accepted for grant inquiries.

References

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