Henry L. Guenther Foundation

Henry L. Guenther Foundation is a US private foundation based in Seal Beach, CA.

Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.

Priority Areas

The foundation makes grants to charitable organisations operating in California for programmes benefiting California residents, with particular concern for Southern California. Its purpose is to improve social conditions, promote human welfare and alleviate pain and suffering, principally through improved and expanded medical services, opportunities for youth and similar humanitarian projects. Its past grants have covered medical equipment and technology, individual and family services, food distributions, emergency services, housing, education, and homeless and veteran services. It is principally interested in improving or expanding services through programmes already operating, and selects organisations of demonstrated competence with sound programmes able to reach and sustain high levels of performance.

Themes

• Medical services
• Youth opportunities
• Individual and family services
• Homeless and veteran services
• Medical equipment and technology
• Food distributions
• Educational programs

Geographic Focus

State of California. Priority: Southern California.

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals for any purpose
• Government agencies
• Organizations whose benefits will accrue to these entities (governmental agencies or subdivisions; generally not funded)
• Projects that receive, or expect to receive, substantial support from taxation at any level of government through direct funding, interest free or no interest loans, or the provision of “in kind” services of any type (generally not eligible)
• Sectarian or religious organizations when their principal activity is for the benefit of their own members
• Organizations soliciting funds in support of projects or programs operated by someone other than the applicant (usually not funded)
• Loans
• Political campaigns
• Endowments
• Legislative lobbying efforts
• Normal operating expenses or to aid in the operational phases of established organizations or programs
• Liquidate or reduce previously incurred obligations or operating deficits (in the absence of compelling circumstances)
• Projects that will take more than 12 months to implement and fully execute
• Applications for grants that require a commitment of funds in future years

Organisations apply through the online application; the printable worksheet is for reference only and should not be submitted.

Deadlines: Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on May 31 and 11:59 p.m. on October 31 each year.

• Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 6% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
• Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 155 grants to organisations were $25,000 or less.

What the foundation says:

• The foundation is principally interested in improved or expanded services through programmes already operating.
• The board selects organisations of demonstrated competence with sound programmes able to sustain high levels of performance.
• The board considers the project's serious, current need and whether it duplicates existing facilities or services in the area.
• The board assesses whether the project budget is reasonable and the requisite non-grant funds are available.
• The project should have efficient and economical management by experienced and competent people.
• The board considers whether results will be communicated and practically used by those whose needs are served.
• The foundation suggests that the requested amount be commensurate with the goals and outcomes outlined in the request.
• Funded organisations must submit detailed reports at six and 12 months, including narratives, budgets, photographs and other relevant reporting information.
• The foundation prefers not to fund multi-year grants.