James L. Stamps Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,397,500 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Pacific Coast states (primarily California)

Contact Details

Address: 600 N Tustin Ave, Suite 260, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714-568-9740
Contact Person: Richard Salyer, President
Website: None available
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The James L. Stamps Foundation Inc, established in 1964, is a private foundation based in Santa Ana, California, with total assets of approximately $27 million. In 2023, the foundation contributed $1,397,500 in grants to support Protestant evangelical churches, seminaries, schools, and Christian organizations primarily in California and other Pacific Coast states. The foundation takes a focused approach to funding, emphasizing evangelical Protestant organizations and educational institutions, with particular commitment to theological education and ministry preparation. The foundation provides various types of support including capital grants for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, as well as scholarship programs for seminary and undergraduate students pursuing ministry callings.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Seminary Support: Scholarships at institutions like Biola University's Talbot School of Theology
• Capital Grants: Furniture, fixtures, and equipment for Christian organizations
• Scholarship Programs: Seminary and undergraduate scholarships at Christian institutions
• Camping Ministry: Support for Christian camps

Application Method: Initial written inquiry required; does not accept unsolicited proposals

Priority Areas

• Protestant evangelical churches and ministries
• Theological seminaries and Bible colleges
• Christian schools and educational institutions
• Seminary associations and programs
• Christian camping ministries
• Ministry equipment and infrastructure needs
• Theological education scholarships

What They Don't Fund

• Individual grants (only organizational)
• Endowment funds
• Deficit financing or debt retirement
• Fellowships
• Publications
• Conferences
• Organizations outside Pacific Coast states
• Non-Christian organizations
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

• Richard D. Salyer - President
• Richard S. Kredel - Secretary-Treasurer
• F. Kevin Brazil - Trustee
• Mike Sciarra - Trustee
• Tom Lynch - Trustee

The foundation operates as a private foundation under IRS Section 501(c)(3) with trustees maintaining oversight of all funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations must first send a brief inquiry letter to:

James L. Stamps Foundation Inc
Attn: Richard Salyer, President
600 N Tustin Ave, Suite 260
Santa Ana, CA 92705

The inquiry should outline your organization, specific project, alignment with foundation interests, and preliminary budget. If interested, the foundation will provide application materials.

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly disclosed. Allow adequate time for multi-step process.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation operates with a selective grantmaking approach.

Reapplication Policy

Information not publicly available. Inquire directly with foundation.

Application Success Factors

Based on available information, successful applications demonstrate:

• Strong evangelical Protestant identity and mission
• Location in California, Arizona, or Oregon (preference for Southern California)
• Clear project-specific funding needs (equipment, scholarships, capital improvements)
• Established 501(c)(3) status with Christian mission
• Alignment with foundation's documented funding categories
• Existing relationships or referrals may be important given invitation-only policy

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Foundation exclusively funds evangelical Protestant organizations - alignment is essential
• Geographic restriction to Pacific Coast states with strong California preference
• Start with concise inquiry letter - don't prepare full proposal initially
• Focus on project-specific needs rather than general operating support
• Capital/equipment grants and theological education scholarships are core priorities
• Two-step process requires patience - inquiry first, then application if invited
• No unsolicited proposals means your initial inquiry must be compelling

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - James L Stamps Foundation Inc (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/956086125) - Accessed March 2026
• Grantmakers.io Profile (https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/956086125-james-l-stamps-foundation-inc/) - Accessed March 2026
• Candid Foundation Directory (https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=STAM001) - Accessed March 2026
• GuideStar Profile (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-6086125) - Accessed March 2026
• GrantStation Profile (https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/james-l-stamps-foundation) - Accessed March 2026
• The Grantsmanship Center (https://www.tgci.com/funder/james-l-stamps-foundation-inc) - Accessed March 2026
• Biola University Scholarships (https://biola.academicworks.com/opportunities/9051) - Accessed March 2026
• Cause IQ (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/james-l-stamps-foundation,956086125/) - Accessed March 2026