Small Change Foundation
OVERVIEW: The Small Change Foundation supports projects that benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ communities.
IP TAKE: This low-profile has demonstrated an interest in LGBTQ organizations involved in the arts and youth development. It does not appear to run a formal grant application system, but grantseekers may reach out with ideas and inquiries.
PROFILE: The Small Change Foundation was established in 2009 in San Francisco. Until his death in 2021, the foundation was headed by James Hormel, an LGBTQ activist and philanthropist who was heir to the Hormel meatpacking fortune. The Small Change Foundation is a modestly sized organization that does not employ a formal staff. According to its Facebook page, the foundation’s “[v]ision is ultimately one of peace & prosperity for all; a peaceful, global community,” goals which the foundation believes “can be achieved through education and sharing of knowledge and resources on a global scale.”
Small Change’s tax filings indicate a strong interest in LGBTQ causes, including arts organizations, youth and counseling programs and community-based initiatives serving LGBTQ people. Recent grantees include the LGBTQ Youth Leadership Institute, the Equality Federation Institute, Oakland’s Not In Our Town and the Trevor Project.
This funder made about $400,000 in grants in a recent year. Grants generally range from $1,000 to $60,000, with an average grant size of about $15,000. Grantmaking is national in scope. For additional information about past grantmaking, see the foundation’s recent tax filings.
The foundation does not appear to run a formal grant application system, but prospective grantseekers may submit inquiries to the foundation via email or at the mailing address provided below.
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CONTACT:
Small Change Foundation
19 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California 94104
(415) 546-7635