OVERVIEW: This funder supports San Diego County organizations in the areas of community, arts and culture, education, medical, and social causes. It accepts grant applications at various times of the year both online and via mail.
IP TAKE: This is a locally focused funder but one that will consider a wide variety of nonprofits. Human services and youth-focused requests tend to see the most success with Parker.
PROFILE: The Parker Foundation was established in 1971. It seeks to engage in “charitable purposes leading to the betterment of life for all people of San Diego County.” This is the private and independent foundation of Gerald T. and Inez Grant Parker.
The Parker Foundation has a net endowment of $40 million and has made grants of over $50 million since it was founded. It funds a variety of social, arts, community, and educational organizations in San Diego County. In one fiscal year, the foundation considered 232 requests for funding and approved 66. In the same year, 17 percent of grants supported art and culture, 53 percent to adult and youth services, five percent to medical, 10 percent to education, and 13 percent to community activities.
Foundation grantmaking is limited to groups that operate in San Diego County. Grants to religious groups are only made for nonsectarian service or education projects, and loans are only considered under special circumstances. Parker seeks to provide matching and challenge grants for certain groups as well. Many of these grants are between $10,000 and $50,000. Grantees include the Casa Cornelia Law Center for Victims of Crime program, the San Diego Repertory Theatre, the La Maestra Family Clinic for Center for Youth Advancement, and the Barrio Logan College Institute. Total grants approved in one year exceeded $1.7 million.
Grant seekers can apply online or via the post, and expect to receive the board's decision within 60 days. The board meets frequently throughout the year; previous grantees must wait two years before reapplying, and one year to reapply if the prior request was denied. Board meetings have taken place in May, June, August, and September, with grant proposal deadlines in April, May, July, and August. Requested information in your three-page (or less) grant application are detailed on the website. View a financial summary of Parker Foundation grantmaking here, and financial documents here.
Direct general questions to mail@theparkerfoundation.org or (760) 720-0630. The mailing address is 2604-B El Camino Real, Suite 244, Carlsbad, California 92008.
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