OVERVIEW: The Walter and Mary Frome Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to social services, education, medical research, and the arts.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.
PROFILE: Established in 2003, the Walter and Mary Frome Family Foundation was founded by late real estate mogul Walter A. Frome Jr., and his wife Mary. The family is behind Frome Investments, a real estate development, and property management company in Southern California. The foundation is now steered by next generation family members, including Stan Frome. The foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Walter and Mary Frome Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to social services, education, medical research, and the arts.
The foundation’s social services grantmaking includes supporting those with developmental and physical disabilities. Stan Frome is on the board of Foundation for the Undefeated, which “champions stories of perseverance in sports to inspire greatness in others.” He’s also involved with Special Olympics of OC, which the extended family has been supporting for years. Its Medical research work, meanwhile, has including a $1 million donation to Hoag Hospital in support of the Emergency Department expansion.
Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation made grants totaling around $307,000. Past grantees include Mater Dei High School, KidWorks, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Orange County Performing Arts Center.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
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CONTACT:
Walter and Mary Frome Family Foundation
151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. F-2
Costa Mesa, CA 92626