Charles Lee Powell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Charles Lee Powell Foundation is a private foundation in Del Mar, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.5 million in 4 grants; the typical grant was $650,000 and the largest $825,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$3.5 million
- Number of grants4
- Typical grant$650,000
- Largest grant$825,000
- Assets$63.9 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.7 million the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.7 million | 4 | $57.3 million |
| 2024 | $2.7 million | 5 | $59.1 million |
| 2025 | $3.5 million | 4 | $63.9 million |
How to apply
Charles Lee Powell Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Charles Lee Powell Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 4 | $2.8 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of California San Diego | Education | $825,000 |
| Stanford University | Education | $650,000 |
| University of Southern California | Education | $650,000 |
| California Institute of Technology | Education | $650,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William J Holliday
- William M Low
- Margaret Mangin
- Charles Castle
- Mary F Berglund
Questions people ask
Does Charles Lee Powell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Charles Lee Powell Foundation give?
$3.5 million in tax year 2025, across 4 grants, with a typical grant of $650,000.
Who runs Charles Lee Powell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William J Holliday (President / CEO), William M Low (Director), Margaret Mangin (Director) and Charles Castle (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Charles Lee Powell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.