Chino Cienega Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Chino Cienega Foundation is a private foundation in Palm Springs, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $575,008 in 24 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$575,008
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$11.0 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was up from $496,508 the year before.
37% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $378,935 | 18 | $9.4 million |
| 2024 | $496,508 | 21 | $10.0 million |
| 2025 | $575,008 | 24 | $11.0 million |
How to apply
Chino Cienega 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 Chino Cienega Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 6 | $175,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $80,008 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $70,000 |
| California | 6 | $65,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $50,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $50,000 |
| New York | 3 | $30,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $20,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Henry L Stimson Center | Mekong river prog & war legacies | $50,000 |
| American Friends Service Committee | Myanmar grant | $50,000 |
| War Legacies Project | General support grant | $50,000 |
| Henry L Stimson Center | Mekong river prog & war legacies | $50,000 |
| Friends of Project Renew | General support grant | $50,000 |
| University of Colorado Foundation | General support grant | $50,000 |
| Ashoka | Grant: juliana uribe, fellow | $30,008 |
| A Rocha USA | A rochas lebanon work grant | $25,000 |
| Environmental Protection Network | General Support Grant | $25,000 |
| Individual | General support grant | $25,000 |
| Individual | Voter education grant | $20,000 |
| New Pa Project | Voter education grant | $20,000 |
| Focus for Democracy | General Support Grant | $20,000 |
| Neo Philantrophy Inc | General Support Grant | $20,000 |
| Focus for Democracy Fund | General Support Grant | $20,000 |
| Individual | General Support Grant | $20,000 |
| Liberty Hill Foundation | La activist & philanth grant | $10,000 |
| Ivs for Development | General Support Grant | $10,000 |
| Neo Philanthropy Co Legacies of War | Legacies of war grant | $5,000 |
| Neo Philantrhopy Co Legacies of War | Legacies of war grant | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club Palm Springs | General support grant | $5,000 |
| Earthrights International | General support grant | $5,000 |
| Individual | General Support Grant | $5,000 |
| Cultural and Educational Media | General Support Grant | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Stephen C Nichols
- Sarah J Benson
- Robert M Wolcott
- Chet Tchozewski
- June Taylor
- Lauren Nichols
Questions people ask
Does Chino Cienega Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Chino Cienega Foundation give?
$575,008 in tax year 2025, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Chino Cienega Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Stephen C Nichols (President), Sarah J Benson (Sect&treas), Robert M Wolcott (Vice President) and Chet Tchozewski (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Chino Cienega Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and education.