First Dollar Foundation
Preselected recipients only
First Dollar Foundation is a private foundation in Napa, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $574,650 in 39 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 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 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$574,650
- Number of grants39
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$11.8 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2024 was up from $475,593 the year before.
10% of its 2024 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 | $475,593 | 42 | $10.0 million |
| 2024 | $574,650 | 39 | $11.8 million |
How to apply
First Dollar 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.
What First Dollar Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 20 | $218,650 |
| New York | 4 | $100,000 |
| Washington | 3 | $100,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $50,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $35,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $15,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| East Side Prep School | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Lumin | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Mentis of Napa | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Charitable | $35,000 |
| Give Directly | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Helen Keller Int'l | Charitable | $30,000 |
| New Incentives | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Direct Relief | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Global Partnerships | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Himalayan Cataract Project | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Life You Can Save | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Upstream USA | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Seva Foundation | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Innovations for Poverty Action | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Napa Land Trust | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Napa News | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Immigration Institute of Bay Area | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Against Malaria Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Clean Air Task Force | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Girl Scouts | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Malaria Consrtium | Charitable | $10,000 |
| SF Performances | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Village Enterprises | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Animal Welfare Institute | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Casa-Santa Cruz | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Community Action Napa | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Global Press Institute | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Lighthouse for the Blind | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Volcker Alliance | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Raphael House | Charitable | $3,000 |
| SF Symphony Annual Fund | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Fact Check | Charitable | $2,500 |
| N Central Ohio Land Conserv | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Connolly Ranch | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Okizu | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Boone and Crockett Club | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Pelotonia | Charitable | $500 |
| Corporation of Fine Arts SF | Charitable | $400 |
| Mt Veeder Fire Safe | Charitable | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Tim Culler
- Ellen Birmingham
Questions people ask
Does First Dollar Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does First Dollar Foundation give?
$574,650 in tax year 2024, across 39 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs First Dollar Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Tim Culler (President) and Ellen Birmingham (Secretary).
What does First Dollar Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, human services and arts and culture.