JW Sefton Foundation
Preselected recipients only
JW Sefton Foundation is a private foundation in San Diego, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 7 grants; the typical grant was $130,000 and the largest $425,000. 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$1.3 million
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$130,000
- Largest grant$425,000
- Assets$30.6 million
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.3 million the year before.
57% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 million | 9 | $27.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 6 | $28.1 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 7 | $30.6 million |
How to apply
JW Sefton 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 JW Sefton Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $1.3 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Natural History Museum | Grant for general operating support | $425,000 |
| Forever Balboa Park | Botanical building and gardens pledge | $375,000 |
| Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute | Wild abalone restoration | $145,000 |
| Living Coast Discovery Center | Education without boundaries program | $130,000 |
| San Diego Humane Society | Grant for project wildlife | $125,000 |
| The San Diego Foundation | Grant for friends of chula vista animal care facility | $90,000 |
| Emilio Nares Foundation | Comprehensive care initiatives | $35,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Harley Sefton
- Laurie S Henson
- Peter R Ladow
- Robert Scott
- Kathryn Anderson Kim
- Brenna C Sefton
Questions people ask
Does JW Sefton Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does JW Sefton Foundation give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $130,000.
Who runs JW Sefton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Harley Sefton (President), Laurie S Henson (Director Emeritus), Peter R Ladow (Vice President/Treasurer) and Robert Scott (Secretary) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does JW Sefton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and animals.