Kelson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Kelson Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $7.2 million in 65 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$7.2 million
- Number of grants65
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$149 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2024 was down from $8.3 million the year before.
40% of its 2024 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 | $8.3 million | 96 | $150 million |
| 2024 | $7.2 million | 65 | $149 million |
How to apply
Kelson 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 Kelson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 8 | $2.0 million |
| New York | 10 | $1.9 million |
| California | 32 | $1.6 million |
| Vermont | 2 | $1.0 million |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $550,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $400,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $350,000 |
| Maryland | 2 | $310,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $100,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $12,500 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Middlebury College | The elizabeth hackett robinson 84 innovation hub endowed fund | $1.0 million |
| Amalgamated Charitable Foundation | General support to the democracy frontlines fund | $500,000 |
| George Washington University | General support to gw school of law multi-racial democracy project | $500,000 |
| Neo Philanthropy Inc | General support to more equitable democracy | $500,000 |
| Protect Democracy Project | General support | $500,000 |
| Representwomen Inc | General support | $300,000 |
| Vote Mama Foundation Inc | General support | $300,000 |
| Vote Run Lead | General support | $300,000 |
| Cornell University | General support to mggg redistricting lab | $250,000 |
| President and Fellows of Harvard College | To the harvard law school election law clinic for efforts aimed at advancing prison reform | $250,000 |
| Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship | General support | $250,000 |
| The Education Trust | General support | $200,000 |
| Educators for Excellence | General support | $200,000 |
| Learning Policy Institute | General support | $200,000 |
| New Venture Fund | General support to early edge california | $200,000 |
| Panorama Global | For the the ascend fund | $200,000 |
| Public Counsel | To work on education | $200,000 |
| Rutgers University Foundation | General support to national institute for early education research | $200,000 |
| Teach Plus Incorporated | General support | $200,000 |
| University of Washington | For the center for district innovation and leadership in early education | $200,000 |
| Running Start | General support | $150,000 |
| Rutgers University Foundation | General support to center for american women and politics | $150,000 |
| Center for Furniture Craftsmanship | General support | $100,000 |
| Givethx | General support | $100,000 |
| Neo Philanthropy | To democracy rising for efforts to support women leaders | $100,000 |
| PRX Incorporated | General support | $100,000 |
| Transportation Alternatives Inc | General support | $100,000 |
| Youth Employment Partnership Inc | General support | $100,000 |
| Northern California High School Cycling League | Northern california high school program | $60,000 |
| Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence | General support | $50,000 |
| California Trails Foundation | General support | $50,000 |
| The Crucible | General support | $50,000 |
| Donorschoose Org | General support | $50,000 |
| Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence | General support | $50,000 |
| Girls Garage | General support | $50,000 |
| Ideoorg | General support | $50,000 |
| Make the Road New York | General support | $50,000 |
| The Nea Foundation | General support | $50,000 |
| Reading Partners | General support | $50,000 |
| Room to Read | General support | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jake Moritz
- Michael Moritz
- Melissa Narula
- Gretchen Selfridge
- Katherine Dwyer Fielding
Questions people ask
Does Kelson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Kelson Foundation give?
$7.2 million in tax year 2024, across 65 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Kelson Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Jake Moritz (President), Michael Moritz (Secretary; Treasurer), Melissa Narula (Ceo & Assistant Secretary) and Gretchen Selfridge (Audit Chair) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Kelson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and health.