Kirchgessner Vision Foundation
Accepts applications
Kirchgessner Vision Foundation is a private foundation in Sherman Oaks, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $598,300 in 24 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $105,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$598,300
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$105,000
- Assets$19.9 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2024 was down from $694,150 the year before.
29% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $764,851 | 28 | $18.2 million |
| 2023 | $694,150 | 23 | $18.9 million |
| 2024 | $598,300 | 24 | $19.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Christine Tuthill 1060 Gavin Lane, Nipomo, CA 93444 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (310) 704-8074, grantscoordinator@kirchgessnerfoundation.org |
| What to submit | Initially, an applicant should submit an executed letter of intent containing all contact information, including email address but not accompanied by any supporting materials, and should be sent via email to the grants coordinator of the foundation at grantscoordinator@kirchgessnerfoundation.org. The letter of intent should also include a statement that the applicant does and will comply with the requirements set forth in the foundation's grantmaking guidelines. If the foundation requests the submission of a formal and detailed application, additional information will be required. |
| Deadlines | The letter of intent is due by october 15th each year and the formal grant application by february 1 |
| Restrictions | The foundation places the highest priority on the grant proposals of nonprofits serving communities in the five-county region of greater los angeles (los angeles, orange, riverside, san bernardino and ventura counties). Agencies who serve the greater la region but are headquartered elsewhere may also apply for a grant. The foundation makes grants only to organizations which are currently qualified as tax-exempt under internal revenue code section 501(c)(3) and are not private foundations or supporting organizations. Typical applicants are organizations which seek to help the blind and other vision-impaired individuals to become self-sufficient. Particular consideration is given to applicants from the southern California area, as outlined in the foundation's mission statement. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Kirchgessner Vision Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 20 | $586,500 |
| Iowa | 1 | $7,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $3,500 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $800 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vision to Learn | General program support | $105,000 |
| Marshall B Ketchum University | For continued support of the university's pediatric low vision program, and expand the scope of the program to provide underserved, pediatric patients with in-person comprehensive exams and care, as well as the low vision devices they need to successfully engage in daily activities. | $45,000 |
| Beyond Blindness Formerly Known As Blind Children's Learning Center | To expand its low vision clinic and community-wide vision screenings. | $40,000 |
| Wayfinder Family Services | For continued support of wayfinders child development services (previously known as early intervention program (the program), which program assists approximately 500 infants and young children, ages 0-6, who have vision loss or multiple disabilities in southern california at no cost to their families. | $35,000 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | To fund the purchase of advanced technology for use during in-office visits and as part of the independent living skills program assessments conducted by westernu's patient care team. | $35,000 |
| Los Angeles City College Foundation | To employ tutors and a case manager all who are critical for the academic success of blind or visually impaired students pursuing higher education at the college while in-person services begin to resume at the college campus. | $31,500 |
| Children's Hospital Los Angeles | To support small equipment purchases at its vision center throughout the 2025-2026 fiscal year. | $30,000 |
| Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles | To directly support vision care services in los angeles county | $30,000 |
| Healing California | To directly support its vision care services in los angeles, orange, ventura, riverside, and/or san bernardino counties in 2025. | $30,000 |
| Venice Family Clinic | To continue to support the clinics vision care program by funding the rental of retinal cameras that will allow vfc to reach more patients than ever with affordable preventive vision services | $30,000 |
| Braille Institute | For support of the institutes child development program in los angeles and orange counties during its 2025 fiscal year. | $25,000 |
| Choc Foundation | Toward the purchase of a haag streit lenstar myopia package. | $25,000 |
| Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind | For continued support of tlc's orientation & mobility (o&m) program specifically, to help cover the cost of its o&m specialist. | $25,000 |
| Academy of Music for the Blind | General program support | $20,000 |
| Artsupla | To support some of artsup! La's production costs and provide rehearsal and performance stipends for the performers in theatre by the blind, film by the blind, and rex & friends. These stipends compensate the participants for their time and provide them with much-needed additional income that assists with independence and self-sufficiency. | $20,000 |
| Guide Dogs of America | Toward the training of guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired | $20,000 |
| Valley Community Healthcare | To cover the cost of eye exams and glasses for myhealth la patients. | $20,000 |
| Blind Children's Center | For general operating support at the center during the upcoming 2025/2026 school year. | $15,000 |
| Visitation Church | General program support | $7,500 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College Michele Rusinko Endowment Fund | General program support | $3,500 |
| Archer School for Girls | General program support | $2,500 |
| The John Thomas Dye School | General program support | $2,500 |
| Exponent Philanthropy | General program support | $500 |
| Women for Women International Global Support Center | General program support | $300 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael Kramer
- Kathleen McGrath Kramer
- Elizabeth Murray
- Ralph Bliquez
- Thomas C Lee MD
- Kathryn Nelson Od
- Angeline Nguyen MD
- Darryl W Cluster Esq
- Christine Tuthill
Questions people ask
Does Kirchgessner Vision Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: The letter of intent is due by october 15th each year and the formal grant application by february 1.
How much does Kirchgessner Vision Foundation give?
$598,300 in tax year 2024, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Kirchgessner Vision Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Michael Kramer (President/Director), Kathleen McGrath Kramer (Vp/Treasurer/Secretary/Director), Elizabeth Murray (Director) and Ralph Bliquez (Director) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Kirchgessner Vision Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, disability and education.