Paul L Wattis Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Paul L Wattis Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $353,400 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $112,500. 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$353,400
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$112,500
- Assets$13.1 million
- New grantees85%
Giving in 2025 was down from $370,500 the year before.
85% 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 | $449,250 | 9 | $10.4 million |
| 2024 | $370,500 | 11 | $12.1 million |
| 2025 | $353,400 | 13 | $13.1 million |
How to apply
Paul L Wattis 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 Paul L Wattis Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 11 | $328,400 |
| New York | 2 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California College of the Arts | Huang Matching Gift Challenge for unrestricted operating support | $112,500 |
| Sweetwater Music Hall | General support | $50,000 |
| The Dry Dock Corporation | Support for general expenses | $50,000 |
| The Salvation Army - Golden State Division | To support the Joseph McFee Center | $31,000 |
| Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | For acquisition of Hiba Kalache's Ecology of Violence II (2023) | $22,400 |
| Transit Books | To support the organization's project to develop a book from initial concept through final publication | $20,000 |
| Trisha Brown Dance Company | To support the upcoming production in celebration of the Robert Rauschenberg Centennial | $20,000 |
| Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Pacific Legal Foundation | For the foundation's Annual Fund | $10,000 |
| San Benito County Heritage Foundation | To support the Water Project Committee with funding of a second well and water supply in the Southwest region of Bolado Park | $10,000 |
| The Swedenborgian Church | Support the provision of a space available for community purposes | $10,000 |
| Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation | Support of art conservation | $5,000 |
| Little Village Foundation | For the foundation's Annual Fund | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul L Wattis III
- Paul L Wattis Jr
- Anne M Wattis
Questions people ask
Does Paul L Wattis Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Paul L Wattis Foundation give?
$353,400 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Paul L Wattis Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul L Wattis III (President, Director), Paul L Wattis Jr (Treas., Director) and Anne M Wattis (Sect'y., Director).
What does Paul L Wattis Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and environment and conservation.