Retzer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Retzer Foundation is a private foundation in Gualala, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $11,815 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $2,000. 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$11,815
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$2,000
- Assets$83,999
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was down from $26,530 the year before.
36% of its 2025 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 | $4,810 | 11 | $58,771 |
| 2024 | $26,530 | 15 | $120,370 |
| 2025 | $11,815 | 15 | $83,999 |
How to apply
Retzer 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 Retzer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $6,000 |
| New York | 3 | $3,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $250 |
| Illinois | 1 | $250 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $250 |
| Alabama | 1 | $65 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Partners in Health | pursue charitable work. | $2,000 |
| Starcross | pursue charitable work. | $1,500 |
| International Rescue Committee | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| Individual | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| Gualala Art Center | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| Fistual Foundation | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| North Sonoma Coast Voluntee Firefig | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| UNICEF | pursue charitable work. | $1,000 |
| Individual | Pursue charitable work | $750 |
| Destiny Art Center | pursue charitable work. | $500 |
| Center for Action Contemplation | pursue charitable work. | $250 |
| Individual | pursue charitable work. | $250 |
| Individual | pursue charitable work. | $250 |
| Kqed | pursue charitable work. | $250 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | pursue charitable work. | $65 |
Officers and trustees
- William Retzer
- Mary Retzer
- Katherine Schwass
Questions people ask
Does Retzer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Retzer Foundation give?
$11,815 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Retzer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William Retzer (Director), Mary Retzer (Director) and Katherine Schwass (Director).
What does Retzer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international and arts and culture.