Sahm Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sahm Family Foundation is a private foundation in Fullerton, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.5 million in 46 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$2.5 million
- Number of grants46
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$52.1 million
- New grantees24%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
24% 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 | $2.0 million | 36 | $51.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 36 | $51.0 million |
| 2025 | $2.5 million | 46 | $52.1 million |
How to apply
Sahm Family 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Sahm Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 29 | $1.4 million |
| Idaho | 11 | $925,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $75,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $45,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $45,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $15,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Basecampinc | General support | $500,000 |
| San Diego Seniors Community Foundation | General support | $350,000 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego | General support | $275,000 |
| Institute of Contemporary Art San Diegosd Art Institute | General support | $100,000 |
| Outdoor Outreach | General support | $100,000 |
| Thunder Dragon Fund | General support | $100,000 |
| Flourish Foundation | General support | $75,000 |
| Far and Wise Inc | General support | $65,000 |
| The Senior Connection | General support | $60,000 |
| Marjaree Mason Center | General support | $50,000 |
| Ocean Institute | General support | $50,000 |
| Oncology and Kids | General support | $50,000 |
| Pro Kids Golf Academy & Learning Center | General support | $50,000 |
| The First Tee of Fresno | General support | $50,000 |
| Coast Guard Foundation | General support | $45,000 |
| Meals on Wheels | General support | $45,000 |
| Special Operations Warrior Foundation | General support | $45,000 |
| Duke University | Nasher museum of art | $40,000 |
| Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center Inc | General support | $35,000 |
| The Huntington Library | General support | $30,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Vista | General support | $25,000 |
| Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly | General support | $25,000 |
| Outdoors Empowered Network | General support | $25,000 |
| The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence | General support | $25,000 |
| The Children's Museum of Discovery | General support | $25,000 |
| Voices for Children | General support | $25,000 |
| Wood River Community YMCA | General support | $25,000 |
| Feeding San Diego | General support | $20,000 |
| Pasadena Conservatory of Music | General support | $20,000 |
| Sawtooth Botanical Garden Inc | General support | $20,000 |
| Sun Valley Museum of Art | General support | $20,000 |
| The Space Idaho Inc | General support | $20,000 |
| Boise Art Museum Inc | General support | $15,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Pasadena | General support | $15,000 |
| Camp Manitowish YMCA | General support | $15,000 |
| Urban Surf 4 Kids Org | General support | $15,000 |
| Verdi Chorus | General support | $15,000 |
| Museum of Making Music | General support | $12,500 |
| Armory Center for the Arts | General support | $10,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad | General support | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David A Ebershoff
- Christopher Sahm
- Robert Cuthbertson
- Noah Levine
Questions people ask
Does Sahm Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sahm Family Foundation give?
$2.5 million in tax year 2025, across 46 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Sahm Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David A Ebershoff (Director), Christopher Sahm (Director), Robert Cuthbertson (Director, Manager of Entitlement Proj) and Noah Levine (Director).
What does Sahm Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, seniors and youth programs.