SJL Foundation
Preselected recipients only
SJL Foundation is a private foundation in Montecito, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $90,048 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $669 and the largest $33,000. 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$90,048
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$669
- Largest grant$33,000
- Assets$530,990
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was down from $104,186 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $83,950 | 19 | $704,196 |
| 2024 | $104,186 | 27 | $593,726 |
| 2025 | $90,048 | 16 | $530,990 |
How to apply
SJL 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 SJL Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 12 | $44,848 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $20,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $100 |
| Indiana | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Me&us Foundation | Kotorart 2025 international music festival, $20,000; in support of milos karadaglic foundation for young musical artists $10,000; heal the bay project, expense for university of montenegro professors to travel to ucsb $3,000 | $33,000 |
| Boston University | Scrcc scholarship | $25,000 |
| Penn State University | Education | $20,000 |
| His Island Outreach | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $4,550 |
| Uc Regents | Education | $2,500 |
| Santa Barbara Symphony | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $2,000 |
| Santa Barbara Foundation | Birnam wood helping hand | $1,000 |
| Women's Fund of Santa Barbara | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $338 |
| Grand Canyon Trust | Sports & recreation | $100 |
| Montecito Trails Association | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $100 |
| Reagan Ranch | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $100 |
| University of Notre Dame | Scholarship fund | $100 |
| Yosemite Conservancy | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $100 |
| California Police Youth Charities | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $100 |
| Santa Barbara Museum of Art | In furtherance of 501(c)(3)exempt purpose | $60 |
Officers and trustees
- George D Lilly
- Brian M Lilly
- Kevin T Lilly
- Denise L Lilly
- Parker Lilly
- Kayla Lilly
Questions people ask
Does SJL Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does SJL Foundation give?
$90,048 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $669.
Who runs SJL Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists George D Lilly (Trustee), Brian M Lilly (Trustee), Kevin T Lilly (Trustee) and Denise L Lilly (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does SJL Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and environment and conservation.