Sunlight Giving
Preselected recipients only
Sunlight Giving is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $21.1 million in 332 grants; the typical grant was $55,000 and the largest $350,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$21.1 million
- Number of grants332
- Typical grant$55,000
- Largest grant$350,000
- Assets$502 million
- New grantees1%
Giving in 2024 was down from $27.0 million the year before.
1% of its 2024 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 | $27.0 million | 357 | $471 million |
| 2024 | $21.1 million | 332 | $502 million |
How to apply
Sunlight Giving 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 Sunlight Giving funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 326 | $22.7 million |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $166,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $100,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $55,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lifemoves | General support, $350,000 per year for three years | $350,000 |
| Second Harvest of Silicon Valley | General support, $350,000 per year for three years | $350,000 |
| The Alameda County Community Food Bank Inc | General support, $300,000 per year for three years | $300,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Mar Monte Inc | General support, $275,000 per year for three years | $275,000 |
| Valley Health Foundation | General support, $275,000 per year for three years | $275,000 |
| Abode Services | General support, $250,000 per year for three years | $250,000 |
| First 5 Santa Clara County | Family resource centers, $250,000 per year for two years | $250,000 |
| Food Bank for Monterey County | General support, $250,000 per year for three years | $250,000 |
| Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano | General support, $250,000 per year for three years | $250,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County | General support, $250,000 per year for three years | $250,000 |
| Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation | General support, $235,000 in 2024, $240,000 in 2025, and $250,000 in 2026 | $235,000 |
| California Association of Food Banks | General support, $200,000 per year for three years | $200,000 |
| California Primary Care Association | General support, $200,000 per year for three years | $200,000 |
| First 5 Alameda County | General support, $200,000 per year for three years | $200,000 |
| Kidango Inc | General support, $200,000 per year for three years | $200,000 |
| Sacred Heart Community Service | General support, $200,000 in 2024, $210,000 in 2025, $220,000 in 2026 | $200,000 |
| Samaritan House | General support, $195,000 per year for three years | $195,000 |
| Catholic Council for the Spanish Speaking of the Diocese of Stockton | General support, $175,000 per year for three years | $175,000 |
| Community Medical Centers Inc | General support, $165,000 per year for three years | $165,000 |
| Family Supportive Housing Inc | General support, $165,000 per year for three years | $165,000 |
| Homefirst Services of Santa Clara County | General support, $165,000 per year for three years | $165,000 |
| Bay Area Community Health | General support, $155,000 in 2024, $160,000 in 2025, and $165,000 in 2026 | $155,000 |
| La Clinica de la Raza Inc | General support, $155,000 in 2024, $160,000 in 2025, and $165,000 in 2026 | $155,000 |
| San Mateo County Health Foundation | Primary care and community health services, $155,000 in 2024, $160,000 in 2025, and $165,000 in 2026 | $155,000 |
| California Rural Legal Assistance Inc | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Community Bridges | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Community Food Bank of San Benito County | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| East Bay Agency for Children | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Faith in the Valley | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| K to College | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Merced County Food Bank | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Second Harvest of the Greater Valley | General support, $150,000 per year for three years | $150,000 |
| Bay Area Legal Aid | General support, $145,000 per year for three years | $145,000 |
| St Mary's Dining Room | General support, $142,500 per year for three years | $142,500 |
| Lifelong Medical Care | General support, $130,000 in 2024, $135,000 in 2025, and $140,000 in 2026 | $130,000 |
| Shelter Inc | General support, $130,000 in 2024, $135,000 in 2025, and $140,000 in 2026 | $130,000 |
| Stanislaus County Office of Education | Child & family services, $130,000 per year for three years | $130,000 |
| Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland | The center for child and community health, $125,000 per year for three years | $125,000 |
| Gardner Family Health Network Inc | General support, $125,000 per year for three years | $125,000 |
| National Low Income Housing Coalition | General support, $125,000 per year for three years | $125,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Tegan Acton
- Brian Acton
Questions people ask
Does Sunlight Giving accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sunlight Giving give?
$21.1 million in tax year 2024, across 332 grants, with a typical grant of $55,000.
Who runs Sunlight Giving?
Its 2024 filing lists Tegan Acton (President) and Brian Acton (Secretary).
What does Sunlight Giving fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, human services and food and hunger.