The Bernard Osher Foundation
Accepts applications
The Bernard Osher Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $8.2 million in 132 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $119,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$8.2 million
- Number of grants132
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$119,000
- Assets$27.1 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2024 was down from $11.5 million the year before.
27% of its 2024 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 | $11.5 million | 145 | $29.9 million |
| 2024 | $8.2 million | 132 | $27.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Jeanie Hirokane One Market Plaza Steuart Towerste, 1000, San Francisco, CA 94105 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (415) 677-5927 |
| What to submit | There is no required format, however, the applicant must show financial need and indicate that they are a qualified non-profit organization. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Bernard Osher Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 18 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 110 | $2.9 million |
| Illinois | 3 | $218,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $75,000 |
| Missouri | 2 | $50,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $50,000 |
| New York | 1 | $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $32,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $25,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University - NRC | Lifelong learning institutes | $119,000 |
| San Francisco Symphony | Lifelong learning institutes | $115,000 |
| Asian Art Museum | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| UCSF Community Care Fund | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| Regents of University of California Berkeley | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| California Academy of Sciences | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| The Exploratorium | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| Kqed | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| San Francisco Ballet | Lifelong learning institutes | $100,000 |
| San Francisco Museum of Modern Art | Arts and humanities | $100,000 |
| Summer Search | Arts and humanities | $85,000 |
| Academic Consortium for Integrative Health Medicine and Health | Integrative medicine | $75,000 |
| American Conservatory Theater | Lifelong learning institutes | $75,000 |
| Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Lifelong learning institutes | $75,000 |
| Oakland Museum of California | Arts and humanities | $75,000 |
| The Contemporary Jewish Museum | Environmental education | $75,000 |
| Regents of University of California Berkeley | Arts and humanities | $75,000 |
| Commonwealth Club of California | Lifelong learning institutes | $60,000 |
| Northwestern University | Arts and humanities | $60,000 |
| California Film Institute | Arts and humanities | $50,000 |
| Human Rights Watch Inc | Arts and humanities | $50,000 |
| San Francisco Food Bank | Arts and humanities | $50,000 |
| Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund | Arts and humanities | $50,000 |
| Oakland Symphony | Arts and humanities | $46,000 |
| San Francisco Performances | Arts and humanities | $42,500 |
| Margaret Jenkins Dance Company | Arts and humanities | $42,000 |
| Northwestern University - NRC | Osher national conference | $39,000 |
| University of Southern California | Arts and humanities | $35,000 |
| Stern Grove Festival Association | Arts and humanities | $35,000 |
| Bay Area Discovery Museum | Arts and humanities | $30,000 |
| City Arts and Lectures | Arts and humanities | $30,000 |
| Regents of the University of California | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
| Towson University Foundation | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
| University of Connecticut Foundation Inc | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
| Colorado State University Foundation | Lifelong learning institutes | $25,000 |
| Widener University | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
| University of North Texas Foundation | Lifelong learning institutes | $25,000 |
| Washington University in St Louis | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
| Regents of the University of California (Uc Riverside) | Arts and humanities | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Bitterman
- Jeanie Hirokane
- Barbro Osher
- Bernard Osher
- David Agger
- Phyllis Cook
- Robert Friend
- John Gallo
- Laura Lauder
- John Pritzker
- Kris Marney
Questions people ask
Does The Bernard Osher Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Bernard Osher Foundation give?
$8.2 million in tax year 2024, across 132 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Bernard Osher Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Mary Bitterman (President), Jeanie Hirokane (Secretary), Barbro Osher (Chairman) and Bernard Osher (Treasurer) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does The Bernard Osher Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.