The Binkley Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Binkley Foundation is a private foundation in Mill Valley, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $257,216 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $8,500 and the largest $150,000. 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$257,216
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$8,500
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $146,065 the year before.
25% 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 | $42,100 | 7 | $2.7 million |
| 2024 | $146,065 | 20 | $2.7 million |
| 2025 | $257,216 | 17 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
The Binkley 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 The Binkley Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 14 | $247,316 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $5,693 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $2,707 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UCSF Foundation Cancer Center | Donation | $150,000 |
| Foundation to Advance Vascular Cure | Donation | $19,000 |
| Compassion Without Borders | Donation | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $8,500 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $5,693 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $3,274 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $3,210 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $2,707 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $1,500 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $1,232 |
| Vern Glenn Invitational | Donation | $1,100 |
| Individual | Scholarship | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Sharon Binkley Straus
- Lauren Howard
Questions people ask
Does The Binkley Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Binkley Foundation give?
$257,216 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $8,500.
Who runs The Binkley Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Sharon Binkley Straus (President) and Lauren Howard (Secretary/Tr).
What does The Binkley Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.