The Candelaria Fund
Accepts applications
The Candelaria Fund is a private foundation in Little River, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $677,500 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $200,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$677,500
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$200,000
- Assets$1.5 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was down from $815,000 the year before.
20% 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 | $660,000 | 15 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $815,000 | 20 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $677,500 | 15 | $1.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Candelaria Fund Richard Tower P O Box 398, Little River, CA 95456 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (415) 722-1714 |
| What to submit | Application should be written and include the purpose of the requested funds and a brief history of the requesting organization. |
What The Candelaria Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $300,000 |
| California | 8 | $157,500 |
| New Mexico | 2 | $80,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $75,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $50,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| East Broad Top Foundation | General support | $200,000 |
| Bay Area Electric Railroad Association | General support | $100,000 |
| Railroaders Memorial Museum | General support | $100,000 |
| Center of Southwest Culture | General support | $75,000 |
| Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington RR | General support | $75,000 |
| Friends of the East Broad Top | General support | $50,000 |
| San Francisco Chronicle Season of Sharing | General support | $20,000 |
| Nevada Northern Railway Foundation | General support | $15,000 |
| The Community Foundation of Mendocino County | General support | $10,000 |
| Oakland Museum of California | General support | $10,000 |
| American Red Cross Gold Country Region | General support | $5,000 |
| The Salvation Army del Oro Division | General support | $5,000 |
| The Salvation Army Golden Gate Division | General support | $5,000 |
| Think New Mexico | General support | $5,000 |
| California Budget & Policy Center | General support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Richard Tower
- Caroline Tower
Questions people ask
Does The Candelaria Fund accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Candelaria Fund give?
$677,500 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Candelaria Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Richard Tower (Director) and Caroline Tower (Director).
What does The Candelaria Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and human services.