The Fenton Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Fenton Family Foundation is a private foundation in Palo Alto, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $624,800 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $135,000. 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$624,800
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$135,000
- Assets$14.3 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was up from $525,500 the year before.
45% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $511,000 | 28 | $11.7 million |
| 2024 | $525,500 | 27 | $13.1 million |
| 2025 | $624,800 | 29 | $14.3 million |
How to apply
The Fenton Family 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 Fenton Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 17 | $457,800 |
| New York | 4 | $102,500 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $26,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $20,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $4,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $3,500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Audubon Society California | General purpose | $135,000 |
| Standford University | General purpose | $132,000 |
| San Francisco Opera | General purpose | $125,300 |
| The Acceleration Project | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Humane Society | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Post | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Christ Church Portola Valley | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Eastside College Prep | General purpose | $10,000 |
| The Fit Kids Foundation | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Environmental Volunteers | General purpose | $6,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Episcopal Impact Fund | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Grace Science Foundation | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Grassroots Ecology | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Santa Fe Opera | General purpose | $5,000 |
| St Raymond School | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Sun Valley Writers Conference | General purpose | $4,000 |
| Kukio Community Fund | General purpose | $3,500 |
| Cornell University | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | General purpose | $1,000 |
| NRDC Environmental Ent | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Nuru | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Oakland Zoo | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Palo Alto Medical Fdn | General purpose | $1,000 |
| San Jose Opera | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Cantor Art Center | General purpose | $500 |
| Mamaroneck High School | General purpose | $500 |
| Partners in School Innovation | General purpose | $500 |
| Sempervirens Fund | General purpose | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Noel Fenton
- Sarah Fenton
- Wendy Fenton
- Devon Fenton
- Peter Fenton
- Lance Fenton
Questions people ask
Does The Fenton Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Fenton Family Foundation give?
$624,800 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Fenton Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Noel Fenton (President), Sarah Fenton (Cfo), Wendy Fenton (Secretary) and Devon Fenton (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Fenton Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and arts and culture.