The Giant Steps Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Giant Steps Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.5 million in 37 grants; the typical grant was $6,363 and the largest $675,000. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$6,363
- Largest grant$675,000
- Assets$13.3 million
- New grantees49%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
49% 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 | $1.3 million | 44 | $15.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 32 | $14.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | 37 | $13.3 million |
How to apply
The Giant Steps 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Giant Steps Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to New Mexico.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 1 | $675,000 |
| California | 15 | $293,500 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $221,363 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $87,624 |
| Idaho | 5 | $65,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $60,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $22,500 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $7,500 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $7,500 |
| New York | 2 | $6,018 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| La Planta | General support | $675,000 |
| Better Food Foundation (Vegans of La) | Plant-based food | $215,000 |
| Kane's Krusade | General support, general support matching grant | $85,124 |
| American Wild Horse Conservation | Diversionary feed, wild horse roundup witness, plant-based food | $72,000 |
| Fleet of Angels | La wildfire support, general support | $60,000 |
| Fixnation | General support | $50,000 |
| Wood River Land Trust | Hailey hot springs matching grant | $50,000 |
| Wildcare | General support, plant-based food | $42,500 |
| Into the Light | General support, vet expenses | $25,000 |
| Marin Humane | Plant-based food, pen pals, wildlife officer training | $25,000 |
| National Disaster Search Dog Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Giving Hope Project | General support, flooding victims | $20,000 |
| Center for Wildlife Protection & Education | Low cost spay & neuter | $12,000 |
| Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation | Senior paw project | $7,500 |
| Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates | General support | $7,500 |
| Peace of Mind Dog Rescue | General support | $7,500 |
| Shanti Project | General support | $7,500 |
| Wood River Trail Coalition | General support | $7,500 |
| Jane Goodall Institute | General support | $6,363 |
| Breast Cancer Prevention Partners | General support | $5,000 |
| Caps | General support | $5,000 |
| Education for All Children | General support | $5,000 |
| Max's Helping Paws Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Maya's Hope | Plant-based food | $5,000 |
| Medical Mutts | General support | $5,000 |
| Trust for Public Land | Northern new england projects | $5,000 |
| Women Donors Network | General support | $5,000 |
| A Well-Fed World | General support | $2,500 |
| Fat Bike Wood River Valley | General support | $2,500 |
| Living With Wolves | General support | $2,500 |
| New England Wildlife Centers | General support | $2,500 |
| Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates | General support | $2,500 |
| Toxic Free Future | General support | $2,500 |
| Unega Mountain Dog Rescue | General support | $2,500 |
| Vermont Institute of Natural Science | General support | $2,500 |
| A Foundation Building Strength | Plant-based food | $2,000 |
| Temple Beth-El Great Neck | General support | $1,018 |
Officers and trustees
- Jennifer Leeds
- Daphne Muehle
Questions people ask
Does The Giant Steps Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Giant Steps Foundation give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $6,363.
Who runs The Giant Steps Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jennifer Leeds (President/Director) and Daphne Muehle (Vice President).
What does The Giant Steps Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, environment and conservation and animals.