The Joseph W Cotchett Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Joseph W Cotchett Foundation is a private foundation in Burlingame, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 8 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$1.3 million
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$2.2 million
- New grantees100%
Giving in 2025 was up from $50,000 the year before.
100% 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 | $100,000 | 1 | $28,329 |
| 2024 | $50,000 | 1 | $2.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 8 | $2.2 million |
How to apply
The Joseph W Cotchett 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.
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 8 | $1.3 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Uc Law San Francisco | Dean's priorities fund. | $1.0 million |
| Uc Law San Francisco | Dean's priorities fund. | $100,000 |
| Uc Law San Francisco | Center for constitutional democracy. | $100,000 |
| The Mavericks Community Foundation | To support local organization. | $25,000 |
| California Science Center | To support local organization. | $25,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside | To support local organization. | $10,000 |
| Cabrillo Education Foundation | To support local organization. | $5,000 |
| Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee | To support local organization. | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph W Cotchett
- Karin Yee-Fajardo
- Michael Ellingson
- Nanci Nishmura
- Camilla Cotchett
- Frank Pitre
Questions people ask
Does The Joseph W Cotchett Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Joseph W Cotchett Foundation give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Joseph W Cotchett Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph W Cotchett (Ceo), Karin Yee-Fajardo (Secretary), Michael Ellingson (Treasurer) and Nanci Nishmura (Board Member) among 6 officers and trustees.