The Nicholson Family Foundation
Accepts applications
The Nicholson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Petaluma, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $313,000 in 49 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $25,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$313,000
- Number of grants49
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$9.0 million
- New grantees51%
Giving in 2025 was down from $337,000 the year before.
51% 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 | $322,670 | 48 | $8.5 million |
| 2024 | $337,000 | 45 | $9.1 million |
| 2025 | $313,000 | 49 | $9.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Kelsey Nicholson 6691 Moro Street, Petaluma, CA 94954 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (510) 653-3117 |
| What to submit | Contact kelsey nicholson for detail information (510)653-3117 |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Nicholson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 47 | $303,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| George Mark Children's House | General operating expenses. Pediatric hospice. | $25,000 |
| Artogether | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Arts & education programs. | $10,000 |
| Be A Mentor Inc | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Education programs. | $10,000 |
| Berkeley Art Center | General operating expenses. Arts & educational support. | $10,000 |
| Camping Unlimited | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Social enrichment for disabled youth. | $10,000 |
| First Graduate | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Education. | $10,000 |
| Hack the Hood | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Arts & education programs. | $10,000 |
| Hospice of Santa Cruz | General operating expenses. Social & educational programs. | $10,000 |
| Performing Arts Workshop | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Performing arts programs. | $10,000 |
| San Francisco Mime Troupe | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Arts & education programs. | $10,000 |
| San Francisco Youth Theatre | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Performing arts programs. | $10,000 |
| Survivors Healing Center | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Social services. | $10,000 |
| Tides Center First Exposures | First exposures multi-year grant. Youth social & arts leadership programs. | $10,000 |
| Ultimate Impact | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Youth leadership. | $10,000 |
| Vista Center for the Blind | General operating expenses. Multi-year grant. Social services. | $10,000 |
| Ala Costa Centers | General operating expenses. Social & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Animal Assisted Happiness Inc | General operating expenses. Social & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Aspire Education | General operating expenses. Education programs. | $5,000 |
| Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music | General operating expenses. Preforming arts programs. | $5,000 |
| Children Rising | General operating expenses. Environmental education programs. | $5,000 |
| City Surf Project | General operating expenses. Social & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Coastal Watershed Council | General operating expenses. Social & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Elevate Tutoring | General operating expenses. Social & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Farm Discovery at Live Earth | General operating expenses. Social & educational outdoor programs. | $5,000 |
| Foodwhat Inc | General operating expenses. Youth leadership and food justice program. | $5,000 |
| Girlventures | General operating expenses. Youth leadership outdoor programs. | $5,000 |
| Golden Gate Performing Arts | General operating expenses. Preforming arts programs. | $5,000 |
| Judicial District VII Casa Program | General operating expenses. Discretionary funds. Community programs. | $5,000 |
| Kala Art Institute | General operating expenses. Arts & educational support. | $5,000 |
| Loved Twice | General operating expenses. Social services. | $5,000 |
| Mission Bit | General operating expenses. Educational support. | $5,000 |
| New Life Center | General operating expenses. Discretionary funds. Community programs. | $5,000 |
| Prescott Circus Theatre | General operating expenses. Youth theater & enrichment programs. | $5,000 |
| Project Commotion | General operating expenses. Youth movement & enrichment programs. | $5,000 |
| Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History | General operating expenses. Arts & education programs. | $5,000 |
| Skills of Life Cafe | General operating expenses. Social & educational programs. | $5,000 |
| Sustainability and Community Health Initiative | General operating expenses. Social & educational programs. Kids in nutrition. | $5,000 |
| Teen Kitchen Project | General operating expenses. Social & educational programs. | $5,000 |
| The Reach Foundation | General operating expenses. Social & educational programs. | $5,000 |
| Young Audiences of Northern California | General operating expenses. Arts & educational support. | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Martha McAliister
- Kathleen Hull
- John Nicholson
- Kelsey Nicholson
- Brenda Nicholson
- Chris Blanchard
- Kallie Blanchard
- Bruce Nicholson
Questions people ask
Does The Nicholson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Nicholson Family Foundation give?
$313,000 in tax year 2025, across 49 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Nicholson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Martha McAliister (Vice President), Kathleen Hull (Director), John Nicholson (Director) and Kelsey Nicholson (President) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Nicholson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.