The O'Brien Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The O'Brien Family Foundation is a private foundation in San Mateo, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $779,550 in 56 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$779,550
- Number of grants56
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees17%
Giving in 2025 was up from $720,900 the year before.
17% 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 | $578,475 | 50 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $720,900 | 51 | $648,043 |
| 2025 | $779,550 | 56 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
The O'Brien 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 O'Brien Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 47 | $747,800 |
| Texas | 3 | $20,500 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
| Hawaii | 3 | $3,250 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of San Francisco | University ministry tutoring program | $125,000 |
| Individual | Sponsorship of thanksgiving luncheon and scholarships | $100,000 |
| Mercy High School | Capital campaign for athletic and student life center | $100,000 |
| Flintridge Sacred Heart | Capital campaign | $50,000 |
| St Ignatius College Preparatory | Scholarship | $27,600 |
| Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy | Fsha eaton fire fund | $25,000 |
| California Homebuilding Foundation | Bita program | $25,000 |
| Catholic Charities | General fund | $25,000 |
| Justin Siena High School Leap | Lasallian education access progam | $24,500 |
| Hanna Academy | In honor of john heilman | $20,000 |
| Catholic Worker House | General support | $15,000 |
| Ravenswood Education Foundation | Literacy challenge | $10,000 |
| Women's Coaching Alliance | Growth campaign | $10,000 |
| Kamukama Foundation | Maj for a mission | $10,000 |
| Alameda Boys & Girls Club Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| Child & Family Institute of Menlo Park | General support | $10,000 |
| Eastside Prep | In honor of lisle payne | $10,000 |
| Homeaid of Northern California | General support | $10,000 |
| Kamukama Foundation | Maj for a mission | $10,000 |
| Sacred Heart Schools | Sophie scholars | $10,000 |
| St Francis Center | General support | $10,000 |
| St Mary's College Nursing Program | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| St Peter's Catholic School | General support | $10,000 |
| St Pius School | Lifeguard fund - scholarships | $10,000 |
| Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose | General support | $7,500 |
| St Anthony's Church | Padua dining room | $7,500 |
| Catholic Charities | Vino at vincenzo | $5,000 |
| Archdiocesan Annual Appeal | Annual appeal | $5,000 |
| Bridge Housing Corporation | Assistance program | $5,000 |
| Individual | Stein & colwell scholarship | $5,000 |
| Community Action of Napa Valley (Canv) | General support (food bank) | $5,000 |
| Holy Spirit Catholic Church | Gloria & dennis online parish | $5,000 |
| Junipero Serra High School | Memory of larry alary | $5,000 |
| Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers | Msaada foundation project | $5,000 |
| North Coast Opportunities Inc | Rural communities child care program | $5,000 |
| Panetta Institute | General support | $5,000 |
| Positive Coaching Alliance | General support | $5,000 |
| Rebuilding Together Peninsula | General support | $5,000 |
| Sisters of Mercy | General support | $5,000 |
| St Baldrick's Foundation | In honor of charlotte murdoff | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Dennis C O'Brien
- Gloria A O'Brien
- Susan Frimel
- Chris O'Brien
Questions people ask
Does The O'Brien Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The O'Brien Family Foundation give?
$779,550 in tax year 2025, across 56 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The O'Brien Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dennis C O'Brien (President), Gloria A O'Brien (Secretary), Susan Frimel (Director) and Chris O'Brien (Director).
What does The O'Brien Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and human services.