The Swanson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Swanson Foundation is a private foundation in Burlingame, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.6 million in 8 grants; the typical grant was $175,000 and the largest $500,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.6 million
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$175,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$24.6 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.5 million the year before.
25% of its 2024 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 | $1.5 million | 7 | $22.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.6 million | 8 | $24.6 million |
How to apply
The Swanson 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 Swanson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 6 | $1.0 million |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $500,000 |
| New York | 1 | $72,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MIT - Ras (1969) Biotech Center of the Koch Inst of Integ Cancer Research | Education | $500,000 |
| Kqed | Public service | $300,000 |
| San Francisco Ballet | Education | $250,000 |
| The Tech | Technology and education | $200,000 |
| Peninsula Family Service | Education | $150,000 |
| Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation | Health care | $72,000 |
| Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation | Health care | $50,000 |
| Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation | Public service | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Judy C Swanson
- Tracy Gedenberg
- Alexandria Breitman
- Christine Sherry
- Erica Swanson Gorski
Questions people ask
Does The Swanson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Swanson Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2024, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $175,000.
Who runs The Swanson Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Judy C Swanson (Ceo/President), Tracy Gedenberg (Secretary), Alexandria Breitman (Cfo/Treasurer) and Christine Sherry (Vice President) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Swanson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and health.