The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation is a private foundation in Carpinteria, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $500,099 in 49 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $100,000. 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$500,099
- Number of grants49
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$5.3 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $295,200 the year before.
27% 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 | $232,000 | 38 | $3,987 |
| 2024 | $295,200 | 45 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $500,099 | 49 | $5.3 million |
How to apply
The Victor and Susan Schaff 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 45 | $475,099 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $10,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Unity Shoppe Inc | Providing essentials and support to low-income families. | $100,000 |
| California Native Grasslands Assn | Conserving and restoring california's native grassland ecosystems. | $29,500 |
| Santa Barbara Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Transition House | Empowering homeless families through housing and supportive services. | $25,000 |
| Santa Barbara New House | Creating sustainable, innovative housing solutions for santa barbara. | $20,000 |
| Santa Barbara Rescue Mission | Providing shelter, recovery, and support for homeless individuals. | $20,000 |
| Casa Serena | Women's drug and alcohol rehab center in santa barbara | $15,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County | Building affordable housing through volunteerism and community partnerships. | $15,000 |
| Help of Carpinteria Inc | General support | $12,500 |
| Aha | Help to fight heart disease and stroke | $10,000 |
| Calflora | Database providing information on wild california plants | $10,000 |
| Colab Foundation | Supporting community development through advocacy and educational initiatives. | $10,000 |
| Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse | Addressing addiction through prevention, education, and support services. | $10,000 |
| Food Bank of Santa Barbara County | Fighting hunger through food distribution and community partnerships. | $10,000 |
| Food From the Heart | General support | $10,000 |
| Mental Wellness Center | Serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through mental health education | $10,000 |
| Santa Barbara Botanical Garden | Conserving native plants through education and preservation. | $10,000 |
| Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara | Empowering students through financial assistance and educational support. | $10,000 |
| Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation | Assisting families of children with cancer through support programs. | $10,000 |
| The Salvation Army | Providing aid and support to those in need. | $10,000 |
| Theodore Payne Foundation | Promoting california native plants through education and conservation. | $10,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Supports fallen heroes and their families, honoring sacrifices. | $10,000 |
| United Boys & Girls Clubs of SB County | Empowering youth through programs promoting growth and success. | $10,000 |
| Carpinteria Rotary Charitable Foundation | Supports local community programs and initiatives. | $7,500 |
| Meals on Wheels Santa Barbara | General support | $7,500 |
| Lou Grant Parent-Child Workshops | Fostering parent-child relationships through supportive workshops. | $7,000 |
| California Native Plant Society | Promote, preserve, and restore the diversity of california's native flora | $5,000 |
| Communify | General support | $5,000 |
| Girls Inc Carpinteria | Empowers young girls through education, mentorship, and advocacy. | $5,000 |
| Heal the Ocean | Restoring ocean health through advocacy and collaborative efforts. | $5,000 |
| Pacific Legal Foundation | Advocating for limited government, property rights, and individual liberty. | $5,000 |
| Santa Barbara Humane Society | Caring for animals and promoting animal welfare. | $5,000 |
| Sercal | Promoting scientific research and education for california's coast. | $5,000 |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace | General support | $5,000 |
| Storyteller Children's Center | Supporting homeless children with early childhood education. | $5,000 |
| Students for Eco Education and Agriculture (Seeag) | General support | $5,000 |
| Xceres Society | Advocating for the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. | $5,000 |
| California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-Ipc) | General support | $2,500 |
| Cca California | Advocates for sustainable fisheries and protects marine ecosystems statewide. | $2,500 |
| Partners in Housing Solutions | General support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Western States LLC
- Victor Schaff
- Susan Schaff
- Jody K Miller
- Becky L Rinaldi
- Robin Storey
- Brandon V Dixon
- Jeffery P Harris
Questions people ask
Does The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation give?
$500,099 in tax year 2025, across 49 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Western States LLC (Trustee), Victor Schaff (President of Trustee), Susan Schaff (Committee Member of Trustee) and Jody K Miller (Committee Member of Trustee) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, housing and homelessness and education.