Vesper Society
Preselected recipients only
Vesper Society is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $33,878 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$33,878
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$32.0 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was up from $26,546 the year before.
80% 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 | $35,000 | 21 | $31.6 million |
| 2024 | $26,546 | 15 | $31.3 million |
| 2025 | $33,878 | 15 | $32.0 million |
How to apply
Vesper Society 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 Vesper Society funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 14 | $28,878 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Humboldt Area Foundation | Aunties on the river | $10,000 |
| Native Americans in Philanthropy | Sponsorship for 2026 annual conference | $5,000 |
| The Ink People | Norcan 2026 funding | $5,000 |
| Alameda County Community Food Bank | General support | $2,000 |
| Marin City Health | Table sponsorship for winter gala benefit | $1,750 |
| The Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation | Sponsorship for oct 2025 kid city community care luncheon | $1,128 |
| Beloved Everybody Church | General support | $1,000 |
| Community Partners | General support | $1,000 |
| Erv Community Center | Norcan survey | $1,000 |
| Napa Valley College | In memory of rich gelber, machine tool technology program | $1,000 |
| Next Door Solutions | General support | $1,000 |
| Operation Access | General support | $1,000 |
| Public Health Institute | General support | $1,000 |
| Taulama for Tongans | General support | $1,000 |
| Walk Oakland Bike Oakland | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Miyoko Oshima
- Lyell Sakaue
- Lindsay Nako
- Michael Ward
- Hydeh Ghaffari
- Joe Prado
- Kevin Martinez
- Yammilette Rodriguez
- Michael Mata
- Sara Farooqi
Questions people ask
Does Vesper Society accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Vesper Society give?
$33,878 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Vesper Society?
Its 2025 filing lists Miyoko Oshima (President), Lyell Sakaue (Chair), Lindsay Nako (Vice Chair) and Michael Ward (Secretary) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does Vesper Society fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health and faith communities.