Grant Policies and Procedures

Grant Guidelines

• The San Francisco Foundation makes grants to 501(c)(3) public charities, 501(c)(3) private operating foundations, and government entities with United States affiliation. Grants can be made to 501(c)(4) organizations, but only for specifically defined charitable purposes.
• The minimum grant recommendation amount is $250.

Grant Processes

• All grant recommendations are reviewed and approved by The San Francisco Foundation Board of Trustees.
• Grant recommendations received before 3 p.m. on Wednesday will be mailed that Friday, directly to the nonprofit organization. Donor advisors may not act as intermediaries. Exceptions include:
  
  • Grant recommendations of over $25,000, which require an additional week to process.
  • Grants recommendations for which the Foundation must await evidence from the grant recipient of its nonprofit status. Any delay will depend on the organization's response time.
• Copies of the grant check cover letter are mailed to all pre-selected fund donor advisors and contacts.

Grant Restrictions

• Grants cannot be made from donor advised funds to private non-operating foundations, international organizations, or to individuals.
• Grants cannot be made from donor advised funds for memberships, fulfillment of pledges, tickets to events, or anything else that provides benefits to the donor advisor.
• Donors, their donor advisors, and related parties may not receive grants, loans, compensation, or similar payments (including expense reimbursements) from their donor advised funds.

If you have any questions about your fund, or need any assistance with your philanthropy, please contact Philanthropic Services between 8:30 am - 5 pm at 415.733.8500 or donorservices@sff.org.