Philanthropy Sector

The San Francisco’s Foundation’s mission is to mobilize resources and act as a catalyst for change to build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and promote philanthropy in order to improve the quality of life, promote greater equality of opportunity, and to assist those in need or at risk in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties. The San Francisco Foundation embraces the unique character of the Bay Area’s heritage as one of America’s most diverse communities and actively seeks to promote access, equity, and diversity, and to end discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

As  the  community foundation  of the Bay Area , The San Francisco Foundation acts as a bridge between nonprofits and resources, neighborhoods and government, leadership and those in need. Within philanthropy, the Foundation supports affinity groups and partner grantmaking organizations promoting philanthropic giving in traditionally underserved communities of need. We work together to mobilize new and expanded resources for these communities.

Program Priorities

In order to promote and support the growing and changing field of philanthropy throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, the Foundation will provide capacity - building grants for philanthropic organizations that are invited to apply. Grants will be multi-year and have a matching component in order to leverage the Foundation’s support. 

Current Grants

We grant to a wide range of organizations in accordance with our strategic goals and objectives. In 2006 we made 59 grants worth more than $384,000.

View the Nonprofit and Philanthropy 2006 Grants (PDF)

Please note, applications will be accepted by invitation only. For more information contact John R. Killacky at jrk@sff.org or Retha Robinson at rsa@sff.org.

Philanthropy Sector Staff

John R. Killacky [bio]
Program Officer, Arts and Culture

Retha Robinson [bio]
Director, Koshland Program