128 Collective Foundation
128 Collective Foundation is a private foundation based in Palo Alto, California. Its 2024 filing reports grants to organizations working on issues including climate and community initiatives, worker-related projects, public schools, and democracy.
128 Collective Foundation at a glance
In short: 128 Collective Foundation gave $11.4M across 80 grants in 2024 (avg $142K), top state California. 53% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $11,350,250
- +20.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 80
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $141,878
- +26.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $102,500
- Total assets
- $41,047,181
- -11.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 53% first-time grantees (31 of 59, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (33% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to 128 Collective Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 314 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 804-7100
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who 128 Collective Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Hack Foundation ($1.1M across 7 grants). Together the top 10 received $5.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
384 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 140 grants of 384 (36%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 33% of grant dollars went to recipients in California, 14% to New York, 10% to Pennsylvania, and 10% to Washington, DC. The listed grants also included recipients in Maryland and North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 80 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is 128 Collective Foundation open to new grantees?
53%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 31 of 59 grantees (53%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $120K; repeat grants $273K. How we count
Medians: $100K first-time, $150K repeat.
- 46% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 130% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 517% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.4M (2020) to $11.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 80 grants totaling $11.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Education and Research Project Brooklyn, NY | General Operating Support | $500,000 |
| Tides Center San Francisco, CA | Climate and Community Institute | $500,000 |
| Voices for a Sustainable Future Takoma Park, MD | General Operating Support | $500,000 |
| Ue Research and Education Fund Pittsburgh, PA | Green Locomotives Project | $490,000 |
| The Hack Foundation West Hollywood, CA | Common Wealth | $320,000 |
| The Hack Foundation West Hollywood, CA | Public Grids | $300,000 |
| UNDAUNTEDK12 Oakland, CA | Ira Implementation in Public Schools | $300,000 |
| Congressional Progressive Caucus Center Washington, DC | Work related to the direct pay provision of the ira | $250,000 |
| New Economy Organisers Network | Worker-Led Industrial Decarbonization and Advocacy | $250,000 |
| Southern Vision Alliance Durham, NC | Southern Workers Assembly | $250,000 |
Ready to take the next step with 128 Collective Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $41,047,181 | $4,593,558 | $11,994,484 | $11,350,250 | 80 | $11,493,707 | $4,138,873 | $2,221,163 |
| 2023 | $46,158,815 | $2,775,612 | $10,101,858 | $9,408,473 | 84 | $9,516,414 | $1,939,656 | $2,530,689 |
| 2022 | $47,459,100 | $2,587,365 | $10,490,842 | $9,985,709 | 86 | $10,057,854 | $1,820,134 | $2,889,769 |
| 2021 | $67,122,647 | $3,029,577 | $5,709,376 | $4,928,560 | 79 | $4,995,566 | $2,457,818 | $3,247,347 |
| 2020 | $63,705,071 | $28,463,716 | $4,096,214 | $3,359,000 | 55 | — | $28,280,587 | $1,924,020 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, 128 Collective Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The available information does not state the foundation’s own mission. Its 2024 grants included support for climate and community work, worker-led industrial decarbonization, green locomotives, IRA implementation in public schools, and democracy-related projects.
Grantees describe their work in their own terms. Labor Education and Research Project says it provides labor education through a journal, books, a national conference, training, and events. UE Research and Education Fund says it builds skills among worker leaders to advance economic and racial equality and a just transition for workers. UndauntedK12 says it works to ensure every student can attend a safe, healthy, and resilient school. State Democracy Project says it works to encourage citizen participation in elections and policymaking and more responsive government institutions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 80 grants totaling $11,350,250. Grant amounts ranged from $7,000 to $500,000, with a median grant of $102,500.
Among the largest grants were $500,000 to Labor Education and Research Project for general operating support; $500,000 to Tides Center for the Climate and Community Institute; $500,000 to Voices for a Sustainable Future for general operating support; and $490,000 to UE Research and Education Fund for the Green Locomotives Project. The Hack Foundation received two grants, $320,000 for Common Wealth and $300,000 for Public Grids. Other notable grants included $300,000 to UndauntedK12 for IRA implementation in public schools, $250,000 to Congressional Progressive Caucus Center for work related to the IRA’s direct pay provision, and $250,000 to State Democracy Project for its Building Power Resource Center.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Theresa Preston-Werner and Thomas Preston-Werner as co-presidents and directors; Jake Werner as a director; Tom Van Loben Sels as CFO and co-secretary; and Kathleen Goss as co-secretary.
128 Collective Foundation is led by Theresa Preston-Werner, Co-President & Director on every filing since 2020; none of the 5 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Theresa Preston-Werner
Co-President & Director
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Preston-Werner
Co-President & Director
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jake Werner
Director
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Van Loben Sels
CFO & Co-Secretary
CFO & Secretary → CFO & Co-Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Goss
Co-Secretary
On filings since 2023
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Audrey K. Scott (2020) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about 128 Collective Foundation
How much does 128 Collective Foundation give each year?
128 Collective Foundation gave $11.4M across 80 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $9.4M across 84 grants.
What is 128 Collective Foundation's typical grant size?
128 Collective Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $102,500, and its average grant was $141,878, across 80 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from 128 Collective Foundation that year got $120K on average.
Where does 128 Collective Foundation give grants?
128 Collective Foundation's top state is California, with 33% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (14%) and Pennsylvania (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (11 grants), San Francisco, CA (9 grants), West Hollywood, CA (7 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (6 grants).
Does 128 Collective Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 13% of 128 Collective Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 80) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Trade Unions for Energy Democracy" (3 grants).
Who are 128 Collective Foundation's largest grantees?
128 Collective Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include The Hack Foundation ($1,120,000 across 7 grants), Ue Research and Education Fund ($965,000 across 4 grants) and Tides Center ($850,000 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is 128 Collective Foundation?
128 Collective Foundation reported $41.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $11.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does 128 Collective Foundation fund?
The available information does not state the foundation’s own mission. Its 2024 grants included support for climate and community work, worker-led industrial decarbonization, green locomotives, IRA implementation in public schools, and democracy-related projects. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from 128 Collective Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is 128 Collective Foundation's EIN?
128 Collective Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-2899018. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does 128 Collective Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in 128 Collective Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Wallace Global Fund II
Washington, DC
Wallace Global Fund II supports people-powered movements and nonprofits advancing democracy, human rights, a healthy planet, corporate accountability, and women’s rights, with national or global reach—or local work that can contribute to broader impact. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,100 to $300,000, with a median of $75,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected organizations.
Assets
$54.6M
Grants
191
Total Given
$15.2M
Freedom Together Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation funds work to strengthen multiracial democracy and build community and worker power, racial and gender justice, movement infrastructure, reproductive health, medical research, and community institutions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $14 million, with a median of $500,000; its largest shares went to organizations in Washington, DC, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
595
Total Given
$470.0M
Foundation to Promote Open Society
New York, NY
The Foundation to Promote Open Society funds organizations advancing human rights, civil society, democratic practice, equity, research, and education, with grants spanning the United States and six global regions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $44.9 million, with a median of $257,214. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.8B
Grants
738
Total Given
$481.5M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports human rights and social and economic justice, including work on climate, the environment, civic engagement, and Jewish causes, in the United States and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with amounts ranging from $500 to $9.75 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; it plans to end grantmaking by the end of 2028.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Schmidt Family Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Schmidt Family Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, human welfare, community health, and community development, with recent grants also supporting ocean stewardship, climate and energy, human rights, Indigenous land stewardship, civic engagement, youth, and food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $130,000, with amounts ranging from $400 to $8 million; grant dollars went mainly to organizations in California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia. It describes an online application process and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations; deadlines and application details are online.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
695
Total Given
$185.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). 128 Collective Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/128-collective-foundation-morg_6d4ad36356404dda90829153ccdc702e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_832899018_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{128 Collective Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/128-collective-foundation-morg_6d4ad36356404dda90829153ccdc702e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from 128 Collective Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
128 Collective Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?