Castellano Family Foundation
The Castellano Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Saratoga, California, established in 2001. Founded by Alcario and Carmen Castellano following their 2001 California Lottery jackpot win, the foundation transformed an unexpected fortune into sustained philanthropic support for underserved communities. The foundation operated for over two decades as a significant force in Silicon Valley philanthropy before concluding its operations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+309.4% YoY
Grant Count
2
-95.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$639K
+8087.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on providing positive, effective, and meaningful contributions to communities, with particular emphasis on supporting Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx communities. Primary funding areas include:
- Arts and culture
- Education
- Human services
- Family services
- Child welfare
- Leadership development
Grantmaking
The foundation awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,273,077, with a median grant size of $5,250 and an average grant amount of approximately $3,000. Over its operational history, the foundation distributed more than $7.5 million in grants to organizations serving the Latino community.
Grant Range
of $5,250 and an average grant amount of approximately $3,000. Over its operational history, the foundation distributed more than $7.5 million in grants to organizations serving the Latino community.
Average Grant
amount of approximately $3,000. Over its operational history, the foundation distributed more than $7.5 million in grants to organizations serving the Latino community.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funded initiatives across California, with particular concentration in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Grantmaking also extended to major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, as well as other locations across the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Based on the most recent available filings:
- Total Assets: $863,856
- Total Annual Giving: $1,278,077
- Annual Revenue: $452,523
- Annual Expenses: $1,316,379
- Total Grants Awarded (Historical): Over $7.5 million across more than two decades of operation
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $863,856 | $1,071,117 |
| Revenue | $452,523 | $319,797 | $1,068,580 |
| Expenses | $1,316,379 | $527,058 | $1,044,351 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | $81,558 | $206,427 |
| Net Investment Income | $14,746 | $19,067 | $26,518 |
| Distributable Amount | — | $76,941 | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
140 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Silicon Valley Community Foundation ($1,273,077), Opera Cultura ($5,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Opera Cultura Oakland, CA | Yr 2 renewal Grant | $5,000 |
| Silicon Valley Community Foundation Mountain View, CA | Assett transfer from MS | $1,273,077 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key personnel included:
- Carmela Castellano-Garcia — President
- Armando Castellano — Secretary
- Maria T West — Treasurer
- Alcario Castellano — Emeritus Trustee
All leadership served without compensation. Alcario Castellano passed away on April 26, 2025, at age 90. Carmen Castellano, co-founder, passed away in 2020.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARMELA CASTELLANO-GARCIA | PRESIDENT | 1.5 | — |
| ARMANDO CASTELLANO | SECRETARY | 1.5 | — |
| MARIA T WEST | TREASURER | 1.5 | — |
| ALCARIO CASTELLANO | EMERITUS TRUSTEE | 1.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Castellano Family Foundation concluded its operations after 22 years of grantmaking. In December 2023, the foundation made its final gift of $300,000 to the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, marking the culmination of its philanthropic journey. This final contribution recognized the organization's growth from its early volunteer-driven phase and reflected the foundation's commitment to advancing Latinx-led nonprofits.
Castellano Family Foundation ending operations after 22 yearsThroughout its history, the foundation supported notable Silicon Valley organizations including Somos Mayfair, the Jose Valdés Math Institute, Opera Cultura, MACLA, and San Jose Jazz. The foundation's approach to philanthropy was characterized by long-term commitment to grantees and intentional support for Latino-serving organizations during their developmental stages.
Castellano Family Foundation ending operations after 22 yearsSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Castellano Family Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission centers on providing positive, effective, and meaningful contributions to communities, with particular emphasis on supporting Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx communities. Primary funding areas include: • Arts and culture • Education • Human services • Family services • Child welfare • Leadership development
How do I apply for a grant from Castellano Family Foundation?
The foundation awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,273,077, with a median grant size of $5,250 and an average grant amount of approximately $3,000. Over its operational history, the foundation distributed more than $7.5 million in grants to organizations serving the Latino community. Recent grant activity included a final major contribution of $300,000 to the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley in December 2023, which the foundation designated as its culminating philanthropic gift. The founda…
Where does Castellano Family Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funded initiatives across California, with particular concentration in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Grantmaking also extended to major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, as well as other locations across the United States.
What size grants does Castellano Family Foundation award?
In 2024, Castellano Family Foundation awarded 2 grants totaling $1.3M — an average of about $639K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Castellano Family Foundation's EIN?
Castellano Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-2164439. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Castellano Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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