James B McClatchy Foundation
The James B McClatchy Foundation is a California-based grantmaking foundation established in 1993 and headquartered in Sacramento. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with deep roots in the Central Valley region. The Foundation supports educational programs, civic engagement, and community-powered journalism across California's Central Valley.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$33.5M
-14.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.8M
+22.3% YoY
Grant Count
56
+1.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$122K
+20.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: We stand with the people of the Central Valley by investing in education and active civic participation in our democracy.
Vision: We believe in the strength of the Central Valley's rich culture and community and will fight to protect the dreams and hopes of its people.
Core Values:
- Drives to examine its own biases and honors diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Believes authentic relationships are essential to serving communities and achieving the mission
- Fosters open and honest dialogue in all work in the Central Valley
- Strives to shape the future with responsible actions today
- Values compassion with courage
Primary Focus Areas:
- Community-powered local journalism and civic media
- Multilingual education infrastructure and support for English Language Learners in pre-K through grade 12
- Democratic participation and civic engagement
- Support for immigrant justice and dignity
- Leadership empowerment in multilingual and multiracial communities
Grantmaking
The Foundation operates under the "Sunrise Plan," a strategic spend-down approach designed to build sustainable infrastructure for Central Valley communities by 2030.
Invitation Only
** Grant proposals are by invitation only. Interested organizations should only send letters of inquiry or proposals by mail or email if requested by Foundation staff.
Ready to take the next step with James B McClatchy Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation serves the Central Valley region of California, with specific focus on the following counties:
- Fresno
- Kern
- Kings
- Madera
- Merced
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Stanislaus
- Tulare
- Yolo
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Data (2024):
- Total Assets: $33,453,453
- Total Revenues: $102,747
- Total Expenses: $8,817,404
- Number of Employees: 11
Historical Data (2023):
- Total Assets: $39,000,000
- Total Liabilities: $341,000
- Revenue: −$1.54 million
- Expenses: $7.33 million
Program Spending: Approximately 95% of expenses directed to program activities
Cumulative Impact: Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $50 million in grants.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $33,453,453 | $38,994,873 | $43,795,484 |
| Revenue | $102,747 | $-1,544,822 | $13,652,508 |
| Expenses | $8,817,404 | $7,331,174 | $8,819,829 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $102,747 | $-1,544,822 | $13,652,508 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
176 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from James B McClatchy Foundation
All In For Central Valley Democracy Fund
James B McClatchy Foundation
Amount
$500,000 initial seed funding (mobilized nearly $2 million total with other donors)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Local Journalism and Civic Engagement Grants
James B McClatchy Foundation
Amount
$1.5 million (2022 award); $3.5 million total investment since 2019
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Sunrise Grants
James B McClatchy Foundation
Amount
Over $10 million in first set of grants
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Priscilla Enriquez — President and CEO
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priscilla Enriquez | CEO | 40 | $259,534 |
| Misty A Gereghty | Chief Impact Offcr | 40 | $164,700 |
| Lisa Burke | Operations Mg'r | 40 | $148,600 |
| Susanna Cooper | Chair | 1 | $4,000 |
| Jason Bell | Treasurer | 1 | $4,000 |
| Ashley Swearengin | Director | 1 | $4,000 |
| Alex Brown | Director | 2.5 | $4,000 |
| Geri Yang-Johnson | Secretary | 1 | $4,000 |
| Lucy Ruiz | Director | 1 | $3,000 |
| Joaquin Alvarado | Director | 1 | $3,000 |
| Susan B McClatchy | Vice Chair | 2.5 | — |
| Chris Nellum | Director | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**California Civic Media Program Administration (2026):** The James B McClatchy Foundation was selected to serve as the third-party administrator for California's new Civic Media Program, a statewide initiative designed to support local journalism and community-facing news organizations. The program was established by the State of California and is led by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The Foundation's role includes administration, field knowledge, and ensuring respect for editorial independence while partnering with the state and journalism leaders across California.
James B. McClatchy Foundation Selected as Third-Party ...**Immigrant Justice Advocacy (2025):** The Foundation publicly stated its unwavering solidarity with Sacramento's immigrant communities, condemning ICE raids and systemic violations of civil and constitutional rights. The Foundation called on civic leaders and institutions across California to take proactive action in support of immigrant communities.
James B. McClatchy Foundation Selected as Third-Party ...**Civic Education Grants:** The Foundation has awarded grants to advance civic education initiatives, including support for institutions like the Maddy Institute at Fresno State.
Grant from James B. McClatchy Foundation will help Maddy Institute advance\Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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