S H Cowell Foundation
S.H. Cowell Foundation is a grantmaking organization based in San Francisco, California that invests in communities across Northern and Central California committed to achieving lasting, positive change for children and families living in poverty. The foundation takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to grantmaking, viewing funded organizations and communities as partners and working to build mutual trust and respect.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$120.2M
+1.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.2M
+3.5% YoY
Grant Count
71
-6.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$73K
+10.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's goal is to improve the quality of life of children and families living in Northern and Central California by making grants that directly support and strengthen children, families, and the neighborhoods where they live.
The foundation's work is guided by core beliefs:
- Authentic change happens when community stakeholders work independently
- Local organizations' commitment and expertise are respected
- A holistic approach to addressing unique community needs and realities is essential
- Lasting community change is possible
The foundation invests in three primary areas:
- Families: Programs that honor lived experiences and incorporate resident voices in the design, implementation, and governance of family-support services. This includes family resource centers promoting physical health, wellness, child development, and parenting; organizations building pathways for financial literacy, employment, and economic mobility; and community-organizing initiatives led by residents.
- Education and Youth Development: Supporting K-12 public education and youth development initiatives
- Communities: Efforts to increase a town or neighborhood's capacity to engage and serve low-income families
The foundation recognizes that economic inequality intersects with racial injustice and promotes antiracist practices and equitable outcomes for people and communities of color.
Grantmaking
How to Apply
**: Grantees report that the foundation maintains efficient and direct communications, with required attachments that are fairly standard and reasonable reporting terms. The foundation is known for engaging directly with applicants through site visits and attendance at events, and for being clear about what it funds, making the process accessible for returning grantees.
Ready to take the next step with S H Cowell Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Northern and Central California, with priority given to communities where the foundation has made or could make place-based complementary grants in towns and neighborhoods where there is widespread and acute poverty and strong working relationships among residents and institutional leaders.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $120.2 million
- Annual Income: $11.2 million
- Establishment: The foundation was established in 1956 through a $12.5 million bequest of primarily real estate from Samuel Henry Cowell following his death in 1955
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $120,216,052 | $118,333,941 | $111,831,282 |
| Revenue | $4,035,838 | $4,117,798 | $1,890,507 |
| Expenses | $8,277,128 | $8,318,326 | $8,294,978 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $7,456,479 | $7,476,187 | $7,801,267 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,133,374 | $2,449,756 | $1,045,417 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,617,733 | $5,338,064 | $6,298,416 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from S H Cowell Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board Members:
- Ann Alpers (President)
- Jamie Allison
- Lisa Backus
- Charles Ellwein
- Charles Higueras
- Mikiko Huang
- Colin Lacon
- Scott Mosher
- Lydia Tan
- Kim Thompson
The board is composed of volunteer directors who live in Northern California and are committed to the foundation's mission, values, and place-based grantmaking approach.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANN ALPERS | PRESIDENT AND CEO | 35 | $497,713 |
| DR LISA BACKUS | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| DR MIKIKO HUANG | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| SCOTT MOSHER | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| CHARLES E ELLWEIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LYDIA TAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KIM THOMPSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHARLES HIGUERAS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| COLIN LACON | DIRECTOR (FROM 10/24) | — | — |
| JAMIE ALLISON | DIRECTOR (FROM 10/24) | — | — |
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with S H Cowell Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities