San Jose Public Library Foundation
The San José Public Library Foundation is a public charity based in San José, California. Formed in 1987, it supports educational programs and resources through the public library, schools, and community-based organizations.
San Jose Public Library Foundation at a glance
In short: San Jose Public Library Foundation gave $9.6M across 18 grants in 2024 (avg $534K), mostly in California. 13% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $9,605,475
- +261.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 18
- +12.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $533,638
- +221.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $131,425
- Total assets
- $9,555,349
- -42.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (2 of 16, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to San Jose Public Library Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 611540, San Jose, CA 95161-1540
Phone: (408) 808-2174
Website: https://sjplf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from San Jose Public Library Foundation
San José Learns
San Jose Public Library Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
SJ Access Grants (Digital Inclusion Fund)
San Jose Public Library Foundation
Amount
Up to $500,000 annually
Deadline
Deadline not published
Tutoring Matters Expansion Grant
San Jose Public Library Foundation
Amount
Part of $2,000,000 total allocation
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who San Jose Public Library Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Boys and Girls Clubs Silicon Valley ($6.8M). Together the top 10 received $9.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
66 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 18 grants of 66 (27%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website describes its work as supporting the Library and City of San José and its 25 library locations. San José Learns and the Tutoring Matters Expansion Grant are described as serving San José. In the 2024 filing, all reported grant dollars went to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is San Jose Public Library Foundation open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 16 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. With only 16 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $3.5M; repeat grants $185K. How we count
Medians: $3.5M first-time, $146K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $1.9M (2021) to $9.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 18 grants totaling $9.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys and Girls Clubs Silicon Valley San Jose, CA | Empower | $6,787,845 |
| Alpha Public Schools San Jose, CA | Educate | $560,000 |
| Franklin-McKinley School District San Jose, CA | ENGAGE | $410,000 |
| Luther Burbank School District San Jose, CA | ENGAGE | $290,000 |
| San Jose Public Library San Jose, CA | ENGAGE | $271,613 |
| Santa Clara County Office of Educat San Jose, CA | Educate | $270,126 |
| Alum Rock School District San Jose, CA | ENGAGE | $250,000 |
| Reading Partners Silicon Valley Milpitas, CA | Empower | $225,000 |
| Campbell Union School District Campbell, CA | ENGAGE | $200,000 |
| Sacred Heart Community Service San Jose, CA | Empower | $62,850 |
Ready to take the next step with San Jose Public Library Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9,555,349 | $5,966,101 | $13,072,199 | $9,605,475 | 18 | $542,580 |
| 2023 | $16,617,956 | $6,175,965 | $6,485,194 | $2,659,529 | 16 | $496,281 |
| 2022 | $16,562,111 | $12,519,106 | $5,635,102 | $1,909,653 | 13 | $-34,172 |
| 2021 | $11,266,259 | $7,329,963 | $3,556,967 | $1,864,771 | 12 | $110,802 |
| 2020 | $6,766,319 | $5,384,659 | $2,930,665 | $2,085,520 | 7 | $55,632 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to support educational programs and resources through the public library, schools, and community-based organizations to create an educated, equitable, empowered, and engaged community. Its filing describes three program areas: educating residents of all ages through education and enrichment; engaging communities by strengthening the library as a neighborhood gathering place and resource hub; and empowering people with knowledge and skills to participate in democracy and pursue their goals.
Its grantmaking includes support for school districts and other local education agencies, as well as community-based organizations. Among 2024 grantees, Alpha Public Schools describes its mission as empowering teachers and inspiring active learning to change students’ educational and economic trajectories. Sacred Heart Community Service says its mission is to build a community free from poverty through essential services, collaboration, organizing for justice, and community action. Sourcewise describes its mission as fostering coordinated home- and community-based services for older people and their caregivers in Santa Clara.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 18 grants totaling $9,605,475. Grant amounts ranged from $13,692 to $6,787,845, with a median of $131,425. The largest listed award was $6,787,845 to Boys and Girls Clubs Silicon Valley for “Empower.” Other notable awards included $560,000 to Alpha Public Schools for “Educate,” $410,000 to Franklin-McKinley School District for “Engage,” $290,000 to Luther Burbank School District for “Engage,” and $271,613 to San Jose Public Library for “Engage.” The Foundation also reported 2024 awards of $62,850 to Sacred Heart Community Service and $45,000 to Sourcewise.
The San José Learns program funds expanded-learning programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 3. For the 2026–27 academic year, the program described approximately $850,000 in available funds and awards of up to $200,000. Applications for that academic year have closed; the Foundation anticipates opening applications for 2027–28 in late fall 2026. The 2026–27 application period, which ran from December 1, 2025, to January 18, 2026, has passed. The program’s application materials identify local education agencies—including public-school districts, charter schools, and charter networks or management organizations—as applicants, and encourage partnerships with community-based organizations. The materials require that funds serve students in Kindergarten through grade 3, with at least 90% residing in San José.
The Tutoring Matters Expansion Grant supports qualified agencies and organizations providing one-to-one or small-group tutoring and academic recovery support for San José students in grades 4–12. Its stated funding source is a one-time $2 million City of San José allocation from American Rescue Plan funds. The program description lists an award range of $2,000,000–$2,000,000 and says applicants must be able to engage schools, families, partners, and students.
The Foundation says grants are governed by written awards and agreements specifying requirements, disbursement criteria, and allowable uses. Its filing states that the board approves all grants under the Foundation’s disbursement policies and procedures, with reporting by Library representatives at least quarterly and written reports at least yearly for larger grants and those requiring additional reporting.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Meri Maben as chair, Lupita Garcia-Reilley as vice chair, Rebecca Lee as secretary, and Stephanie Birondo as treasurer. It lists Marco Alvarez, Roy Eitan, Erica Fensom, Jennifer Lee, Hitesh Shah, and Danne McLane Jr. as members.
San Jose Public Library Foundation is led by Dawn Coppin, CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 4 of 21 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Dawn Coppin
CEO
Executive Di → CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$146K (2020) → $205K (2024)
Meri Maben
Chair
Committee Ch → Member, 2021
Member → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Chitty
Highly Comptroller
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$104K (2022) → $160K (2024)
Jodie Pulliam
Highly Comptroller
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$114K (2023) → $117K (2024)
Monique Garcia
Highly Comptroller
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$112K (2024)
Erica Fensom
Member
At Large → Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Wolfe
Member
At Large → Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Birondo
Treasurer
At Large → Member, 2021
Member → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Lee
Secretary
Member → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roy Eitan
Member
Member → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Danne McLane Jr.
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hitesh Shah
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kirsten Sarginger
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lupita Garcia-Reilley
Vice Chair
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marco Alvarez
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Orit Keinan-Nahon
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Turner
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Lee
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donoghue Clarke
Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jean Cohen
Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Tien
Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Scott Whelton (2020–2023) — Chair
- Former: Michelle Peacock (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Charles Ohiaeri (2022) — Member
- Former: Kendra O'Donoghue (2022) — Highly Comptroller
- Former: Anthony Rodriguez (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Constance Von Muehlen (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: James Landrum (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Jason Papier (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: Amar Vedi (2020) — Member
- Former: Anne Raimondi (2020) — Committee Ch
- Former: Derrick Seaver (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: John Hogan (2020) — Member
- Former: Kimberly Ellis-Thompson (2020) — Committee Ch
- Former: Muoi Tran Landivar (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Rahul Chandhok (2020) — Member
- Former: Stephen Kline (2020) — Member
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $205K, to Dawn Coppin (CEO). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about San Jose Public Library Foundation
How much does San Jose Public Library Foundation give each year?
San Jose Public Library Foundation gave $9.6M across 18 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.7M across 16 grants.
What is San Jose Public Library Foundation's typical grant size?
San Jose Public Library Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $131,425, and its average grant was $533,638, across 18 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from San Jose Public Library Foundation that year got $3.5M on average.
Where does San Jose Public Library Foundation give grants?
San Jose Public Library Foundation gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were San Jose, CA (13 grants) and Milpitas, CA (3 grants).
Does San Jose Public Library Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 18 grants with a stated purpose on San Jose Public Library Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Empower" (10 grants), "Engage" (5 grants) and "Educate" (3 grants).
Who are San Jose Public Library Foundation's largest grantees?
San Jose Public Library Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Boys and Girls Clubs Silicon Valley ($6,787,845), Alpha Public Schools ($560,000) and Franklin-McKinley School District ($410,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 81% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is San Jose Public Library Foundation?
San Jose Public Library Foundation reported $9.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.0M.
What does San Jose Public Library Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to support educational programs and resources through the public library, schools, and community-based organizations to create an educated, equitable, empowered, and engaged community. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from San Jose Public Library Foundation?
San Jose Public Library Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check sjplf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is San Jose Public Library Foundation's EIN?
San Jose Public Library Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 77-0142379. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 1, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 5, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work San Jose Public Library Foundation funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in San Jose Public Library Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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 Sobrato Family Foundation
Mountain View, CA
The foundation supports economic opportunity and education, including small-business access, workforce and college pathways, English learners, supportive housing, and community-based organizations serving people facing challenges. In 2024, grants ranged from $100 to $5 million, with a median of $75,000; its focus is Silicon Valley, though most grant dollars went to California. The filing says applications are sent directly and nonprofits can use an online form to receive funding-opportunity information; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$886.3M
Grants
526
Total Given
$69.3M
The Applied Materials Foundation
Santa Clara, CA
The foundation funds education, arts and culture, civic engagement, environmental work, and girls’ empowerment, prioritizing community needs where Applied Materials operates; recent grants went to organizations in California, South Carolina, and Texas. In 2025, grants ranged from $101,907 to $2.5 million, with a median of $373,541. It does not limit giving to preselected organizations, and its guidelines provide application details.
Assets
$39.2M
Grants
20
Total Given
$13.4M
Ross Stores Foundation
Dublin, CA
Ross Stores Foundation supports youth literacy, STEM, mentoring, leadership, and college- and career-readiness programs, especially for young people facing socioeconomic challenges in communities where Ross operates. Its Regional Giving Program offers one-year grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000; eligible organizations may submit an unsolicited Letter of Inquiry through its online portal, with selected applicants invited to apply.
Assets
$10.2M
Grants
140
Total Given
$4.2M
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Los Altos, CA
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation funds charitable organizations working on just societies, healthy families and communities, and a healthy natural world, including climate solutions, ocean conservation, and science. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, and half of grant dollars went to California recipients. It accepts unsolicited requests, but less than 1% of its grants come from them.
Assets
$8.5B
Grants
1,029
Total Given
$350.0M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals funds health care access and services, community health, health education, and related work, with priorities including mental and behavioral health, housing, and income and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grant dollars went to California, with some going elsewhere. In Southern California, it says it does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals and awards grants through competitive processes to pre-identified organizations.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). San Jose Public Library Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/san-jose-public-library-foundation-morg_9d077cab16af475ab8ff31e49c18945d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_770142379_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{San Jose Public Library Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/san-jose-public-library-foundation-morg_9d077cab16af475ab8ff31e49c18945d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 San Jose Public Library 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.
San Jose Public Library Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?