Sholl-Freede Foundation logo

Sholl-Freede Foundation

Private foundation · Grantmaker Seal Beach, CA EIN: 85-4395037 Website

The Sholl-Freede Foundation is a private foundation based in Seal Beach, California. Its 2025 giving supports organizations working in areas including antisemitism, children’s welfare, community safety, education, and emergency relief.

Sholl-Freede Foundation at a glance

In short: Sholl-Freede Foundation gave $517K across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $22K), top state District of Columbia. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.

Annual giving (2025)
$517,118
-0.3% vs 2024
Grants made (2025)
23
+43.8% vs 2024
Average grant
$22,483
-30.7% vs 2024
Median grant
$15,000
Total assets
$156,301
+17.2% vs 2024
Primary geography
District of Columbia (36% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.

How to apply to Sholl-Freede Foundation

Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to Apply

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Contact

Mailing address: 1760 Apollo Court, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Phone: (562) 896-2858
Website: https://shollfreedefoundation.org

Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Who Sholl-Freede Foundation funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2025

Foundation for the Defense of Democracie: $188KFoundation for the Defense ofDemocracie$188KTo Be Honest: $50KTo Be Honest$50KTikva Childrens Home: $40KTikva Childrens Home$40KThe Gaza Children Village: $25KThe Gaza Children Village$25KCommon Circles Inc: $25KCommon Circles Inc$25KOur Big Kitchen: $20KOur Big Kitchen$20KLucky Duck Foundation: $20KLucky Duck Foundation$20KEmilio Nares Foundation: $20KEmilio Nares Foundation$20KSabal Enabling Disable Children: $15KSabal Enabling DisableChildren$15KProject Peanut Butter: $15KProject Peanut Butter$15K

The largest 2025 recipient was Foundation for the Defense of Democracie ($188K). Together the top 10 received $418K.

Grant Size Distribution

60 grants across all recorded years

45<$50K10$50–100K5$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 45 grants of 60 (75%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

The foundation’s 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states. By share of grant dollars, the largest recipient-state allocations were Washington, DC (36%), California (25%), Washington (10%), New Jersey (8%), and Missouri (8%). Its website also lists work involving organizations and communities outside the United States, including in Israel, Ukraine, and Gaza.

Grant Distribution by State

14states

Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.

Cities

Los AngelesNew YorkWest CaldwellChicagoBrooklynCentennialOaklandSan DiegoSeattleWashingtonBeverly HillsBoca RatonCulver CityDoverEssingtonGreat NeckKey BiscayneLivermoreLong BeachMadison

How Sholl-Freede Foundation gives

  • 22% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
  • Giving grew 57% from 2022 to 2025. Method
  • In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). 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

$0$200K$400K$600K0 grants2020 4 grants2021 8 grants2022 9 grants2023 16 grants2024 23 grants2025

From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $162K (2021) to $519K (2024). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $517K.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Foundation for the Defense of Democracie Washington, DCResearch Institute focused on strengthening security for vulnerable communities$187,500
To Be Honest Seattle, WAMultidisciplinary laboratory focused on uplifting minority and vulnerable communities through social media communications$50,000
Tikva Childrens Home West Caldwell, NJFeeding orphaned, homeless, refugee and impoverished children in war zones in Ukraine and Romania$40,000
The Gaza Children Village Raleigh, NCProviding orphaned children with hot meals, medical care and education - including peace building curriculum in war ravaged Gaza$25,000
Common Circles Inc St. Louis, MOSchool program that deepens empathy and combats antisemitism, racism and hate$25,000
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, CALA Fire Relief - Emergency Food for Evacuees and Firefighters$20,000
Lucky Duck Foundation San Diego, CAProvides housing, nutrition, clothing and education to homeless and vulnerable children in urban San Diego$20,000
Emilio Nares Foundation San Diego, CAProvides nutrition, mental health and family support for children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses$20,000
Sabal Enabling Disable Children Oakland, CAProviding life-changing surgical, rehabilitative support to children with physical disabilities$15,000
Project Peanut Butter Maplewood, MOProvides children experiencing severe malnutrition with a nutrient-dense paste allowing them to survive and recover$15,000
Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Sholl-Freede Foundation?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsQualifying DistributionsDistributable Amount
2025$156,301$815,918$793,015$517,11823$517,118$6,440
2024$133,398$1,017,734$993,682$518,88016——
2023$122,468$559,315$520,059$430,0009——
2022$1,131$285,360$336,064$330,0008——
2021$51,835$253,000$201,165$162,0004——
2020$250,000$250,000————$607

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Sholl-Freede Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6K for 2025 — 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 IRS filing states that the foundation aims to help create a more compassionate and sustainable future worldwide through preservation of the planet, education, advocacy, and protection and healing of vulnerable communities, including children. The foundation’s website also describes its mission as supporting a more responsible, equitable, and sustainable world, including through work to preserve the planet, protect people in need, advance unity and inclusion through education, and create a more compassionate future for children.

The website identifies combating antisemitism as its urgent focus, with support directed to education, policy, and media. It says it funds effective programs and connects leaders to build a collaborative effort.

Grantees’ own descriptions show a range of work among organizations the foundation supported in 2025. To Be Honest says it addresses hatred toward Israel and Jewish people, as well as other groups targeted by extremism. The Lucky Duck Foundation says it works to prevent and alleviate homelessness in San Diego County. The Emilio Nares Foundation says it supports families navigating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Canary NGO says it develops tools to find sexually exploited children faster, while Project Peanut Butter describes its work as treating severe malnutrition, primarily among children in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Other 2025 recipients listed in the filing work on emergency housing, kindness and compassion, and access to cardiac care.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $517,118. Grant amounts ranged from $1,018 to $187,500, with a median grant of $15,000.

Notable 2025 grants included $187,500 to the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies for research focused on strengthening security for vulnerable communities; $50,000 to To Be Honest for social-media communications aimed at uplifting minority and vulnerable communities; and $40,000 to Tikva Children’s Home for food for children in war zones in Ukraine and Romania. Other grants included $25,000 each to the Gaza Children’s Village for care and education for orphaned children in Gaza and to Common Circles for a school program addressing empathy, antisemitism, racism, and hate. The foundation also gave $20,000 each to Our Big Kitchen for Los Angeles fire relief, the Lucky Duck Foundation, and the Emilio Nares Foundation.

The foundation’s website lists additional organizations it has funded, including JewBelong, the Tel Aviv Institute, the MirYam Institute, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Secure Community Network, Israel-Is, The Edit, and Eighteen. Its projects page also lists World of Children, Tikva Children’s Home, Artolution, and The Little Market.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2025 filing lists Sandra Sholl as chair, Daniela Braga-Freede as secretary, Adam Freede as treasurer, Lynn Wallace Naylor as president, and Arwen Thiel as director.

Sholl-Freede Foundation is led by Lynn Wallace Naylor, President on the 2025 filing; 2 of 5 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.

Officers on the 2025 filing

  • Lynn Wallace Naylor

    President

    New on the 2025 filing

    40 hrs/week

    $102K (2025)

  • Sandra Sholl

    Chair

    President & Director → Chair, 2024

    On filings since 2021

    4 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Arwen Thiel

    Director

    New on the 2025 filing

    30 hrs/week

    $89K (2025)

  • Adam Freede

    Treasurer

    Chief Financial Officer & Director → Chief Financial Officer An, 2023

    Chief Financial Officer An → Treasurer, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    4 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Daniela Braga-Freede

    Secretary

    Secretary → Secretary & Director, 2021

    Secretary & Director → Secretary, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    4 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (1)
  • Former: Sandy Sholl (2020) — President

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2025 IRS filing

Lynn Wallace Naylor — President: $102KLynn Wallace NaylorPresident$102KArwen Thiel — Director: $89KArwen ThielDirector$89K

The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $102K, to Lynn Wallace Naylor (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Frequently asked questions about Sholl-Freede Foundation

How much does Sholl-Freede Foundation give each year?

Sholl-Freede Foundation gave $517K across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $519K across 16 grants.

What is Sholl-Freede Foundation's typical grant size?

Sholl-Freede Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $22,483, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.

Where does Sholl-Freede Foundation give grants?

Sholl-Freede Foundation's top state is District of Columbia, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (25%) and Washington (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (3 grants), San Diego, CA (2 grants) and Oakland, CA (2 grants).

Does Sholl-Freede Foundation give general operating support?

Not in 2025: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on Sholl-Freede Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.

Who are Sholl-Freede Foundation's largest grantees?

Sholl-Freede Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Foundation for the Defense of Democracie ($187,500), To Be Honest ($50,000) and Tikva Childrens Home ($40,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.

How large is Sholl-Freede Foundation?

Sholl-Freede Foundation reported $156K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $517K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).

What does Sholl-Freede Foundation fund?

The IRS filing states that the foundation aims to help create a more compassionate and sustainable future worldwide through preservation of the planet, education, advocacy, and protection and healing of vulnerable communities, including children. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Sholl-Freede Foundation?

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is Sholl-Freede Foundation's EIN?

Sholl-Freede Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-4395037. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.

Does Sholl-Freede Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?

No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑

Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Data update history

(6)

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 10, 2023)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
  4. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 4, 2025)
  5. Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
  6. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Live grants for the work Sholl-Freede Foundation funds

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Sholl-Freede Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California

Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

San Diego, CA

The Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego supports charitable, educational, and religious organizations, with grants spanning Jewish community life, research, civil rights, health care, arts, and community services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; two-thirds of its grants since founding have gone to San Diego organizations, with others mainly elsewhere in the U.S. and Israel. Some listed opportunities accept applications from eligible nonprofits, but the profile does not state whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited requests generally.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$862.3M

Grants

774

Total Given

$148.1M

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3B

Grants

3,576

Total Given

$3.2B

California Community Foundation

Los Angeles, CA

The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.

Assets

$2.3B

Grants

2,174

Total Given

$326.6M

The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation

Menlo Park, CA

The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$14.2B

Grants

2,001

Total Given

$625.0M

Marin Community Foundation

Novato, CA

Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$1.3B

Grants

1,573

Total Given

$186.1M

Direct Relief

Santa Barbara, CA

Direct Relief supports healthcare providers serving people affected by poverty or emergencies, including community health centers, clinics, and grassroots organizations, with medicines, supplies, and funding for health access and equity. In 2025, its grants had a median award of about $65,000, and its work spans all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

International, Foreign Affairs & National Security

Assets

$1.3B

Grants

1,367

Total Given

$337.4M

More similar funders

More Funders in California

Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). Sholl-Freede Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/sholl-freede-foundation-morg_20b620a6460b427ab82d53c8957997ed

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_854395037_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{Sholl-Freede Foundation funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/sholl-freede-foundation-morg_20b620a6460b427ab82d53c8957997ed},
  note         = {Accessed 2026-10-22. 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 Sholl-Freede 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.

Sholl-Freede Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?