Stratum is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in San Francisco, California, designated as a religion-related organization with a focus on Christian and spiritual development. The organization was formed in 2020 and has been tax-exempt since September 2021. Stratum operates with a small team of 4 employees.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$696K
-27.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
+0.3% YoY
Grant Count
32
+14.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
-12.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Stratum exists to provide innovative solutions for gospel-grounded leaders and institutions in the Bay Area. The organization provides in-depth training and relational support for pastors in the early and mid stages of planting a church, and operates a matching grant program to catalyze funding for these initiatives.
Grantmaking
Stratum is an active grantmaking organization with a primary focus on religion-related, Christian, and Protestant causes. Based on recent financial data:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Stratum's funding priorities are concentrated in California, with particular emphasis on the Bay Area region.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending June 2025:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | $696,401 |
| Total Revenue | $1,589,902 |
| Total Expenses | $1,849,758 |
| Net Income | -$259,856 |
| Total Liabilities | $2,770 |
The organization's expenses exceeded revenue in FY 2025, resulting in a net deficit of $259,856.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $696,401 | $960,863 | $1,024,633 |
| Revenue | $1,589,902 | $1,765,618 | $875,098 |
| Expenses | $1,849,758 | $1,839,648 | $1,750,404 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $36,446 | $37,120 | $52 |
| 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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
111 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Hue Church ($142,491), Citizens Church ($87,470), Redeemer Lutheran Church and School (bridge City Church) ($83,153).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BOLD CHURCH (FORMERLY CENTERSET) SAN JOSE, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $39,953 |
| BRANCHES SF SAN FRANCISCO, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $43,108 |
| REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL (BRIDGE CITY CHURCH) REDWOOD CITY, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $83,153 |
| CHRIST CHURCH NAPA NAPA, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $63,539 |
| CHURCH OF THE BAY MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $20,197 |
| CITIZENS CHURCH SAN FRANCISCO, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $87,470 |
| CITY PARISH CHURCH PETALUMA, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $36,628 |
| EASTOWN CHURCH SAN RAMON, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $49,865 |
| EMERGE BERKELEY BERKELEY, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $43,541 |
| FRESH START CHURCH VALLEJO, CA | MATCHING GRANT CAMPAIGN | $59,260 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NICHOLAS PARSONS | PRESIDENT/MANAGING DIRECTO | 5 | $45,000 |
| BART GARETT | VICE PRESIDENT | 5 | $35,000 |
| CINDY COLLISTER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JOEY CHEN | SECRETARY | — | — |
| TANIA WANG-PEI | DIRECTOR | — | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Stratum fund?
Stratum exists to provide innovative solutions for gospel-grounded leaders and institutions in the Bay Area. The organization provides in-depth training and relational support for pastors in the early and mid stages of planting a church, and operates a matching grant program to catalyze funding for these initiatives.
How do I apply for a grant from Stratum?
Stratum is an active grantmaking organization with a primary focus on religion-related, Christian, and Protestant causes. Based on recent financial data: • **Total giving (FY 2025):** $1,595,725 • **Typical award range:** $19,890–$142,491 • **Geographic focus:** Primarily California The organization distributes grants to support church planting and related religious initiatives aligned with its mission of supporting gospel-grounded leaders and institutions.
Where does Stratum make grants?
Stratum's funding priorities are concentrated in California, with particular emphasis on the Bay Area region.
What size grants does Stratum award?
In 2025, Stratum awarded 32 grants totaling $1.6M — an average of about $49K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Stratum's EIN?
Stratum's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-2692988. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Stratum'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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