The Syar Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Napa, California, established in 1998 by C.M. "Tony" Syar and his wife, B.M. "Boots" Syar. The foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and represents the couple's gift to the communities where they built their family business. In 2001, Tony Syar left his entire estate to the foundation, significantly expanding its resources and impact. The foundation's origins trace to 1939, when Tony Syar started a construction and materials business that grew into one of Northern California's largest producers and suppliers of aggregate rock products, asphaltic paving materials, and ready-mix concrete.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.0M
-13.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.8M
+230.5% YoY
Grant Count
38
+46.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+126.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Syar Foundation reported a distributable amount of $500K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Syar Foundation seeks to support the communities that supported the Syar family and their businesses over many decades. The foundation's primary emphasis is on:
- K-12 education
- Children's healthcare
- Strengthening families and communities
- Animal welfare
- Health associations
- Human services, including the purchase of life-saving equipment for emergency services
Grantmaking
Since 2006, the Syar Foundation has distributed over $7.7 million in grants. Based on recent financial data, the foundation awarded approximately $1.8 million in total giving in 2024. Typical grant awards range from $1,000 to $1,000,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Syar Foundation focuses its grantmaking in four Northern California counties:
- Napa
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Yolo
The foundation also supports projects in other California cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $7,028,677 to $8,135,260 (figures vary by reporting date, with the most recent showing $8.14 million in 2023)
Annual Giving: $1,817,224 (2024); $1,224,745 in revenue (2023)
Annual Expenses: $594,351 (2023)
Tax-Exempt Status: Designated as a 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since September 1999
EIN: 94-3315815
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,028,677 | $8,135,260 | $7,516,004 |
| Revenue | $759,657 | $1,224,745 | $608,012 |
| Expenses | $1,866,240 | $594,351 | $657,007 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,817,224 | $549,902 | $629,375 |
| Net Investment Income | $729,657 | $194,745 | $581,483 |
| Distributable Amount | $499,900 | $471,422 | $478,807 |
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
175 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include First 5 Solano (child Start Inc) ($1,000,000), Access Adventure ($82,500), Vacaville Boys & Girls Club ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACCESS ADVENTURE FAIRFIELD, CA | DONATION TO A SPECIFIC PROGRAM | $82,500 |
| CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE SANTA ROSA, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $45,000 |
| CENTER FOR VOLUNTEER & NONPROFIT LEADERS SAN RAFAEL, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $8,000 |
| CHILDREN'S NETWORK OF SOLANO COUNTY FAIRFIELD, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| COPE FAMILY CENTER NAPA, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $25,000 |
| CORAZON HEALDSBURG HEALDSBURG, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES FOUNDATION FAIRFIELD, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $15,000 |
| FIRST 5 SOLANO (CHILD START INC) NAPA, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $1,000,000 |
| FLORENCE DOUGLAS SENIOR CENTER VALLEJO, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| FORGET ME NOT FARM CHILDREN'S SERVICE SANTA ROSA, CA | DONATION FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Susan L. Syar serves as a director of the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSAN L SYAR | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| ALL OTHER DIRECTORS | DIRECTOR | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Syar Foundation donated $1 million to an Early Learning Center, reflecting ongoing commitment to supporting children's education and development in the region.
Syar Foundation donates $1 million to Early Learning CenterSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Syar Foundation fund?
The Syar Foundation seeks to support the communities that supported the Syar family and their businesses over many decades. The foundation's primary emphasis is on: • K-12 education • Children's healthcare • Strengthening families and communities • Animal welfare • Health associations • Human services, including the purchase of life-saving equipment for emergency services
How do I apply for a grant from Syar Foundation?
Since 2006, the Syar Foundation has distributed over $7.7 million in grants. Based on recent financial data, the foundation awarded approximately $1.8 million in total giving in 2024. Typical grant awards range from $1,000 to $1,000,000. Recent grant activity includes a $1 million donation to an Early Learning Center, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to supporting children's services and education initiatives. The foundation has published grant guidelines effective October 1, 2023, whi…
Where does Syar Foundation make grants?
The Syar Foundation focuses its grantmaking in four Northern California counties: • Napa • Solano • Sonoma • Yolo The foundation also supports projects in other California cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles.
What size grants does Syar Foundation award?
In 2024, Syar Foundation awarded 38 grants totaling $1.8M — an average of about $48K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Syar Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Syar Foundation reported a distributable amount of $500K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Syar Foundation's EIN?
Syar Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3315815. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Syar Foundation'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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