The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation
The Canary Fund, based in Woodside, California, is a public charity that supports collaborative research and development aimed at detecting cancer early. Its stated objective is to help translate research into clinical applications, including blood and imaging tests that can identify lethal cancers at a curable stage.
Key facts about The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation
In short: The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation gave $1.7M across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $146K), top state California. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 65-1230251
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,748,069
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- Average grant
- $145,672
- Median grant
- $84,129
- Total assets
- $2,450,031
- Primary geography
- California (43% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$2.5M
+32.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
+39.1% YoY
Grant Count
12
+20.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$146K
+15.9% YoY
How The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation gives
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states that its mission is to support research aimed at creating reliable and affordable early-detection tests for cancer. Its scientific programs seek to develop blood and imaging tests that can be used together to detect lethal cancers at a curable stage.
The filing describes programs focused on ovarian, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, alongside a collaborations program. The website also describes clinical programs covering breast cancer. Research areas include biomarker discovery and validation, molecular imaging, screening, and clinical translation.
The filing describes partnerships with research institutions, foundations, industry, and government organizations. Among the 2025 grantees, UC San Diego Foundation received $450,000; the Foundation describes its mission as raising private support for UC San Diego’s research, teaching, and public-service mission. The University of Michigan received $203,950; its stated mission is to represent and advocate for its member physicians.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the fund awarded 12 grants totaling $1,748,069. Grant amounts ranged from $12,000 to $450,000, with a median of $84,129. The filing says the organization requires ongoing oral and written reports to monitor the progress of funded grants.
Ready to take the next step with The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in California (43%), Pennsylvania (20%), Washington (20%), Michigan (12%), and Virginia (3%). These figures describe the locations of that year’s grant recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $229K (2019) to $3.5M (2020). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was UC San Diego Foundation ($450K). Together the top 10 received $1.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
42 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 20 grants of 42 (48%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UC San Diego Foundation La Jolla, CA | Cancer Research | $450,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Cancer Research | $353,394 |
| Stanford School Of Medicine Palo Alto, CA | Cancer Research | $209,000 |
| University of Michigan East Lansing, MI | Cancer Research | $203,950 |
| Providence Swedish Cancer Ins Seattle, WA | — | $174,400 |
| University of Washington Seattle, WA | Cancer Research | $118,258 |
| Seattle Inst Biomedical Clinical Seattle, WA | Cancer Research | $50,000 |
| University of Texas Health Ct San Antonio, CA | Cancer Research | $50,000 |
| Urology of Virginia Virginia Beach, VA | Cancer Research | $50,000 |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Boston, MA | Cancer Research | $42,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,450,031 | $2,205,595 | $2,185,417 | $1,748,069 |
| 2024 | $1,850,228 | $1,792,816 | $1,727,013 | $1,256,597 |
| 2023 | $1,687,918 | $1,883,312 | $1,352,591 | $854,570 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,450,031 | $1,850,228 | $1,687,918 |
| Revenue | $2,205,595 | $1,792,816 | $1,883,312 |
| Expenses | $2,185,417 | $1,727,013 | $1,352,591 |
| Net Investment Income | $42,376 | $37,758 | $24,569 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 2, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 25, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 15, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Don Listwin as Founder & CEO, Heidi Auman as Program Manager, Kevin Kennedy as Treasurer, and Michael Ball, Dale Jantzen, and Hilary Valentine as directors. The filing states that Don Listwin and Hilary Valentine are husband and wife, and that Listwin sits on the board of directors of Ball’s company.
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation is led by Don Listwin, Founder & CEO on every filing since 2019; 1 of 6 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Don Listwin
Founder & CEO
On filings since 2019
8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dale Jantzen
Director
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hilary Valentine
Director
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Ball
Director
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Heidi Auman
Program Manager
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$126K (2019) → $202K (2025)
Kevin Kennedy
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Therese Quinlan (2019–2020) — Vice President Development
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $202K, to Heidi Auman (Program Manager).
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 620134, Woodside, CA 94062
Phone: (650) 646-3200
Website: https://canaryfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation
How much does The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation give each year?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation gave $1.7M across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 10 grants.
What is The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's typical grant size?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $84,129, and its average grant was $145,672, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation give grants?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's top state is California, with 43% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (20%) and Washington (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were Seattle, WA (3 grants).
Does The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 11 grants with a stated purpose on The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Cancer Research" (10 grants).
Who are The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's largest grantees?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include UC San Diego Foundation ($450,000), University of Pennsylvania ($353,394) and Stanford School Of Medicine ($209,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation reported $2.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.2M.
What does The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation fund?
The organization states that its mission is to support research aimed at creating reliable and affordable early-detection tests for cancer. Its scientific programs seek to develop blood and imaging tests that can be used together to detect lethal cancers at a curable stage. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check canaryfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's EIN?
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 65-1230251. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds education, research, clinical practice, and related programs, with many large awards listed as sub-awards; its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000. Grants went mainly to recipients in California and Maryland, among other states, but no geographic restriction or policy on unsolicited requests is stated.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
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.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Irvine, CA
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation funds scientific research and training in chemistry and the life sciences, especially early-career researchers, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate researchers, and Orange County STEM/STEAM programs. Its giving varies widely: the 2025 median grant was $26,000, while major research awards can reach millions and Young Investigator awards are typically $600,000 over four years. It funds nationally, with substantial support in California and Illinois, and does not consider proposals outside its established programs.
Assets
$775.4M
Grants
294
Total Given
$30.2M
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
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, gender equity, governance, democracy, and philanthropy, with work in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, nationally, and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, though awards ranged from $50 to more than $11 million; it often provides long-term general operating support. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through invited open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; 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 funds community health centers, free and charitable clinics, educational institutions, and other organizations addressing health inequities, and provides medical supplies for healthcare facilities serving underserved communities and people affected by emergencies. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $4.34 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work across the U.S. and more than 80 countries. The available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,367
Total Given
$337.4M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
The San Diego Foundation
San Diego, CA
The San Diego Foundation supports nonprofits advancing racial and social justice, equity of opportunity, and resilient communities, with grants for projects, capacity building, or general support. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, with awards ranging from $5,100 to nearly $5 million; it generally funds organizations serving San Diego County residents, though some grants reach beyond the county. Applications are made through posted funding opportunities, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds health and racial equity, including health care access, community health, organizing, and policy change, primarily in California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals supports community health, health-care access, and efforts addressing health inequities, including mental and behavioral health, housing, and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, with most grant dollars going to California; Southern California grants focus on its 14 service areas. For Southern California regional grants, unsolicited letters of inquiry and proposals are not accepted; other application routes described include invited inquiries and open event sponsorship applications.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
More Funders in California
The Canary Fund DBA Canary Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?