The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp Foundation is a private foundation based in Chula Vista, California. Its mission is to strengthen communities and improve the lives of vulnerable people in San Diego and across the globe, with support for children and youth, people living below the poverty line, and organizations researching cancer cures.
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp at a glance
In short: The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp gave $5.0M across 29 grants in 2024 (avg $171K), mostly in California. 34% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,967,000
- -13.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 29
- -3.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $171,276
- -10.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $165,537,576
- -2.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 34% first-time grantees (10 of 29, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (70% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation contributes only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2820 Main Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone: (619) 600-3756
Website: https://www.thecekfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Philanthropic Impact Foundation ($2.5M). Together the top 10 received $4.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
119 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 39 grants of 119 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation describes its work as serving San Diego and communities across the globe. In 2024, 70% of grant dollars went to recipients in California and 20% to recipients in Tennessee; Louisiana, Washington, and Massachusetts each received 2%. The Earth Focus Initiative reported supporting projects in nine countries across three continents in 2024.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp open to new grantees?
34%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 29 grantees (34%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $90K; repeat grants $214K. How we count
Medians: $45K first-time, $55K repeat.
- 52% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−16%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 105% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $5.0M (2024) to $8.1M (2020). In 2024 it made 29 grants totaling $5.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Philanthropic Impact Foundation Bevely Hills, CA | Childhood drowning prevention initiative; earth focus initiative; impact philanthropy; center for eco-cultural studies (save asian elephants project) | $2,490,000 |
| Catalyst Philanthropy Fund Franklin, TN | "skilled careers coalition and big brothers big sisters san diego partnership ($80,000)skilled careers coalition ($450,000)" | $530,000 |
| Love One International Brentwood, TN | General Support | $400,000 |
| YMCA of San Diego County La Jolla, CA | "y-strong girls ($30,000); swimming with diverse abilities ($50,000); annual campaign goal ($20,000); camp ($95,000); well-being ($55,000) | $250,000 |
| Wildcoast Del Mar, CA | "mangrove restoration in la paz bay, mexico ($50,000)mangrove restoration in oaxaca & chiapas ($50,000)conserving sea turtles in mexico ($50,000)" | $150,000 |
| Sharp Healthcare Foundation San Diego, CA | Sharp mary birch's nicu parent bedside engagement in neurodevelopment (BEND) program | $100,000 |
| Emeril Lagasse Foundation New Orleans, LA | Aarn SNCHEZ Impact Fund - Culinary Scholarships | $95,000 |
| Xerces Society Inc Seattle, WA | Polinator Policy Project | $95,000 |
| Easter Seals Southern California Inc Irvine, CA | Autism Communications Devices | $85,000 |
| Four Paws International Inc Boston, MA | Ending Dog Meat Trade in Cambodia Project | $80,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $165,537,576 | $22,639,188 | $26,278,289 | $4,967,000 | 29 | $5,688,973 | $793,241 | $5,415,606 |
| 2023 | $169,521,070 | $20,796,041 | $27,899,109 | $5,762,500 | 30 | $6,216,114 | $799,826 | $5,267,277 |
| 2022 | $153,713,612 | $18,977,504 | $22,897,483 | $5,419,360 | 20 | $5,935,453 | $2,223,212 | $6,199,338 |
| 2021 | $160,060,295 | $18,965,494 | $23,057,475 | $5,921,000 | 26 | $6,336,635 | $2,361,784 | $6,408,801 |
| 2020 | $165,404,260 | $24,955,621 | $24,588,270 | $8,075,000 | 14 | — | $2,070,862 | $5,924,629 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp reported a distributable amount of $5.4M for 2024 — 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 foundation states that it works collaboratively to improve the outlook for orphans, youth, and people living below the poverty line, and provides funding to organizations researching cures for cancer. Its stated areas of work include kids and youth programs; animals, farming, and the environment; veterans’ support; cancer treatment and research; Hispanic communities; skilled trades; and second-chance hiring.
Its 2024 grants illustrate a range of supported organizations and projects. Love One International, which received $400,000, describes its mission as transforming the lives of children and families in Uganda through life-saving medical care and family preservation. The YMCA of San Diego County, which received $250,000, says it works to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body so all can thrive; the grant supported programs including camp, swimming for people with diverse abilities, and well-being.
Environmental grants included $150,000 to WILDCOAST, whose mission is to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems and address climate change through natural solutions, and $95,000 to the Xerces Society, which says it protects wildlife through invertebrate and habitat conservation. Other 2024 recipients included Easter Seals Southern California, which describes services for people with disabilities and special needs; Four Paws International, which identifies animal protection as its mission; and the Jessie Rees Foundation, which supports children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Grantmaking
The foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $4,967,000 in 2024. Individual grants ranged from $3,500 to $2,490,000, with a median of $50,000. Recent annual grantmaking was $5,762,500 across 30 grants in 2023 and $5,419,360 across 20 grants in 2022.
The largest 2024 grant was $2,490,000 to the Philanthropic Impact Foundation for projects including childhood drowning prevention, the Earth Focus Initiative, impact philanthropy, and the Center for Eco-Cultural Studies’ Save Asian Elephants project. Other large grants included $530,000 to the Catalyst Philanthropy Fund for the Skilled Careers Coalition and a Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego partnership; $400,000 to Love One International for general support; and $250,000 to the YMCA of San Diego County for several programs and its annual campaign goal.
The foundation’s Earth Focus Initiative supports projects focused on wildlife, habitats, conservation, and environmental education. The foundation says it supported 13 projects across three continents and nine countries in 2024. Its Initiative to End Child Drowning seeks to eliminate drowning among children ages 1 to 4 and describes work on water-safety education, industry collaboration, and consumer awareness.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ernestina Alonso as president, Ernestina Kreutzkamp as chairman and secretary, and Fernanda Alonso as treasurer. The foundation’s website identifies Ernestina Alonso as president and CEO and says Ernestina Kreutzkamp continues the philanthropic efforts she began with Chuck Kreutzkamp.
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp is led by Ernestina Alonso, President on every filing since 2020; all 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ernestina Alonso
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$164K (2020) → $273K (2024)
Ernestina Kreutzkamp
Chairman & Secretary
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$17K (2020) → $18K (2024)
Fernanda Alonso
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$12K (2020) → $18K (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Robert P. Pizzuto (2020) — President
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 $273K, to Ernestina Alonso (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp
How much does The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp give each year?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp gave $5.0M across 29 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.8M across 30 grants.
What is The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's typical grant size?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's median grant in 2024 was $50,000, and its average grant was $171,276, across 29 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp that year got $90K on average.
Where does The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp give grants?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp gives mostly in California: 70% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Tennessee (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Diego, CA (4 grants) and Irvine, CA (2 grants).
Does The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp give general operating support?
Occasionally: 7% of The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 29) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Spay a Stray Program" (3 grants).
Who are The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's largest grantees?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's largest 2024 grantees include Philanthropic Impact Foundation ($2,490,000), Catalyst Philanthropy Fund ($530,000) and Love One International ($400,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp reported $165.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $5.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp fund?
The foundation states that it works collaboratively to improve the outlook for orphans, youth, and people living below the poverty line, and provides funding to organizations researching cures for cancer. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp?
The foundation contributes 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 The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's EIN?
The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-3811851. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp 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-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-chuck-and-ernestina-kreutzkamp-morg_22c0c27d14ac4b70bf8e8342f5e19110
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_813811851_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-chuck-and-ernestina-kreutzkamp-morg_22c0c27d14ac4b70bf8e8342f5e19110},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 The Chuck and Ernestina Kreutzkamp'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.
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