The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation is a private foundation based in Ross, California. Its 2024 filing reports 26 grants totaling $6,726,988, supporting organizations working in areas including climate and conservation, student leadership, and public broadcasting.
Key facts about The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation
In short: The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation gave $6.7M across 26 grants in 2024 (avg $259K), mostly in California. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 38-3667071
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $6,726,988
- Grants made (2024)
- 26
- Average grant
- $258,730
- Median grant
- $200,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (7 of 26, 2024)
- Total assets
- $49,029,511
- Primary geography
- California (69% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$49.0M
-1.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.7M
+9.2% YoY
Grant Count
26
+4.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$259K
+5.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 26 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $273K; repeat grants $254K. How we count
Medians: $250K first-time, $200K repeat.
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 28% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 155% 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for climate and conservation efforts, student development, public broadcasting, and social enterprises.
The grantees describe their work in varied ways. Summer Search says it supports low-income high school students through mentoring, summer experiences, college advising, and a lasting support network. The Climate Center describes itself as a climate and energy policy nonprofit working to reduce climate pollution, starting in California. Sustainable Conservation says it advances collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water. The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation describes itself as a venture philanthropy firm supporting early-stage, high-impact social enterprises.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 26 grants totaling $6,726,988. Grants ranged from $15 to $1,000,000, with a median grant of $200,000.
The largest 2024 grants included $1,000,000 each to PBS Foundation for its PBS Climate Initiative and Summer Search for its No Ceilings Campaign. Sustainable Conservation and the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation each received $500,000. Point Blue Conservation Science received $400,000. Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, Carbon Cycle Institute, and The Climate Center each received $300,000.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, California recipients received 69% of grant dollars, Virginia recipients 15%, Colorado recipients 6%, Montana recipients 4%, and Texas recipients 3%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $6.2M (2023) to $9.4M (2021). In 2024 it made 26 grants totaling $6.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was PBS Foundation ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $4.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 47 grants of 120 (39%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| PBS Foundation Arlington, VA | PBS Climate Initiative | $1,000,000 |
| Summer Search Oakland, CA | Summer Search No Ceilings Campaign | $1,000,000 |
| Sustainable Conservation San Francisco, CA | Stewarding Soils and Watersheds Toward Water Resilience | $500,000 |
| The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Menlo Park, CA | Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Fund IV | $500,000 |
| Point Blue Conservation Science Petaluma, CA | Unlocking Point Blue's Public/Private Partnerships to Dramatically Increase Conservation Impact | $400,000 |
| Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation Bozeman, MT | Adventure Scientists Project Seed Fund | $300,000 |
| California Assoc of Resource Conservation District Sacramento, CA | Accelerating Climate Action in California: Scaling carbon SEQUESTRATION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE ON WORKING LANDS | $300,000 |
| Carbon Cycle Institute Petaluma, CA | Accelerating Climate Action in California: Scaling Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience on Working Lands | $300,000 |
| The Climate Center Santa Rosa, CA | Accelerating Climate Action in California: Scaling Up Natural Sequestration on Working Lands | $300,000 |
| Foundation for National Progress San Francisco, CA | General & Unrestricted | $250,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $49,029,511 | $6,923,173 | $7,488,002 | $6,726,988 |
| 2023 | $49,594,340 | $2,974,766 | $6,958,493 | $6,158,834 |
| 2022 | $53,578,067 | $4,930,146 | $7,435,611 | $6,581,658 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $49,029,511 | $49,594,340 | $53,578,067 |
| Revenue | $6,923,173 | $2,974,766 | $4,930,146 |
| Expenses | $7,488,002 | $6,958,493 | $7,435,611 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $7,046,592 | $6,484,068 | $6,854,086 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,295,879 | $2,178,290 | $4,378,566 |
| Distributable Amount | $4,549,563 | $4,527,912 | $4,360,285 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Eleanor Patterson Clifford as director; Elizabeth R Patterson as president, director, and treasurer; and William R Patterson as secretary and director.
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation is led by Elizabeth R Patterson, President, Director & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Elizabeth R Patterson
President, Director & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William R Patterson
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eleanor Patterson Clifford
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Ellie Patterson (2020) — Director
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.
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1072, Ross, CA 94957
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Frequently asked questions about The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation
How much does The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation give each year?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation gave $6.7M across 26 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $6.2M across 25 grants.
What is The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's typical grant size?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $200,000, and its average grant was $258,730, across 26 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation that year got $273K on average.
Where does The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation give grants?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation gives mostly in California: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Virginia (15%) and Colorado (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (4 grants), Petaluma, CA (3 grants), Oakland, CA (2 grants) and Boulder, CO (2 grants).
Does The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 31% of The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (8 of 26) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's largest grantees?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include PBS Foundation ($1,000,000), Summer Search ($1,000,000) and Sustainable Conservation ($500,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation reported $49.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $7.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for climate and conservation efforts, student development, public broadcasting, and social enterprises. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation?
The foundation states that it 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 The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's EIN?
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3667071. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
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
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
McNabb Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The McNabb Foundation’s website describes support for behavioral health and social services in East Tennessee, while its 2024 grants went to organizations with varied missions, mostly in California. Grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
328
Total Given
$358K
The Schmidt Family Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Schmidt Family Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, human welfare, community health, and community development, with recent grants also supporting ocean stewardship, climate and energy, human rights, Indigenous land stewardship, civic engagement, youth, and food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $130,000, with amounts ranging from $400 to $8 million; grant dollars went mainly to organizations in California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia. It describes an online application process and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations; deadlines and application details are online.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
695
Total Given
$185.4M
Patagoniaorg
Ventura, CA
PATAGONIAORG funds environmental organizations and projects addressing root causes of environmental problems, including place-based protection, environmental campaigns, and broader inclusion in the movement. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $5,174,555, with a median of $15,000, and funding was concentrated in Virginia and California, with grants also reported in Oregon and Colorado. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
425
Total Given
$13.2M
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.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
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.
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 funds nonprofit work in family well-being, education, the environment, and housing, including projects, capacity building, and general support that advance equity and resilient communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; applicants generally must be located in San Diego County and primarily serve county residents. It offers competitive grant opportunities through its online portal, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds nonprofit, government, and eligible faith-based organizations working to advance health and racial equity, strengthen community power, and improve health systems and communities, primarily in California. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, and funding is by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals funds health care access and services, community health, health education, and related work, with priorities including mental and behavioral health, housing, and income and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grant dollars went to California, with some going elsewhere. In Southern California, it says it does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals and awards grants through competitive processes to pre-identified organizations.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
More Funders in California
The Elizabeth R & William J Patterson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?