The Fuller Foundation
The Fuller Foundation is a public charity based in Pasadena, California. It serves Fuller Theological Seminary through advancement services and endowment management, and serves partner organizations and the broader Christian community through financial services and charitable distributions.
The Fuller Foundation at a glance
In short: The Fuller Foundation gave $3.7M across 43 grants in 2024 (avg $86K), mostly in California. 30% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,718,510
- -1.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 43
- -4.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $86,477
- +3.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $234,599,861
- +6.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (13 of 43, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (83% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Fuller Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 135 N Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182
Phone: (626) 792-3232
Website: https://thefullerfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Fuller Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Fuller Theological Seminary ($2.9M). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
293 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 261 grants of 293 (89%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, California recipients received 83% of grant dollars. Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, and Oklahoma each received 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 43 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Fuller Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 43 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $116K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $16K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $3.7M (2024) to $6.6M (2021). In 2024 it made 43 grants totaling $3.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fuller Theological Seminary Pasadena, CA | General Support | $2,916,124 |
| The Voice of the Martyrs Bartlesville, OK | General Support | $60,000 |
| Intervarsity Christian Fellowshipusa Madison, WI | General Support | $50,000 |
| The Outreach Foundation Franklin, TN | General Support | $48,050 |
| Come and See Africa Vancouver, WA | General Support | $40,000 |
| The Wedgewood Circle Vienna, VA | General Support | $35,000 |
| Windrider Institute Eagle, ID | General Support | $35,000 |
| Church of the Servant Grand Rapids, MI | General Support | $32,000 |
| Evangelical Formosan Church SFV Reseda, CA | General Support | $30,000 |
| She Is Safe Roswell, GA | General Support | $30,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $234,599,861 | $8,141,876 | $8,776,555 | $3,718,510 | 43 | $1,087,571 |
| 2023 | $220,467,878 | $13,696,831 | $8,818,950 | $3,757,204 | 45 | $7,014,177 |
| 2022 | $203,579,115 | $12,191,151 | $15,178,792 | $4,292,865 | 64 | $-168,056 |
| 2021 | $257,941,250 | $19,125,152 | $21,814,705 | $6,625,787 | 67 | $-2,527,490 |
| 2020 | $242,823,131 | $18,016,799 | $20,117,978 | $5,523,122 | 74 | $-7,769 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to serve Fuller Theological Seminary through advancement activities and endowment management, and to serve its partners—including churches and denominations—and the broader Christian community as a trusted provider of financial services.
Its filing describes support for Fuller Theological Seminary, other Christian-based organizations, other charitable organizations, and designated, restricted, or endowment funds. Endowment funds support the seminary’s general operations, endowed chairs, and scholarships, as well as other charitable organizations. The foundation also manages charitable trusts, charitable funds, donor-advised funds, and gift-annuity-type accounts, and provides trust fiduciary services to other charitable organizations with a Christian mission.
Examples of grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Fuller Theological Seminary describes itself as a multi-denominational post-baccalaureate school preparing students for Christian vocations. She Is Safe says it works to prevent, rescue, and restore women and girls from abuse and exploitation in high-risk communities. New Door Ventures describes its work as preparing opportunity youth for work and life through jobs, training, education, and support. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 43 grants totaling $3,718,510. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $2,916,124; the median grant was $15,000.
The largest 2024 grant was $2,916,124 to Fuller Theological Seminary for general support. Other large grants included $60,000 to The Voice of the Martyrs, $50,000 to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, $48,050 to The Outreach Foundation, and $40,000 to Come and See Africa, all for general support. Additional 2024 grants included $30,000 to She Is Safe, $22,500 to New Door Ventures, $20,000 to Logos Evangelical Seminary, and $19,000 to Opportunity International.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Lauren Yamaoka, Sr. Director of Development & Foundations; Todd Derrick, Sr. Director of Gift/Estate Planning Services; Brian Rietze, Chief Financial Officer; Dasha Thomas, Chief Development Officer; John Kamperschroer, Sr. Director of Development; Ronald Smicker, Director of Development; Luz Mosqueda, Accounting Manager; Melissa Frietas, Director of Development; Regina Graham, Director of Church Engagement; and Nicole Shelley, Secretary / Office Operations Manager.
The Fuller Foundation is led by Robert J. Ceremsak Jr., Chair & Acting Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 10 of 23 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Robert J. Ceremsak Jr.
Chair & Acting Executive Director
Director → Director & Board Chair, 2022
Director & Board Chair → Chair & Acting Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Todd Derrick
Senior Director Gift & Estate Planning Svcs.
Senior Director Gift & Estate Planning Svcs. → Senior Director Gift & Estate Planning Srvcs, 2023
Senior Director Gift & Estate Planning Srvcs → Senior Director Gift & Estate Planning Svcs., 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$55K (2020) → $11K (2024)
John Kamperschroer
Senior Director of Development
Senior Director of Development → Senior Development Officer, 2023
Senior Development Officer → Senior Director of Development, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$165K (2021) → $183K (2024)
Lauren Yamaoka
Senior Director of Development & Foundations
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$111K (2022) → $259K (2024)
Melissa Frietas
Director of Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$130K (2024)
Regina Graham
Director of Church Engagement
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$113K (2024)
Ronald Smicker
Director of Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$139K (2024)
Daniel Dominick Meyer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Danny Kuo
Director
Director Start → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Herrick Drake
Director
Director & Board Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Rea Jr.
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jody Vanderwel
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michele Ruby
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Colette Cozean
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russ Michealsen
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Emmanuel Goatley
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joanne Mathew
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shirley Mullen
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Rietze
Chief Financial Officer
Controller → CFO, 2021
CFO → Chief Financial Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$67K (2020) → $118K (2024)
Dasha Thomas
Chief Development Officer
Senior Director of Gift Planning → Senior Director Gift Planning & Annual Giving, 2022
Senior Director Gift Planning & Annual Giving → Chief Development Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$191K (2020) → $237K (2024)
Luz Mosqueda
Accounting Manager
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$52K (2020) → $110K (2024)
Nicole Shelley
Secretary & Office Ops Manager
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$76K (2023) → $91K (2024)
Daniel L. Villanueva
Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2021
Director & Vice Chair → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Daniel L. Cooper (2020–2023) — Executive Director
- Former: Emily Sexton (2020–2023) — Secretary, Director of Hr & Office Ops
- Former: Mark Labberton (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lily Chia Tsau (2021–2023) — Senior Director & Alumni Relations
- Former: Alyse Lee (2022–2023) — Director of Stewardship
- Former: Ken Erffmeyer (2022–2023) — Senior Vice President for Advancement
- Former: Kathleen Kane (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Roy L. Rogers (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Brandy Ammons (2022) — Director of Development
- Former: David Fasold (2022) — Director of Development
- Former: Brent Assink (2020–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Jim Rea (2020) — Director
- Former: Terrence Watson (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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $259K, to Lauren Yamaoka (Sr. Director of Dev. & Foundations). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Fuller Foundation
How much does The Fuller Foundation give each year?
The Fuller Foundation gave $3.7M across 43 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.8M across 45 grants.
What is The Fuller Foundation's typical grant size?
The Fuller Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $86,477, across 43 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Fuller Foundation that year got $17K on average.
Where does The Fuller Foundation give grants?
The Fuller Foundation gives mostly in California: 83% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pasadena, CA (2 grants), Vienna, VA (2 grants), Grand Rapids, MI (2 grants) and Reseda, CA (2 grants).
Does The Fuller Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Fuller Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (43 of 43) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Fuller Foundation's largest grantees?
The Fuller Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Fuller Theological Seminary ($2,916,124), The Voice of the Martyrs ($60,000) and Intervarsity Christian Fellowshipusa ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 81% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Fuller Foundation?
The Fuller Foundation reported $234.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.1M.
What does The Fuller Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to serve Fuller Theological Seminary through advancement activities and endowment management, and to serve its partners—including churches and denominations—and the broader Christian community as a trusted provider of financial services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Fuller Foundation?
The Fuller Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check thefullerfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Fuller Foundation's EIN?
The Fuller Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4124436. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 2, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 31, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Fuller Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-fuller-foundation-morg_43a33a93d460499b9fb934f2c2e44e9a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_954124436_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Fuller Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-fuller-foundation-morg_43a33a93d460499b9fb934f2c2e44e9a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Fuller Foundation'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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