The Roddenberry Foundation
The Roddenberry Foundation is a private foundation based in Sherman Oaks, California. It describes itself as a philanthropic institution rooted in exploration and possibility, investing in creative minds and bold ideas to pursue a more humane and abundant future.
The Roddenberry Foundation at a glance
In short: The Roddenberry Foundation gave $4.0M across 131 grants in 2024 (avg $31K), mostly in California. 76% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,029,214
- -20.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 131
- -14.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $30,757
- -7.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $12,000
- Total assets
- $85,009,834
- +1.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 76% first-time grantees (96 of 126, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (53% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Roddenberry Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation says program timelines and application procedures vary, with deadlines, eligibility, and criteria listed on its website. Applications must be in English, and applicants may apply to only one Foundation initiative at a time. The FAQ says that, at this time, prior grant recipients may not apply again unless directly invited. The Foundation’s application FAQ currently says no grant programs are open for proposals and that no opening dates are scheduled.
- Review Cycle
- No scheduled program-opening dates are listed. The filing lists deadlines as N/A.
- Deadline
- No scheduled program-opening dates are listed.
- Contact
Application contact: Jessie Beebe
Mailing address: 11526 Ventura Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91605
Phone: (818) 382-7800
Website: https://roddenberryfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Roddenberry Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The J Gladstone Institute ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($65,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
731 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 626 grants of 731 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Catalyst Fund page says it makes grants to anyone, anywhere in the world. In 2024, 53% of grant dollars went to recipients in California, 3% to Massachusetts, and 1% each to Utah and Pennsylvania; 35% is listed with the recipient state as “?”. The 2024 grants also included recipients in Louisiana and the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 131 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Roddenberry Foundation open to new grantees?
76%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 96 of 126 grantees (76%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $19K; repeat grants $72K. How we count
Medians: $12K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 19% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 23% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.9M (2022) to $5.2M (2021). In 2024 it made 131 grants totaling $4.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The J Gladstone Institute San Francisco, CA | General Support | $1,000,000 |
| Academy Foundation Beverly Hills, CA | General Support | $400,000 |
| Elypta | Development of a liquid biopsy to enable early detection of cancer (optimizing for low-cost and broad use potential) | $333,333 |
| The Contentment Foundation Santa Monica, CA | General Support | $150,000 |
| The Contentment Foundation Santa Monica, CA | General Support | $100,000 |
| Harmony Project Los Angeles, CA | General Support | $75,000 |
| Crohns and Colitis Foundation Los Angeles, CA | General Support | $60,000 |
| College Together Philadelphia, PA | General Support | $50,000 |
| Federation of American Scientists Washington, DC | General Support | $50,000 |
| Free Alas New Orleans, LA | General Support | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Roddenberry Foundation?
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 | $85,009,834 | $7,214,220 | $5,884,371 | $4,029,214 | 131 | $6,116,676 | $6,517,347 | $3,936,624 |
| 2023 | $83,692,966 | $5,205,023 | $6,317,181 | $5,063,224 | 153 | $7,363,158 | $2,240,758 | $3,968,209 |
| 2022 | $80,242,145 | $2,607,743 | $5,099,540 | $3,897,754 | 139 | $6,039,425 | $1,049,491 | $4,185,883 |
| 2021 | $99,912,629 | $4,393,888 | $6,057,562 | $5,216,879 | 122 | $6,799,309 | $3,388,920 | $4,711,457 |
| 2020 | $90,372,865 | $11,204,960 | $8,826,426 | $4,577,230 | 186 | — | $10,664,985 | $4,056,872 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Roddenberry Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated purpose is to support creative minds and bold ideas in pursuit of a more humane and abundant future. Its programs include the Catalyst Fund, which supports ideas or early-stage projects that challenge conventional thinking; the Fellowship, which supports work in civil rights, environmental protection, immigration and refugee rights, LGBTQIA and women’s rights, or health and wellness; and a Prize that, in its 2024 program description, focused on using AI to improve the world.
Its 2024 grants included support for organizations working in varied areas. For example, the Academy Foundation says it oversees educational and cultural activities in the motion picture industry, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Harmony Project says it promotes children’s development through music. Hollywood Food Coalition says it welcomes people to dinner, rescues and redistributes food, and provides wellness programming. Other 2024 grantees describe work in social and environmental projects, civic engagement, youth affected by criminal or immigration courts, and embedding science and technology in government and public discourse.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 131 grants totaling $4,029,214. Grant amounts ranged from $200 to $1,000,000, with a median grant of $12,000. Among the largest awards were $1,000,000 to the J Gladstone Institute for general support, $400,000 to the Academy Foundation for general support, and $333,333 to Elypta for development of a liquid biopsy to enable early cancer detection, optimized for low cost and broad-use potential. Other notable awards included $150,000 and $100,000 to the Contentment Foundation, each for general support; $75,000 to Harmony Project; and $60,000 to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Heidi Roddenberry as president, Eugene Roddenberry as vice president, Morton Kessler as treasurer, and Andrew Garb as secretary.
The Roddenberry Foundation is led by Heidi Roddenberry, President on every filing since 2020; all 4 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Heidi Roddenberry
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$70K (2020) → $70K (2024)
Andrew Garb
Secretary
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$60K (2020) → $60K (2024)
Eugene Roddenberry
Vice President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$50K (2020) → $50K (2024)
Morton Kessler
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$60K (2021) → $60K (2024)
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 $70K, to Heidi Roddenberry (President). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Roddenberry Foundation
How much does The Roddenberry Foundation give each year?
The Roddenberry Foundation gave $4.0M across 131 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.1M across 153 grants.
What is The Roddenberry Foundation's typical grant size?
The Roddenberry Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $12,000, and its average grant was $30,757, across 131 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Roddenberry Foundation that year got $19K on average.
Where does The Roddenberry Foundation give grants?
The Roddenberry Foundation gives mostly in California: 53% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Santa Monica, CA (4 grants), Los Angeles, CA (4 grants), Oakland, CA (3 grants) and Beverly Hills, CA (2 grants).
Does The Roddenberry Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 27% of The Roddenberry Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (36 of 131) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Roddenberry Foundation's largest grantees?
The Roddenberry Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include The J Gladstone Institute ($1,000,000), Academy Foundation ($400,000) and Elypta ($333,333), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($65,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Roddenberry Foundation?
The Roddenberry Foundation reported $85.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Roddenberry Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated purpose is to support creative minds and bold ideas in pursuit of a more humane and abundant future. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Roddenberry Foundation?
The Foundation says program timelines and application procedures vary, with deadlines, eligibility, and criteria listed on its website. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Roddenberry Foundation's EIN?
The Roddenberry Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4755672. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Roddenberry 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
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
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
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
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
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Roddenberry Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-roddenberry-foundation-morg_c346040387324ef8ad9d368b1cd5184f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_954755672_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Roddenberry Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-roddenberry-foundation-morg_c346040387324ef8ad9d368b1cd5184f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Roddenberry 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.
The Roddenberry Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?