Walter J & Betty C Zable Foundation
The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in San Diego, California. Established in 1997, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of its founders through philanthropic support across multiple focus areas.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$90.4M
-0.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.9M
-2.2% YoY
Grant Count
102
-5.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+3.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of the founders by encouraging and promoting health, science research, assisting with programs that benefit youth, underprivileged individuals, and sports-related activities.
The foundation's bylaws do not restrict grants to specific areas, and it functions as a general funder. Historically, the foundation has supported:
- Programs benefiting youth
- Underprivileged individuals
- Active and retired military personnel
- Sports-related activities
- Scientific research
- Health initiatives
Grantmaking
Average Grant
in recent years: $20,000
Review Cycle
February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grants are primarily focused on San Diego County. However, grantmaking activity extends to California, Texas, and New York, which account for 99% of all grants. The foundation's reach extends across six states.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (as of 2024):
- Total assets: $90,411,404
- Total revenues: $4,974,875
- Total expenses: $5,836,556
- Total giving: $4,931,500
Historical Asset Growth:
- 2010: $3.7 million
- 2023: $91.3 million
Grantmaking History:
- Total grants made: 392 grants totaling $18.6 million
- 2020: $3.8 million distributed
- 2022: $9.8 million distributed across 184 grants (highest activity year)
- 2023: $5 million distributed
- The foundation has supported 143 unique organizations
Staffing:
- 1 employee
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $90,411,404 | $91,275,609 | $92,065,004 |
| Revenue | $4,974,875 | $5,312,663 | $8,237,402 |
| Expenses | $5,836,556 | $6,103,223 | $6,093,367 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,269,797 | $5,429,543 | $5,210,492 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,422,113 | $4,698,985 | $7,499,265 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,111,260 | $4,836,526 | $5,336,684 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Walter J & Betty C Zable Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Warren Magill - President of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation
Kathryn Starr - Secretary
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WARREN MAGILL | PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 20 | $253,780 |
| KATHRYN M STARR | SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | 1.15 | $33,000 |
| TERRI MAGILL | DIRECTOR | 1.15 | $5,295 |
| JOHN D THOMAS | TREASURER/DIRECTOR | 1.15 | $27,500 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos (2021):**
The foundation provided a $200,000 lead gift commitment to launch the Building Great Futures Capital Campaign, with an additional $125,000 matching challenge. The funds supported the opening of a new Clubhouse at 413 Autumn Drive in San Marcos, including furniture, equipment, computers, and operating funds.
Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation**TERI Organization:**
The foundation awarded a $1 million challenge grant to the TERI Organization. The foundation also supported the development of the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation Performing Arts & Fine Arts Center on the TERI campus.
Home - Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation**San Diego Oasis (2024):**
The foundation made a $1,025,000 grant for general assistance.
TERI Organization Awarded $1 Million Challenge Grant from Zable Foundation**San Diego Blood Bank (2024):**
The foundation provided $144,000 in general assistance.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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