Whittier Lions Foundation is a private foundation based in Whittier, California. It gives grants and awards, including support for scholarships, vocational education, community projects, and local service efforts.
Key facts about Whittier Lions Foundation
In short: Whittier Lions Foundation gave $135K across 58 grants in 2025 (avg $2K), mostly in California. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 95-4583564
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $135,044
- Grants made (2025)
- 58
- Average grant
- $2,328
- Median grant
- $550
- Total assets
- $2,262,745
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The filing says applicants should inquire with the foundation for forms and materials. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- Deadlines vary by program.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.3M
+9.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$135K
-29.2% YoY
Grant Count
58
-10.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2K
-20.7% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Whittier Lions Foundation reported a distributable amount of $123K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Whittier Lions Foundation gives
- 10% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−10%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 119% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). 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
The foundation’s filing describes eligibility for scholastic and vocational grants and awards, as well as other grants and awards recommended by a Whittier Lions committee. The club’s website describes academic and vocational awards for local students and community projects and service grants.
Among the 2025 recipients, the Academy of Music for the Blind describes its mission as providing musical instruction to blind youth. The YMCA of Greater Whittier says its mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 58 grants totaling $135,044. Grants ranged from $80 to $44,500, with a median of $550. The largest listed grant was $44,500 to WHITE EMMERSON MORTUARY in Whittier; the filing states that funds were donated without restriction on their use. Other large awards included $4,950 to Abbie Maldonado and $4,400 each to several Whittier recipients. The Academy of Music for the Blind received $2,000, and the YMCA of Greater Whittier received $1,500.
Review Cycle
Deadlines vary by program.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2025 grant dollars went entirely to recipients in California. Its filing says applicants generally must be Whittier-area residents or organizations, with occasional grants or awards for national or international programs such as disaster relief.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 58 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $62K (2019) to $191K (2024). In 2025 it made 58 grants totaling $135K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was White Emmerson Mortuary ($45K). Together the top 10 received $85K.
Grant Size Distribution
292 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 289 grants of 292 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| White Emmerson Mortuary Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $44,500 |
| Abbie Maldonado Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,950 |
| Angelina Oliveri Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Ashlyn Ventura Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Emma Marie Salazar Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Jaelyn Hernandez Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Jessica Resendiz Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Joshua Camargo Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Josiah Lafferre Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
| Kathryn Tinoco Whittier, CA | Funds are donated without the restriction of the usage | $4,400 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,262,745 | $370,141 | $174,371 | $135,044 | 58 |
| 2024 | $2,066,975 | $226,633 | $224,961 | $190,731 | 65 |
| 2023 | $2,065,303 | $173,005 | $203,165 | $153,265 | 65 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,262,745 | $2,066,975 | $2,065,303 |
| Revenue | $370,141 | $226,633 | $173,005 |
| Expenses | $174,371 | $224,961 | $203,165 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $146,600 | $200,999 | $168,235 |
| Net Investment Income | $130,957 | $89,672 | $59,505 |
| Distributable Amount | $123,385 | $110,147 | $102,614 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 8, 2020)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 6, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Rick Gomez as president, Steve Cauffman as immediate past president, Henry Luna as secretary, and Rich Dewberry as treasurer. Other listed officers and directors are Eric Day, Tony Elmastian, George Giokaris, Frank Hill, Rob Marin, and David Martinez.
Whittier Lions Foundation is led by Rick Gomez, President since 2025 (on filings since 2019); none of the 15 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Rick Gomez
President
Second Vice President → First Vice President & Second Vice President, 2024
First Vice President & Second Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Eric Day
Senior Director
Past President Director → Director Past President, 2021
Director Past President → Senior Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Frank Hill
Senior Director
Tail Twister → Senior Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Robert Ruiz
Senior Director
Lion Tamer → Senior Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Rob Marin
Senior Director
Main Lion Editor → Senior Director, 2025
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Tony Elmastian
Senior Director
Junior Director → Senior Director, 2025
On filings since 2024
No compensation reported
Ray Perez
Senior Director
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Henry Luna
Secretary
Senior Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Steve Cauffman
Immediate Past President
First Vice President → President, 2024
President → Immediate Past President, 2025
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
David Martinez
Second Vice President
Senior Director → Third Vice President, 2024
Third Vice President → Second Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Chris Vigil
Third Vice President
Junior Director → Third Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
George Giokaris
First Vice President
Third Vice President → First Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
John Almeida
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Rich Dewberry
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Steve Rosas
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: George Aguilar (2019–2024) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Michael Greene (2021–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Gerhard Schaefer (2022–2024) — Senior Director
- Former: Jerry Pinkston (2023–2024) — Junior Director
- Former: Leon Lesa (2023–2024) — Senior Director
- Former: Matthew Martinez (2023–2024) — Junior Director
- Former: Paul White (2021–2023) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Randy Kim (2023) — Junior Director
- Former: Greg Williams (2019–2022) — Senior Director
- Former: Ruben Armienta (2019–2022) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Dan Castorena (2021–2022) — Senior Director
- Former: Jed Cauffman (2021–2022) — Senior Director
- Former: John Steele (2021–2022) — Senior Director
- Former: Ross Gile (2021–2022) — Main Lion Editor
- Former: Emilio Bravo (2022) — Junior Director
- Former: Jessie Carrillo (2022) — Junior Director
- Former: Robert Eddy (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Sam Bonderov (2019–2021) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Angel Muro (2021) — Senior Director
- Former: John Wilson (2021) — Main Lion Editor
- Former: Gil Rodriguez (2019) — Immediate Past President
- Former: John Mac McFarland (2019) — Lion Tamer
- Former: Vince Mele (2019) — Social Chairman
- Former: Vincent Daigneault (2019) — Scholarship Chairman
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Whittier Lions Foundation - Henry L
Mailing address: PO Box 245, Whittier, CA 90608
Phone: (562) 708-0716
Website: https://www.whittierlions.org
Frequently asked questions about Whittier Lions Foundation
How much does Whittier Lions Foundation give each year?
Whittier Lions Foundation gave $135K across 58 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $191K across 65 grants.
What is Whittier Lions Foundation's typical grant size?
Whittier Lions Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $550, and its average grant was $2,328, across 58 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Whittier Lions Foundation give grants?
Whittier Lions Foundation gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Whittier, CA (58 grants).
Does Whittier Lions Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 58 grants with a stated purpose on Whittier Lions Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Funds Are Donated Without the Restriction of the Usage" (58 grants).
Who are Whittier Lions Foundation's largest grantees?
Whittier Lions Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include White Emmerson Mortuary ($44,500), Abbie Maldonado ($4,950) and Angelina Oliveri ($4,400), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Whittier Lions Foundation?
Whittier Lions Foundation reported $2.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $147K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $123K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Whittier Lions Foundation fund?
The foundation’s filing describes eligibility for scholastic and vocational grants and awards, as well as other grants and awards recommended by a Whittier Lions committee. The club’s website describes academic and vocational awards for local students and community projects and service grants. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Whittier Lions Foundation?
The filing says applicants should inquire with the foundation for forms and materials. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Whittier Lions Foundation's EIN?
Whittier Lions Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4583564. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
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Whittier Lions Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?