The Kimball Foundation

The Kimball Foundation was established by William R. Kimball (1919 - 2005) and his wife Sara H. Kimball (1936 - 1997). It was incorporated as a private foundation in the State of California in 1997.

The broad purpose of The Kimball Foundation is to provide opportunities for at-risk and disadvantaged individuals in the Bay Area to improve the quality of their lives and reach their highest potential. Toward this goal, the Foundation supports non-profit organizations serving the residents of San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo and Sonoma Counties, and to a limited extent Santa Clara County, as far south as Palo Alto.

The primary focus of the Foundation is to support organizations which benefit disadvantaged children, youth and families, and the working poor. Within the field of education and youth development, the Board is interested in academic and cultural enrichment activities, after-school and summer programs, leadership and personal skill development, mentoring programs and environmental education.

High priority is given to organizations which promote college access and encourage community service for low income youth. Grants in the arts are made only to groups that predominately serve youth, although exceptions may be made at the Board’s discretion.

The Foundation prefers to receive requests for specific projects and programs, but will consider grants for capital improvements and equipment. The Foundation does not support medical research, individuals, endowments, events, annual appeals, or religious organizations other than those providing non-sectarian services to the community.

Annual Grant Reports
2008 | 2007 | 2006 [ PDF format]
*for previous years, please contact the office

Gretchen B. Kimball, President and CEO
Stephen C. Kimball, Vice President
Donald J. McCubbin, Treasurer and CFO
Gerald F. Brush, Jr.
Andrew W. Edwards
Anne C. Kimball
Jeffrey L. Kimball

The Board meets three times each year (spring, summer, fall) to make grants.

The Kimball Foundation will accept proposals for the July2010 meeting from Monday, April 29 through Monday, May 4, 2010. Complete proposals must be received in our offices no later than 12:00 p.m. of the final date.

Proposals must include the following:

Cover letter, on organization letterhead with address and phone number, including a brief summary of the request and a list of attachments (not more than one page)
Proposal narrative (not to exceed 5 pages)
- Concise description of the organization (not more than two pages)
  - Relevant history
  - Mission
  - Geography and populations served
  - Overview of programs
- Description of the project (not more than three pages)
  - Need
  - Purpose, goals
  - Timeline
  - Project budget, including secured and projected sources of funding
Financial statement, including actual revenue and expenses for the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year
Organizational budget for the present year, detailing proposed expenditures and projected sources of funding (not more than two pages)
List of major public and private funders, identifying both secured and planned for funds
List of the Board of Directors, with affiliations
Copy of the agency's IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt determination letter

The Kimball Foundation is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment. Do not send audio-visual materials, binders, folders, or pamphlets unless requested.

Receipt of proposals will be acknowledged with a written response within a reasonable period of time. Should additional information be required, applicants will be contacted.