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Caldwell Fisher Family Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Caldwell Fisher Family Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$3.7M
Granted FY2024still arriving
7
Grants FY2024still arriving
4
States reached
$3.5M
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0199% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2018 to 2024.

Science & Tech$19MEnvironment$6.3MArts & Culture$1.2MEducation$803kHealth$334kInternational$288kCivil Rights$254kYouth Development$109kOther$0
02FY2024 · 7 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k2 grants · $10k
  • $10k–50k2 grants · $50k
  • $50k–250k2 grants · $185k
  • $250k+1 grant · $3.5M
$25,000
Median grant
4
States reached
$24M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
HARVARD'S CLIMATE ACTION ACCELERATOR FUND$3,500,000
NATIONAL REDISTRICTING FOUNDATION$100,000
SFMOMA$85,000
MENTAL HEALTH COALITION INC$25,000
EXPLORATORIUM$25,000
LANDPATHS$5,000
JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE$5,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY20–23, $17k) land where the poverty rate runs at 13%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 35% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants skew toward lower-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%AMERICAN RED CROSS: $1k → 12%YOU GOTTA BELIEVE: $5k → 17%COMPASS FAMILY SERVICES: $10k → 10%LARKIN STREET YOUTH SERVICES: $1k → 10%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

WA
MN
NY
MA
OR
IN
PA
CA
UT
VA
MD
DC
MS
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

36%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$3.5M · 31 repeat orgs$6.3M to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +50% since the first grant, against +21% for those funded once.

31 repeat relationships: 4 still active in FY2024, 27 since wound down; 3 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

31
55

Total granted

$3.5M
$2.8M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+50%
+21%

Still filing today

81%
55%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 6% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $3.5M went to new ones.

50%100%’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’20’21’22’23’24
Arts & CultureEnvironmentPhilanthropyEducationHealthHuman ServicesOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
    4× · 2020–2023 · $375k · revenue +94%
  • CS
    CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ARTS
    2× · 2020–2021 · $373k · revenue +24%
  • CAPE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION INC
    3× · 2020–2022 · $370k · revenue +217%

Funded once

  • SM
    SHERIFF'S MEADOW FOUNDATIONgraduated
    one grant, 2020 · $1.0M · revenue +135% · 31% of their budget
  • TB
    THE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY
    one grant, 2020 · $250k
  • HB
    HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
    one grant, 2020 · $200k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
The Union of Concerned Scientists Inc

The union of concerned scientists puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future.

International
2
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory is dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science and outreach.

Environment
3
Rainforest Trust

Rainforest trust saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet by creating rainforest reserves through partnerships, community engagement, and donor support.

International
4
Ucsf Foundation Investment Company

The organization provides professional investment management services for endowed gifts and financial assets entrusted to the ucsf foundation.

Education
5
Friends of the Earth

Friends of the earth strives for a more healthy and just world by defendng the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice by conducting research and education, transforming the economy so it protects the…

Environment
6
The Water Research Foundation

The purpose of the water research foundation (wrf) is a definitive research organization to advance the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. to engage exclusively in…

Environment
7
Npr Foundation

The npr foundation ("foundation") is organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of its sole supported organization, national public radio, inc. ("npr inc."). the foundation supports npr inc. through various activities such as…

—
8
Aquarium of the Pacific Corporation

The aquarium of the pacific's mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the pacific ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

Animals
9
United States Naval Institute

Provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.

—
10
Environmental Investigation Agency

To establish and promote programs to protect the global climate, forests, wildlife and the natural environment, through research, advocacy, and investigation.

International
11
World Wildlife Fund Inc

Wwf's mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on earth. (continued on schedule o)

Environment
12
Native Plant Trust Inc

The organization's mission is to conserve and promote new england's native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse landscapes.

Environment
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is The Trust for Public Land; the most unlike its peers is Wildlife Conservation Society. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

60 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 60 of the 92 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

2
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
11
Early backer (in before they grew)
60/60
Grantees still filing
44/60
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

President and Fellows of Harvard College: $18,550,000 · EducationPresident and Fellows of Harvard College+4 more: $677,800 · EducationHARVARD'S CLIMATE ACTION ACCELERATOR FUND: $3,500,000 · OtherHARVARD'S CLIMATE ACTIO…THE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $300,000 · OtherTHE BETTER ANGELS SOCIETY: $250,000 · OtherHARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL: $200,000 · Other+55 more: $1,662,017 · Other+55 moreSHERIFF'S MEADOW FOUNDATION: $1,000,000 · EnvironmentCONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION: $375,000 · EnvironmentENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INCORPORATED: $150,000 · EnvironmentTen Strands: $150,000 · Environment+5 more: $52,000 · EnvironmentCOMMON SENSE MEDIA: $200,000 · Arts & CultureGREATER WASHINGTON EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION INC: $200,000 · Arts & CultureTHE EXPLORATORIUM: $175,000 · Arts & CultureSAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART: $105,000 · Arts & CultureCALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: $75,000 · Arts & CultureUTAH FILM CENTER: $55,000 · Arts & CultureFILMMAKERS COLLABORATIVE: $50,000 · Arts & CultureKQED INC: $50,000 · Arts & CultureBoston Philharmonic Orchestra Corporation: $50,000 · Arts & Culture+2 more: $11,000 · Arts & CultureCAPE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION INC: $370,000 · International+1 more: $2,500 · InternationalMONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION: $200,000 · AnimalsJANE GOODALL INSTITUTE FOR WILDLIFE RESEARCH EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION: $40,000 · AnimalsWildlife Conservation Society: $20,000 · AnimalsNATIONAL REDISTRICTING FOUNDATION: $250,000 · Civil Rights+2 more: $4,500 · Civil Rights
Education$19,227,800Other$5,912,017Environment$1,727,000Arts & Culture$971,000International$372,500Animals$260,000Civil Rights$254,500

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$100k$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetPresident and Fellows of Harvard College: $18,550,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetSHERIFF'S MEADOW FOUNDATION: $1,000,000 over 1y, 31% of budgetCONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION: $375,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetCALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ARTS: $372,500 over 2y, 1.0% of budgetCAPE ELEUTHERA FOUNDATION INC: $370,000 over 3y, 4.8% of budgetTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $300,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetNATIONAL REDISTRICTING FOUNDATION: $250,000 over 3y, 1.0% of budgetPROJECT DRAWDOWN: $225,000 over 2y, 3.4% of budgetCOMMON SENSE MEDIA: $200,000 over 3y, 0.4% of budgetMONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM FOUNDATION: $200,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetGREATER WASHINGTON EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION INC: $200,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetTHE EXPLORATORIUM: $175,000 over 4y, 0.2% of budgetENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INCORPORATED: $150,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetTen Strands: $150,000 over 3y, 7.7% of budgetSAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART: $105,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetWALNUT HILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC: $80,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetCALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: $75,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetUTAH FILM CENTER: $55,000 over 2y, 0.4% of budgetMV YOUTH INC: $53,417 over 2y, 1.5% of budgetFILMMAKERS COLLABORATIVE: $50,000 over 1y, 5.5% of budgetANTI-CORRUPTION FOUNDATION USA: $50,000 over 1y, 100% of budgetSAN FRANCISCO PARKS ALLIANCE: $50,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetISLAND HOUSING TRUST CORPORATION: $50,000 over 2y, 0.5% of budgetKQED INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetCALIFORNIA PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION: $50,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetBoston Philharmonic Orchestra Corporation: $50,000 over 1y, 1.5% of budgetSONOMA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $40,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetJANE GOODALL INSTITUTE FOR WILDLIFE RESEARCH EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION: $40,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetTHE DAWN REDWOODS CHARITABLE TRUST: $40,000 over 2y, 2.1% of budgetGREENLIGHT FUND INC: $40,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetPROJECT AVARY INC ALTERNATIVE VENTURES FOR AT RISK YOUTH: $30,000 over 3y, 0.5% of budgetTIPPING POINT COMMUNITY: $25,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNeighbors for a Better San Francisco: $25,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetTogether SF: $25,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetMental Health Coalition Inc: $25,000 over 1y, 1.1% of budgetUSTA MIDWEST TENNIS & EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC: $25,000 over 1y, 2.5% of budgetWildlife Conservation Society: $20,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetBIODIVERSITYWORKS INC: $20,000 over 2y, 2.9% of budgetTHE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND: $15,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetFRIENDS OF MVYRADIO INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetCOMPASS FAMILY SERVICES: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetSAN FRANCISCO FREE CLINIC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetRAINFOREST CONNECTION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetFOR-SITE Foundation: $10,000 over 1y, 1.0% of budgetMARTHA'S VINEYARD FISHERMEN'S PRESERVATION TRUST INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetEVERY MOTHER COUNTS: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetLandPaths: $5,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetYOU GOTTA BELIEVE - THE OLDER CHILD ADOPTION & PERMANENCY MOVEMENT INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The San Francisco Fou…Silicon Valley Commun…Jewish Community Fede…Marin Community Found…Gs Donor Advised Phil…Boston Foundation IncVanguard Charitable E…National Philanthropi…Oberndorf Family Foun…Simmons Family Founda…Morgan Stanley Global…Swartz Foundation Tru…
The San Francisco FoundationCA25.9× affinity12 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The San Francisco Foundation · Silicon Valley Community Foundation · Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco the Peninsula Marin & Sonoma · Marin Community Foundation · Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management Inc · Boston Foundation Inc · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · National Philanthropic Trust · Oberndorf Family Foundation · Simmons Family Foundation Inc · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · Swartz Foundation Trust

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Caldwell Fisher Family Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Caldwell Fisher Family Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 60%6%25%56%100%funder's share of their income ↑0%13%25%38%50%share of the org’s income from government →median 1%
  • President and Fellows of Harvard College: 7% of income from government
  • Sheriff's Meadow Foundation: 2% of income from government
  • Island Housing Trust Corporation: 1% of income from government
  • Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Corporation: 1% of income from government
  • Friends of Mvyradio Inc: 1% of income from government
  • Biodiversityworks Inc: 0% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
6get no government money at all
7report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–50%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 92 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Caldwell Fisher Family’s filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home