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Elerding Family Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Elerding 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.

$220k
Granted FY2017
22
Grants FY2017
6
States reached
$25k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead

Read this first · the figures below need context

80% of Elerding Family Foundation’s FY2024 grant dollars went to Donors Trust Inc, not to grantees.

Its money now reaches organizations through that sponsor, which does not report who recommended each grant. FY2024 names 10 organizations directly, so a portfolio cannot be read from it. Everything below is therefore FY2017, the last year Elerding Family Foundation named its own grantees at scale: 16 organizations, $220k. It is dated, not current.

Organizations named directly on the return

16
’17
7
’19
4
’20
7
’21
8
’22
8
’23
10
’24

Amber years are those where most dollars went to a sponsor.

01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Philanthropy$7.0MHealth$1.0MEducation$615kArts & Culture$363kHuman Services$216kHousing & Shelter$100kPublic Safety & Disaster$90kPublic Benefit$70kOther$0
02FY2017 · 22 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2017

  • Under $10k11 grants · $35k
  • $10k–50k11 grants · $185k
$10,000
Median grant
6
States reached
$31M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
HANDS TOGETHER A CENTER FOR CHILDRE$25,000
FAMILIES FORWARD$25,000
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS$25,000
SHARE OUR SELVES$25,000
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH FOUNDA$20,000
NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY$15,000
COURT APPNTD SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF O$10,000
CUSTOM CANINES SERVICE DOG ACADEMY$10,000
DARKNESS TO LIGHT$10,000
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE CNTY$10,000
CORAL REEF ALLIANCE$10,000
ART CREATIVITY FOR HEALING$5,000
ORANGEWOOD CHILDRENS FOUNDATION$5,000
OCSPCA$5,000
PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATIO$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 (FY17–24, $211k) land where the poverty rate runs at 10%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%LET THEM BREATHE: $25k → 11%CAMP KESEM NATIONAL: $10k → 14%PUPPIES BEHIND BARS INC: $1k → 17%CUSTOM CANINES SERVICE DOG ACADEMY: $10k → 10%LET THEM BREATHE: $25k → 11%LET THEM BREATHE: $20k → 11%HANDS TOGETHER A CENTER FOR CHILDRE: $25k → 10%SHARE OUR SELVES: $25k → 10%SHARE OURSELVES CORPORATION: $25k → 10%CATERINA'S CLUB: $25k → 10%CATERINA'S CLUB: $20k → 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.
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.
04

Where the work is directed

The same grants placed two ways: where each recipient sits, and where its stated purpose sends the money.

About 73% of Elerding Family Foundation’s grant dollars are earmarked for a different county than the recipient’s own address.

Elerding Family Foundationlessmore of its giving
Placed by recipient address
How this is measured
Recipient view: each grant at its grantee’s ZIP, mapped to a county. Directed view: each grant at the county its stated purpose names, falling back to the recipient’s county when the purpose names no place; US grants only. A county shows only if it carries the top 95% of that view’s dollars. Purposes are read from the funder’s own 990 grant descriptions.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

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

94%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$2.5M · 16 repeat orgs$165k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +57% since the first grant, against +29% for those funded once.

16 repeat relationships: 7 still active in FY2017, 9 since wound down; 22 grantees were first funded in FY2017 (too recent to call). Read against FY2017, the last year this funder named its own grantees directly; its giving has since run through a sponsor, which reports no donor behind each grant.

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

16
22

Total granted

$2.5M
$165k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+57%
+29%

Still filing today

81%
73%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 92% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $30k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

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

’17’19’20’21’22’23’24
Human ServicesEnvironmentArts & CultureEducationHealthCrime & LegalOther
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

  • OC
    ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
    6× · 2017–2023 · $605k · revenue +71%
  • CH
    CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE COUNTY
    4× · 2017–2021 · $385k · revenue +127%
  • OC
    ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AND DANCE INC
    5× · 2020–2024 · $277k · revenue +184%

Funded once

  • HT
    HANDS Together A Center for Children
    one grant, 2017 · $25k · revenue +16%
  • TC
    THE CORAL REEF ALLIANCEgraduated
    one grant, 2017 · $10k · revenue +104%
  • CA
    COURT APPNTD SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF O
    one grant, 2017 · $10k
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
Oncology and Kids Inc

To help kids and families heal the emotional scars of childhood cancer and learn to thrive.

Human Services
2
For the Children

To transform lives and communities by providing an array of programs, all directed toward changing the lives of children in the foster care system aimed to prevent academic failure, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, sex trafficking,…

Recreation & Sports
3
Curesearch for Children's Cancer

Curesearch's mission is to fund & support targeted & innovative cancer research with measurable results, & to be the authoritative source of information & resources for all those affected by children's cancer. see schedule o for…

Health
4
California Ocean Science Trust

California ocean science trust (ost) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating progress towards a healthy and productive ocean future for california. created by state legislation, ost bridges the gap between cutting-edge…

Environment
5
The California Channel

To distribute public affairs and other educational information in order to create an electronic bridge between californians and their public officials, and, in the process educate a new generation of voting citizens and civic leaders who…

—
6
Pet Orphans of Southern California

In addition to rescue and adoption, pet orphans provides a wide range of services including education, medical/financial, spay/neuter, and training assistance.

Animals
7
Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Promotion and advancement of children's health through patient care, research, and education.

Health
8
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.

—
9
California Dental Association Foundation

The foundation's mission is to improve the oral health of all californians by supporting the dental profession and its efforts to meet community needs.

Science & Tech
10
Childrens Oncology Services Inc

Camp one step by children's oncology services is a leader in providing empowering, supportive, educational, and fun experiences for children (ages birth-19) who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. we are the only local…

Health
11
Florence Crittenton Services of Orance County Inc

Crittenton provides transformative behavioral health services, supportive housing, and foster care to children, young adults, and families to build a better future.

Human Services
12
Cancer Research and Biostatistics

To help conquer cancer and other diseases through the application of biostatistical principles and innovative data management methods.

Health
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Families Forward; the most unlike its peers is Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
05the grantee network

30 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. 30 of the 39 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.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
5
Early backer (in before they grew)
30/30
Grantees still filing
21/30
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

Donors Trust Inc: $7,005,000 · PhilanthropyDonors Trust Inc+1 more: $10,000 · PhilanthropyALZHEIMER'S DISEASE RESEARCH FOUNDA: $350,000 · OtherALZHEIMER'…FAMILIES FORWARD: $100,000 · OtherFAMILIES F…BLIND CHILDRENS LEARNING CENTER OF: $100,000 · OtherBLIND CHIL…ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY SERVICES CENTER: $95,000 · OtherALZHEIMER'…RIVERSIDE CTY DEPUTY SHERIFF RELIEF: $90,000 · OtherRIVERSIDE …MIRACLES FOR KIDS INC: $40,000 · Other+16 more: $128,000 · Other+16 moreORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: $605,000 · Education+1 more: $10,000 · EducationCHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE COUNTY: $385,000 · HealthTRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS INC: $90,000 · HealthORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AND DANCE INC: $277,000 · Arts & CulturePALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM INC: $80,000 · Arts & Culture+1 more: $1,000 · Arts & CultureLet Them Breathe: $70,000 · Human ServicesShare Our Selves Corporation: $50,000 · Human ServicesCATERINAS CLUB: $45,000 · Human ServicesHANDS Together A Center for Children: $25,000 · Human ServicesCamp Kesem National: $10,000 · Human ServicesCUSTOM CANINE SERVICE DOG ACADEMY INC: $10,000 · Human Services+1 more: $1,000 · Human ServicesNAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY: $65,000 · Public Benefit
Philanthropy$7,015,000Other$903,000Education$615,000Health$475,000Arts & Culture$358,000Human Services$211,000Public Benefit$65,000

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

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetDonors Trust Inc: $7,005,000 over 6y, 0.9% of budgetORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: $605,000 over 6y, 0.4% of budgetCHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE COUNTY: $385,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AND DANCE INC: $277,000 over 5y, 6.8% of budgetFAMILIES FORWARD: $100,000 over 3y, 0.8% of budgetALZHEIMER'S FAMILY SERVICES CENTER: $95,000 over 4y, 0.6% of budgetTRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS INC: $90,000 over 4y, 0.2% of budgetPALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM INC: $80,000 over 5y, 0.8% of budgetLet Them Breathe: $70,000 over 3y, 68% of budgetNAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY: $65,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetShare Our Selves Corporation: $50,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetCATERINAS CLUB: $45,000 over 2y, 0.8% of budgetMIRACLES FOR KIDS INC: $40,000 over 2y, 0.4% of budgetORANGEWOOD FOUNDATION: $30,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetHANDS Together A Center for Children: $25,000 over 1y, 2.0% of budgetTHE CORAL REEF ALLIANCE: $10,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetFOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetArms of Love International: $10,000 over 1y, 1.1% of budgetDARKNESS TO LIGHT INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetCamp Kesem National: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetOrange County Coastkeeper: $10,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetRiding Emphasizing Individual Needs & Strengths: $10,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetTHE DRAGON KIM FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 2.6% of budgetCUSTOM CANINE SERVICE DOG ACADEMY INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetTHE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetNEPAL YOUTH FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetPEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetPUPPIES BEHIND BARS INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNAVY SEAL FOUNDATION INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% 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.

Orange County Communi…Sempra FoundationEdwards Lifesciences …California Community …Jpmorgan Chase Founda…The Blackbaud Giving …American Online Givin…The Pfizer Foundation…American Endowment Fo…National Philanthropi…Natl Christian Charit…Vanguard Charitable E…
Orange County Community FoundationCA21× affinity8 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Orange County Community Foundation · Sempra Foundation · Edwards Lifesciences Foundation · California Community Foundation · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · The Blackbaud Giving Fund · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · The Pfizer Foundation Inc · American Endowment Foundation · National Philanthropic Trust · Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

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 Elerding Family Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Elerding Family Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%5%19%42%75%funder's share of their income ↑0%23%45%68%90%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    9report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–90%
    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 39 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 2017, released 2017. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Elerding 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