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The Brunson Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Brunson Foundation

Dedicated to animal welfare and ethical treatment of all animals.

$4.8M
Granted FY2025still arriving
12
Grants FY2025still arriving
1
States reached
$3.1M
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2018 to 2025.

Animals$9.0MEducation$3.4MYouth Development$375kHealth$170kHuman Services$158kEnvironment$82kInternational$50kEmployment$35k
02FY2025 · 12 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k1 grant · $5k
  • $10k–50k3 grants · $80k
  • $50k–250k6 grants · $618k
  • $250k+2 grants · $4.1M
$97,900
Median grant
1
States reached
$104M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
UC Irvine Foundation$3,100,000
Michelson Foundation Animals Founda$1,000,000
CHOC Foundation$150,400
Eastwood Ranch Foundation$150,000
St Margaret Episcopal School$100,000
Child Guidance Center$97,900
Individual grant recipient$70,000
Teaching Everyone Animals Matter$50,000
4Th Watch Educational Services$35,000
Oak Valley College$25,000
Boys Girls Club of Whittier$20,000
Jessie Rees Foundation$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 (FY23–25, $158k) land where the poverty rate runs at 10%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 0% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants skew toward lower-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%Child Guidance Center: $98k → 10%Child Guidance Center: $53k → 10%Child Guidance Center: $8k → 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

MT
WI
NY
MA
OR
IA
CA
UT
VA
MD
AZ
NM
DC
LA
TX
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.

45%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$6.0M · 15 repeat orgs$7.3M to everyone else

15 repeat relationships: 6 still active in FY2025, 9 since wound down; 6 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

15
31

Total granted

$6.0M
$6.0M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+6%
+25%

Still filing today

80%
87%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 74% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $1.2M went to new ones.

50%100%’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

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

’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
AnimalsPhilanthropyEnvironmentEducationHealthHuman 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

  • UO
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE FOUNDATION
    2× · 2024–2025 · $3.2M · revenue +84%
  • TC
    THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS INC
    2× · 2018–2022 · $1.0M · revenue +48%
  • ER
    Eastwood Ranch Foundation
    3× · 2021–2025 · $445k · revenue +104%

Funded once

  • TM
    THE MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION INC
    one grant, 2022 · $3.0M · revenue -14% · 25% of their budget
  • MP
    MICHELSON PHILANTHROPIES INC
    one grant, 2023 · $2.0M · revenue +25% · 30% of their budget
  • TB
    TACO BELL FOUNDATION INC
    one grant, 2024 · $240k · revenue 0%
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
Global Animal Partnership
Animals
2
Humane World for Animals International

HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS INTERNATIONAL, FKA HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL (HSI), works around the globe to promote the human-animal bond, rescue and protect dogs and cats, improve farm animal welfare, protect wildlife, promote animal-free…

Animals
3
The Animal Welfare Foundation
—
4
The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

To ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home.

Animals
5
Animal Wellness Action

To prevent cruelty to animals, we promote enacting and enforcing good public policies. enacting good laws depends upon electing good lawmakers, and we remind voters which candidates care about and support animal issues.

Human Services
6
Humane World for Animals Inc

Humane World for Animals, Inc., formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States (The Organization), seeks to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering. CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O

Animals
7
World Animal Protection

World animal protection is a global organization working to end factory farming and wildlife exploitation. we expose cruel systems, promote animal-friendly alternatives, and influence policy change. for over 75 years, we've been rewriting…

Animals
8
Realtors to the Rescue

Animal Rescue

—
9
Humane World Action Fund

To pass animal protection laws, educate the public, and support humane candidates for office.

Animals
10
Born Free Foundation
—
11
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The aspca's mission, as stated by founder henry bergh in 1866, is "to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the united states." the aspca was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and…

Animals
12
World Vets

To improve the health & well-being of animals through veterinary aid, response, training, research & local capacity building worldwide. We provide services to companion animals, horses, street dogs, livestock and marine animals including…

Animals
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is The Cat House On the Kings Inc; the most unlike its peers is The Farrah Fawcett Foundation. 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

44 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. 44 of the 52 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.

4
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
8
Early backer (in before they grew)
43/44
Grantees still filing
25/44
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

THE MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION INC: $3,000,000 · PhilanthropyTHE MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION INCMICHELSON PHILANTHROPIES INC: $2,000,000 · PhilanthropyMICHELSON PHILANTHROPIES INC+3 more: $165,150 · PhilanthropyUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE FOUNDATION: $3,200,000 · EducationUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IR…+2 more: $60,000 · EducationTHE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS INC: $1,047,000 · AnimalsTHE CAT HOUSE ON TH…Eastwood Ranch Foundation: $445,000 · AnimalsEastwood Ranch Foun…SPAY4LA INC: $225,000 · AnimalsSPAY4LA INCJASON DEBUS HEIGL FOUNDATION: $110,000 · AnimalsTeaching Everyone Animals Matter: $80,000 · Animals+14 more: $368,134 · Animals+14 moreMichelson Foundation Animals Founda: $1,000,000 · OtherMichelson Foundat…Coalition of Pet and Public Safety: $276,926 · OtherCoalition of Pet …TACO BELL FOUNDATION INC: $240,000 · OtherTACO BELL FOUNDAT…St Margaret Episcopal School: $200,000 · OtherSt Margaret Episc…Individual grant recipient: $110,000 · OtherBETTER TOGETHER ANIMAL RESCUE INC: $95,000 · Other+11 more: $183,000 · Other+11 moreCHILD GUIDANCE CENTER INC: $158,370 · Human ServicesTHE SERENGETI FOUNDATION: $50,000 · EnvironmentRIVEREDGE NATURE CENTER INC: $50,000 · EnvironmentSOCIAL COMPASSION: $25,000 · EnvironmentSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $21,999 · EnvironmentLEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS EDUCATION FUND: $10,000 · EnvironmentCHOC FOUNDATION: $150,400 · Health+1 more: $5,000 · Health
Philanthropy$5,165,150Education$3,260,000Animals$2,275,134Other$2,104,926Human Services$158,370Environment$156,999Health$155,400

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 budgetUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE FOUNDATION: $3,200,000 over 2y, 1.3% of budgetTHE MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION INC: $3,000,000 over 1y, 25% of budgetMICHELSON PHILANTHROPIES INC: $2,000,000 over 1y, 30% of budgetTHE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS INC: $1,047,000 over 2y, 25% of budgetEastwood Ranch Foundation: $445,000 over 3y, 10% of budgetCoalition of Pet and Public Safety: $276,926 over 5y, 98% of budgetTACO BELL FOUNDATION INC: $240,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetSPAY4LA INC: $225,000 over 1y, 24% of budgetCHILD GUIDANCE CENTER INC: $158,370 over 3y, 0.7% of budgetCHOC FOUNDATION: $150,400 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetPETCO LOVE: $150,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetJASON DEBUS HEIGL FOUNDATION: $110,000 over 2y, 5.7% of budgetTeaching Everyone Animals Matter: $80,000 over 2y, 30% of budgetSpace for Giants USA Inc: $70,000 over 2y, 5.1% of budgetCritters Without Litters Inc: $60,000 over 1y, 2.6% of budgetTHE SERENGETI FOUNDATION: $50,000 over 2y, 0.8% of budgetRIVEREDGE NATURE CENTER INC: $50,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetTHE RICHARDSON CENTER FOR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT: $50,000 over 2y, 4.1% of budgetHumane Society of San Bernardino Valley: $42,500 over 1y, 1.6% of budgetPEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS INC: $35,500 over 1y, 0.1% of budget4TH WATCH EDUCATIONAL SERVICES: $35,000 over 1y, 1.4% of budgetDog Land Inc: $30,009 over 3y, 3.9% of budgetWILDLIFE SOS: $27,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetCENTER FOR A HUMANE ECONOMY INC: $25,525 over 1y, 0.8% of budgetSOCIAL COMPASSION: $25,000 over 1y, 9.2% of budgetOAK VALLEY COLLEGE: $25,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $21,999 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCHIMP HAVEN INC: $20,100 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetTURNING POINT USA INC: $20,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetAlliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs: $15,000 over 1y, 4.3% of budgetTHE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION INC: $12,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetAMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetAnimals In Need Rescue Network Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 13% of budgetFARM SANCTUARY INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetLEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS EDUCATION FUND: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE FARRAH FAWCETT FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 1y, 0.8% of budgetTHE LUCY PET FOUNDATION INC: $5,150 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetNRDC ACTION FUND INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetANDRE SOBEL RIVER OF LIFE FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetBOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Northeast Region Trust: $5,000 over 1y, 1.8% of budgetJessie Rees Foundation: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetWILDAID INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetLast Chance for Animals: $5,000 over 1y, 0.2% 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 Michelson Found A…Petco LoveBest Friends Animal S…The Duffield Family F…Mary Jo and Hank Gree…Margaret Perenchio Fo…Petsmart Charities IncThe American Society …Greater Good CharitiesSempra FoundationPaypal Charitable Giv…Network for Good
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation IncCA23.7× affinity9 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc · Petco Love · Best Friends Animal Society · The Duffield Family Foundation Dba Maddie's Fund · Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare Foundation · Margaret Perenchio Foundation · Petsmart Charities Inc · The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals · Greater Good Charities · Sempra Foundation · Paypal Charitable Giving Fund · Network for Good

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

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%6%25%56%100%funder's share of their income ↑0%25%50%75%100%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    3report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    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.
    05Through Plinth

    Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

    How do I get to The Brunson Foundation?

    Find your warmest path to The Brunson Foundation through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

    Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

    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 52 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 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Brunson’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