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Writer Family Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Writer Family Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$48k
Granted FY2024still arriving
14
Grants FY2024still arriving
4
States reached
$10k
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, FY2017 to 2024.

Environment$163kInternational$153kArts & Culture$114kHealth$34kRecreation & Sports$23kEducation$16kReligion$8kPublic Safety & Disaster$5kOther$0
02FY2024 · 14 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k12 grants · $28k
  • $10k–50k2 grants · $20k
$2,000
Median grant
4
States reached
$41k
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
THE LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY$10,000
DIRECT RELIEF INTERNATIONAL$10,000
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS$8,000
TRUST TAI$4,625
PROJECT HOPE$2,500
SANTA BARBARA TENNIS PATRONS$2,000
ACCION INTERNATIONAL$2,000
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND$2,000
ONIRACOM$1,803
COAST GUARD FOUNDATION$1,000
EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT$1,000
SBCC FOUNDATION$1,000
SANTA BARBARA COTTAGE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION$1,000
UC REGENTS$1,000
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, $8k) land where the poverty rate runs at 17%, against an area that typically sits at 9%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 9%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $2k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT: $1k → 17%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

NY
MA
CT
CA
CO
VA
DC
GA
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.

91%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$448k · 25 repeat orgs$43k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +94% since the first grant, against +19% for those funded once.

25 repeat relationships: 10 still active in FY2024, 15 since wound down; 4 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

25
19

Total granted

$448k
$33k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+94%
+19%

Still filing today

84%
53%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 79% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $10k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

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

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
InternationalEnvironmentHealthArts & CultureHuman ServicesEducationOther
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

  • MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC
    8× · 2017–2024 · $78k · revenue +98%
  • DIRECT RELIEF
    6× · 2017–2024 · $60k · revenue +94%
  • TL
    THE LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
    7× · 2017–2024 · $51k · revenue +179%

Funded once

  • G
    GREENPEACE
    one grant, 2017 · $10k
  • SC
    SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION
    one grant, 2018 · $3k · revenue -70%
  • SC
    SIERRA CLUB
    one grant, 2022 · $2k · revenue -50%
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
Uc Santa Barbara Foundation

The uc santa barbara foundation actively works to further the goals of the university of california, santa barbara. the foundation seeks to maintain and nurture the university's quality and distinction. on behalf of the campus, the…

Education
2
Santa Catalina Island Conservancy

The catalina island conservancy protects and stewards 88% of catalina island. more than 42,000 acres of wildlands, coves and coastal habitats. founded to preserve the island's natural resources, the conservancy advances a mission rooted in…

—
3
The San Diego Foundation

The san diego foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

Philanthropy
4
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County

To promote philanthropy to make santa cruz county a better place to live, now and in the future.we bring together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things.

Philanthropy
5
Santa Fe Community Foundation

The santa fe community foundation inspires philanthropic generosity, strengthens nonprofits, and fosters positive change to build a more vibrant, healthy, and resilient region. the foundation's vision is a thriving northern new mexico,…

Philanthropy
6
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
7
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
8
Sutter Health

MISSION STATEMENT: MISSION: CARING FOR OUR PATIENTS FIRST AND OUR PEOPLE ALWAYS. VISION: TO BE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED AND CONNECTED HEALTH SYSTEM FOR GETTING AND STAYING WELL. VALUES: EXCELLENCE - We deliver high-quality,…

Health
9
Santa Barbara Museum of Art

To integrate art into the lives of people, fostering imagination, stimulating thought, and creating personally rewarding experiences.

Arts & Culture
10
San Antonio Hospital Foundation Inc

To develop the resources to support san antonio regional hospital's mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.

Health
11
Santa Lucia Conservancy

To protect and steward in perpetuity the unique natural, cultural, and asthetic resources of the preserve and serve as a model of ecologically sustainable development to committees outside the preserve.

Environment
12
California Pacific Medical Center Foundation

MISSION STATEMENT: MISSION: CARING FOR OUR PATIENTS FIRST AND OUR PEOPLE ALWAYS. VISION: TO BE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED AND CONNECTED HEALTH SYSTEM FOR GETTING AND STAYING WELL. VALUES: EXCELLENCE - We deliver high-quality,…

Health
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Santa Barbara Foundation; the most unlike its peers is Network for Africa. 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

35 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. 35 of the 50 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.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
8
Early backer (in before they grew)
35/35
Grantees still filing
28/35
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $78,000 · InternationalMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INCDIRECT RELIEF: $60,000 · InternationalDIRECT RELIEFNETWORK FOR AFRICA: $8,000 · International+3 more: $8,500 · International+3 moreTHE LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: $51,000 · EnvironmentTHE LAND TRUST FOR SANTA…GREENPEACE FUND INC: $25,000 · EnvironmentGREENPEACE FUND INCTHE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND: $18,000 · EnvironmentTHE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAN…COLORADO OPEN LANDS: $16,000 · EnvironmentCOLORADO OPEN LANDS+2 more: $5,000 · EnvironmentSANTA BARBARA MARITIME MUSEUM: $50,000 · Arts & CultureSANTA BARBARA MARITIME …COMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF SANTA BARBARA INC: $45,000 · Arts & CultureCOMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC AS…MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST: $12,000 · Arts & CultureMUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WE…+1 more: $2,000 · Arts & CultureTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $35,000 · OtherTHE NATURE CONSERVANCYTennis Patrons Assoc of Santa Barbara: $17,500 · OtherTennis Patrons Assoc of…GREENPEACE: $10,000 · OtherGREENPEACEGoleta Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation: $7,000 · OtherGoleta Valley Cottage H…SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION: $5,000 · OtherTRUST TAI: $4,625 · OtherSanta Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation: $4,500 · OtherUC REGENTS: $4,000 · OtherCOAST GUARD FOUNDATION INC: $4,000 · Other+15 more: $17,902 · Other+15 moreSanta Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation: $10,000 · HealthFoundation for Cottage Rehab and Goleta Valley Cottage Hosp: $7,000 · HealthVNA HEALTH: $3,000 · HealthSANTA BARBARA NEIGHBORHOOD CLINICS: $1,000 · HealthTHE SHRINERS' HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN: $1,000 · Health+1 more: $500 · HealthEPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT: $8,000 · Human ServicesAmerican National Red Cross & Its Constituent Chapters and Branches: $1,000 · Human ServicesUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO FOUNDATION: $5,500 · EducationTHE FOUNDATION FOR SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE: $1,000 · Education
International$154,500Environment$115,000Arts & Culture$109,000Other$109,527Health$22,500Human Services$9,000Education$6,500

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 budgetMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $78,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetDIRECT RELIEF: $60,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetTHE LAND TRUST FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: $51,000 over 7y, 0.3% of budgetSANTA BARBARA MARITIME MUSEUM: $50,000 over 2y, 2.0% of budgetCOMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION OF SANTA BARBARA INC: $45,000 over 7y, 1.1% of budgetTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $35,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetGREENPEACE FUND INC: $25,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetTHE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND: $18,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetTennis Patrons Assoc of Santa Barbara: $17,500 over 7y, 5.1% of budgetCOLORADO OPEN LANDS: $16,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetMUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST: $12,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetSanta Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation: $10,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetNETWORK FOR AFRICA: $8,000 over 3y, 7.5% of budgetEPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT: $8,000 over 7y, 0.0% of budgetGoleta Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation: $7,000 over 7y, 0.3% of budgetFoundation for Cottage Rehab and Goleta Valley Cottage Hosp: $7,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO FOUNDATION: $5,500 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetSanta Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation: $4,500 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetCOAST GUARD FOUNDATION INC: $4,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetACCION INTERNATIONAL: $4,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetVNA HEALTH: $3,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetPROJECT HOPE - THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE HEALTH FOUNDATION INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSIERRA CLUB: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY OF SANTA BARBARA INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetSANTA BARBARA CHANNELKEEPER INC: $2,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetUNITED STATES FUND FOR UNICEF: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE FOUNDATION FOR SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSANTA BARBARA NEIGHBORHOOD CLINICS: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTRANSITIONSMENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE SHRINERS' HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSANTA BARBARA ZOOLOGICAL FOUNDATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetAmerican National Red Cross & Its Constituent Chapters and Branches: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetARTHRITIS FOUNDATION INC: $500 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.

Santa Barbara Foundat…Hutton Foundation Dba…Ann Jackson Family Fo…Alice Tweed Tuohy Fou…The Wood-Claeyssens F…The John C Mithun Fou…Raintree FoundationThe Osherenko-Young F…Schlinger Chrisman Fo…Towbes FoundationMosher FoundationGiles 2000 Tr Dba Gil…
Santa Barbara FoundationCA27.7× affinity11 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Santa Barbara Foundation · Hutton Foundation Dba Hutton Parker Foundation · Ann Jackson Family Foundation · Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation · The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation · The John C Mithun Foundation · Raintree Foundation · The Osherenko-Young Foundation · Schlinger Chrisman Foundation Northern Trust Company Trustee · Towbes Foundation · Mosher Foundation · Giles 2000 Tr Dba Giles Family Foundation

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

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%1%3%6%10%funder's share of their income ↑0%15%30%45%60%share of the org’s income from government →median 6%
  • The Shriners' Hospital for Children: 6% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
1get no government money at all
6report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–60%
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 50 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 Writer 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