Community Support Program

The Atkinson Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, is a private foundation that prioritizes community-based support and equity-driven grantmaking in San Mateo County. Its mission focuses on uplifting communities that have historically experienced systemic marginalization, with a special emphasis on BIPOC communities and geographically underserved areas such as North County and the Coastside. The foundation dedicates approximately $1 million annually to nonprofit organizations operating within San Mateo County, ensuring that funding reaches community-based and community-led initiatives with the most direct impact on residents’ well-being. The Community Support funding program is one of the three primary areas of the foundation’s philanthropy. This program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services addressing the core needs of individuals and families. Specifically, grants are available to support work in four sub-areas: Basic Needs (such as food, shelter, and family stabilization), Mental and Physical Health Services (including prevention, intervention, and wellness services), Immigrants/Refugees Programs (focusing on rights protection and forward mobility), and Women’s Services (such as reproductive and prenatal care and domestic violence survivor support). The program is tailored to support small-to-mid-sized nonprofit organizations with operating budgets under $10 million. Grant amounts typically range between $10,000 and $20,000, and decisions are based on the size of the organization, the scope of the project, and demonstrated community need. While most grants are awarded on an annual basis, the board may, at its discretion, offer multi-year funding. Grants are disbursed after board review meetings, which occur three times per year. Application deadlines align with specific sub-areas within the Community Support track: Mental and Physical Health Services (February 1), Immigrants/Refugees Programs (May 1), and Basic Needs (August 1). All applications are due by 11:59 PM on the deadline date, and funding is typically distributed by the end of the following month. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity and must provide direct services primarily to residents of San Mateo County. Organizations exceeding the $10 million budget threshold, as well as schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, individuals, and political or advocacy-focused groups, are ineligible. First-time applicants are encouraged to reach out to the foundation before submitting a proposal to confirm eligibility. Returning applicants may submit one application per 12-month period, and those whose proposals are declined must wait a full year before reapplying. There are no pre-application steps such as letters of intent required, but declined applicants are advised to contact the Senior Program Officer, Avani Patel, before resubmitting. The foundation provides support throughout the process and is committed to transparency and responsiveness. The staff is available via phone, and all inquiries are handled promptly. The grant cycle for each sub-program is clearly delineated, allowing applicants to plan submissions in line with relevant deadlines. Evaluation is conducted by the board, with decisions communicated shortly after meetings, and there is a structured timeline from submission to award. Overall, the Atkinson Foundation’s Community Support grants reflect a focused investment in community health, safety, and resilience. The program is highly accessible to local nonprofits meeting basic eligibility requirements and provides consistent, structured opportunities for support throughout the year.

YMCA of San Francisco: Clinic Counseling and Basic Needs Support (Urban Services); Women’s Achievement Network and Development Alliance (WANDA): General Support; WeHope: Dignity on Wheels