Hellman Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Hellman Foundation supports local Bay Area organizations in the areas of education, youth development, health access and basic needs.

IP TAKE: This is a locally focused funder is overseen by a family but managed by a company of philanthropic advisors. Contact the advisors with any questions about grantmaking.This funder does not accept unsolicited applications for funding.

PROFILE: Established in 2011, the Hellman Foundation is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is committed to local grantmaking there. This is the foundation of Warren and Chris Hellman, who were known for their generosity and commitment to causes they cared about. Warren Hellman was born into a prominent family in California, and he found success establishing two premier private equity firms and helping to create several other alternative investment management firms. He has served as chairman of the San Francisco Foundation, trustee of the UC Berkeley Foundation and a member of the Jewish Community Federation. As a banjo player, he also inspired the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a free annual music event in Golden Gate Park. Chris Hellman was a ballerina who danced with London’s Festival Ballet. Later in life, she developed Alzheimer’s disease but was always passionate about supporting the arts through philanthropy. She was a member of the board and chair of the board of trustees for the San Francisco Ballet for many years. The foundation formed when Warren passed away in 2011, and the Hellman Family Foundation merged with the Hellman Foundation in 2013. Grantmaking areas include education, youth development, health access and basic needs.

Beyond naming education, youth development, health and basic needs as funding priorities, the Hellman foundation does not outline specific goals for its work in these areas. Past grantees include Planned Parenthood of Northern California, USFS Palliative Care, the Mission Science Project and the Oakland Public Education Fund.

In a recent year, the foundation’s grantmaking budget was approximately $13.5 million. The foundation’s average grant size is about $25,000.

The Hellman Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for grants. It does not have its own staff but is managed by Hirsch & Associates, LLC, Philanthropic Advisors. To get in touch with the advisory staff, call 415-837-5408 or submit an inquiry via the online form.

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