Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation: Grants for San Diego

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OVERVIEW: This funder focuses on San Diego area nonprofits that support K-12 education in the areas of science, mathematics and the arts.

IP TAKE: According to a recent President’s Letter, for the Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation, “[c]ollaboration is an important component of our grant-consideration process” and the foundation recognizes “efforts by potential grant recipients to pool resources and work together.” This is an excellent opportunity for San Diego County organizations working in math, science and/or arts education for K-12 students. Ackerman runs quarterly grantmaking cycles and appears to be transparent and approachable. Reach out via the foundation’s contact page with questions or ideas.  

PROFILE: The Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation was established in 1991 with funding from the estate of Thomas C. Ackerman, a partner in the San Diego law firm Gray Cary Ames & Frye. Its mission is “to be a catalyst for growth and sustainability for organizations with the vision and ability to provide meaningful and robust STEAM educational opportunities for youth where these resources are most needed.” Grantmaking is mainly limited to organizations and programs operating within San Diego County.

Grants for K-12 Education, STEM and Arts Education

The Ackerman Foundation makes grants to organizations that offer programming “of which the primary purpose, curriculum, or object emphasizes the teaching of mathematics or the sciences and/or the application of or development of skills related to art and/or the performing arts and music.” The foundation also stipulates that grants support organizations that have been “established and operated within San Diego County for more than one year” and have “not been funded by the Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation within the last 24 months.”

Grantees include the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership, the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum and the Samuel Lawrence Foundation, which runs “garden-based experiential learning” programs in K-12 science.

Other Grantmaking Opportunities

The Ackerman Foundation does not name other grantmaking interests, but it has supported San Diego area initiatives for health, human services and community development on occasion. Grantees include the Grossmont Hospital Foundation, the San Diego Rescue Mission and the Emilio Nares Foundation, which “helps families navigate through their child’s journey with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

Important Grant Details:

Ackerman’s grants range from $7,000 to $50,000.

  • Grantmaking supports organizations of all sizes in San Diego County.

  • This funder mainly supports educational programs for K-12 science, math and arts education.

  • This funder appears to accept applications quarterly via its application portal. Applicants should check the application page for accurate information about upcoming due dates.

  • For information about past grants, see the foundation’s recent tax filings.

Submit general inquiries to the Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation via its contact page.

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