Audacious Foundation

EIN 47-4602068 · CA · NTEE T20

Invitation only Typical grant ~$5K Funds in CA, MN, VA
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Giving Profile

In 2025, Audacious Foundation based in CA paid 17 grants totaling $968.2K to 16 organizations across 3 states. Individual grants ranged from $150 to $503.9K, with a median of $5K. Its largest recipients included Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated, Explore Ecology, and Children and Family Resource Services. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — giving is by invitation only.

Foundation at a Glance

Total assets
$2,839,310
Giving (latest yr)
$968,227
Filing year
2025
Itemized grants
17
Median grant
$5K
Recipients
16
States reached
3
Officers/trustees
2
Unsolicited applications
No — invitation only

Where the Money Goes

Top recipients

  • Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated$503,900
  • Explore Ecology$250,000
  • Children and Family Resource Services$95,000
  • Golden State South MTB$45,000
  • Children and Nature Network$27,500

Where grants went

  • California$940,211 · 14 grants
  • Minnesota$27,500 · 1 grant
  • Virginia$516 · 2 grants

Grants Paid (17)

Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated
Santa Barbara, CA
REACH Fellowship, supporting first generation college going, lower income youth to achieve their full potential
$503,900
Explore Ecology
Santa Barbara, CA
"Garden Explorers" cultivating garden education opportunities in early childhood communities, including TK teachers in a three year program
$250,000
Children and Family Resource Services
Santa Barbara, CA
conclusion of the Future Smiles program, supporting 343 patients enrolled and documenting program tools, successes and evaluation data for potential future use
$95,000
Golden State South MTB
Goleta, CA
expand youth mountain biking including scholarships, clinics, try it out days, and CycleMAYnia events in low to moderate income areas
$45,000
Children and Nature Network
St Paul, MN
Economic Value of Greening Early Care and Education Outdoor Spaces
$27,500
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
HOPE Facilitator and Champion Training for a cohort of Santa Barbara County leaders
$15,000
Santa Maria Valley YMCA
Santa Maria, CA
preschool swim lessons for 30 children, plus swim lessons for Guadalupe or Santa Maria school children in 2026
$12,000
The Foundation Roundtable
Santa Barbara, CA
PFE Sponsorship, NPRN, and Roundtable Dues
$6,500
Channel Islands YMCA
Carpinteria, CA
transportation for swim lessons at Our Lady of Guadalupe Feb 2 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
$5,011
Santa Barbara Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
12th Annual School Wellness Summit September 17, 2025
$3,000
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden
Buellton, CA
general operating support, with gratitude for allowing guests to visit for the Early Childhood Retreat
$2,000
Santa Maria Valley YMCA
Santa Maria, CA
preschool swim lessons
$2,000

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

No. Audacious Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — its grantmaking is by invitation only. Cultivating a relationship or securing an introduction is typically required.

In its most recent filing, Audacious Foundation reported 17 itemized grants totaling $968.2K. Individual grants ranged from $150 to $503.9K (median $5K).

Recent recipients include Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated, Explore Ecology, Children and Family Resource Services, among 16 organizations in total. The full grant list is on this page.

Audacious Foundation is a private foundation based in California, per its IRS 990-PF filing.

Audacious Foundation gives by invitation only, so there is no open application. Officer and address details from its 990-PF are the best starting point for an introduction.

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