Tom and Nancy Elsaesser Foundation

EIN 71-1042217 · CA · NTEE T22

Invitation only Typical grant ~$3.5K Funds in CA, IL
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Giving Profile

In 2025, Tom and Nancy Elsaesser Foundation based in CA paid 12 grants totaling $88K to 12 organizations across 2 states. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $25K, with a median of $3.5K. Its largest recipients included DIRECT RELIEF, PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE, and COTTAGE HOSPITAL OF STA YNEZ VALLEY. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — giving is by invitation only.

Foundation at a Glance

Total assets
$233,842
Giving (latest yr)
$88,000
Filing year
2025
Itemized grants
12
Median grant
$3.5K
Recipients
12
States reached
2
Officers/trustees
2
Unsolicited applications
No — invitation only

Where the Money Goes

Top recipients

  • Direct Relief$25,000
  • People Helping People$25,000
  • Cottage Hospital of Sta Ynez Valley$10,000
  • Pasadena Humane Society$10,000
  • Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara$5,000

Where grants went

  • California$87,000 · 11 grants
  • Illinois$1,000 · 1 grant

Grants Paid (12)

Direct Relief
Santa Barbara, CA
General
$25,000
People Helping People
Solvang, CA
Unrestricted
$25,000
Pasadena Humane Society
Pasadena, CA
Unrestricted
$10,000
Cottage Hospital of Sta Ynez Valley
Solvang, CA
Unrestricted
$10,000
Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Unrestricted
$5,000
Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA
Santa Ynez, CA
Unrestricted
$5,000
Cares 4Paws
Santa Barbara, CA
General
$2,000
Surfrider Foundation
San Clemente, CA
Ventura County Chapter
$2,000
California Nature Art Museum
Solvang, CA
Unrestricted
$1,000
American Women for International Un
Schaumberg, IL
Unrestricted
$1,000
Arts Outreach
Los Olivos, CA
General
$1,000
Elverhoj Museum
Solvang, CA
Unrestricted
$1,000

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

No. Tom and Nancy Elsaesser 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, Tom and Nancy Elsaesser Foundation reported 12 itemized grants totaling $88K. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $25K (median $3.5K).

Recent recipients include DIRECT RELIEF, PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE, COTTAGE HOSPITAL OF STA YNEZ VALLEY, among 12 organizations in total. The full grant list is on this page.

Tom and Nancy Elsaesser Foundation is a private foundation based in California, per its IRS 990-PF filing.

Tom and Nancy Elsaesser 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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