The James J And Sue Femino Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, primarily focusing on health, education, and community service. Its mission emphasizes providing general organization support to various nonprofits, including medical research institutions, educational organizations, and religious groups. The foundation actively funds initiatives that promote community engagement, youth development, and cultural heritage preservation. It demonstrates a strong commitment to health-related causes, evidenced by its support for hospitals and medical research, while also prioritizing educational programs and scholarships. The foundation's philanthropic efforts are predominantly concentrated in California, reflecting its regional focus.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid-sized or larger charitable organizations with an established track record and visibility—especially institutions in health, medical research, higher education, cultural institutions, scholarship programs, or faith-based community services—most plausibly those with California ties or existing relationships to the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Established institutional reputation or prior partnership with well-known CA nonprofits or universities.
- • Programs in medical research, hospitals/healthcare, higher education, cultural heritage, scholarships, or community services.
- • Capacity to manage mid- to large-size grants and to report professionally.
- • Local or institutional connections into Southern California philanthropic networks.
- • Evidence of prior or existing relationship with trustees, staff, or current grantees.
Geography
Giving is multi-state (grants in ten states) but is concentrated in one state which received 59% of dollars, indicating a primarily state-focused footprint with some out-of-state support.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a large and diverse recipient set (64 distinct organizations) and the foundation added many new grantees in the most recent year, so observed recipient breadth is substantial for the funder's size.
New Applicants
Directly observed behavior shows a meaningful share of new grantees (about 28 new recipients in the latest year), but the foundation's stated practice of funding only preselected recipients and the absence of a public application route mean new entrants are more likely to get funded via invitation or referral than through an open application.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
