The Clark-janis Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, with a notable emphasis on addressing food insecurity through grants to food banks. It also shows commitment to environmental conservation and youth development, as evidenced by its funding of organizations focused on these areas. The foundation primarily serves nonprofits that align with its mission to support their exempt purposes, reflecting a broad interest in community welfare and development.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized nonprofits with a clear track record in food security, local conservation, or community services in Sonoma County/California (and established relationships or referrals into the board's network).
Good Fit
- • Existing relationship or referral to the board or a recurring grantee.
- • Located in California (especially Sonoma County) or already working with organizations in the foundation's existing portfolio.
- • Program aligned with food insecurity, local conservation, or community-serving activities.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the $10K–$125K range and demonstrate prior impact.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to recipients in three states, with a clear majority (59%) of dollars directed to California and additional support in Virginia and DC, indicating a regional but multi-state footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 10 distinct independent recipients (food banks, a community foundation, land trust, youth and arts groups), showing a moderate spread; however, giving is financially concentrated (top five = 82%) and many recipients recur across years.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly states awards are granted at the board's discretion and only preselected applicants are considered; combined with a high repeat rate (nine recurring recipients over three years and only one new recipient in the latest year), this suggests unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio without a referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
