The Lawrence & Junko Cushman Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Its mission appears to focus on community welfare, civil rights, animal welfare, and food security, as evidenced by its funding to organizations such as the San Diego Humane Society and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation. The foundation serves a diverse range of populations through its grants, which support social services, community service clubs, and food banks. While it primarily funds organizations in California, it also extends its support to initiatives in other states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid‑sized community organizations (especially in California) with established local presence and capacity for general operating support in areas like animal welfare, food security, and community services.
Good Fit
- • Located in California or serving San Diego‑area communities.
- • Track record as an established nonprofit able to receive multi‑tens‑of‑thousands general operating grants.
- • Existing ties to local intermediaries or visible organizational profile (e.g., United Way partners, major local service providers).
- • Programs that align with prior recipients (animal shelters, food banks, community social services, civil rights).
Geography
Giving is concentrated in California (about two‑thirds of 2024 dollars) but the foundation also funded recipients in New York and Missouri in the latest year, spreading across three states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows seven distinct, apparently independent recipients with high turnover (six new grantees in 2024), indicating a moderate breadth of beneficiaries rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Filings and the default application explicitly indicate grants are to preselected organizations and there is no public application path; although many new grantees appear in 2024, direct evidence that unfamiliar applicants can successfully apply is lacking.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
