The Dempsey Foundation
This organization is a private foundation focused on providing general support to nonprofit entities, particularly in the realm of human services. Its mission is inferred from its funding patterns, which primarily support organizations that assist families and communities. The foundation has made contributions to various recipients, including Uplift Family Services and the University of Washington, indicating a commitment to enhancing community well-being and support systems. While the foundation is based in California, its funding has also reached organizations in Washington, reflecting a broader interest in supporting impactful services beyond its home state.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small, local human-services or community nonprofit with an established relationship or referral into the foundation’s circle, typically based in California and seeking modest general-support awards.
Good Fit
- • Established local presence in California and ties to community or family networks linked to the foundation.
- • Organizational need framed as general operating support rather than large program expansion.
- • Introduced or recommended by a past grantee or a trusted intermediary known to the foundation.
- • Track record as a small nonprofit consistent with the foundation’s previous grantees.
Geography
Observed giving has been focused in California with one out-of-state recipient appearing in earlier filings, so the footprint looks state-focused rather than national.
Recipient Variety
Across the observed filings the number of distinct recipients is very small (only a couple of grantees reported in prior years and none in the latest year), indicating a narrow recipient set for the foundation’s size.
New Applicants
The foundation’s filings and application metadata state grants are limited to preselected organizations and there is no public application route, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to access funding without direct invitation or connection.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
