Peterson - Share It Forward
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial assistance to individuals facing hardship. Its mission centers on alleviating social and economic challenges, primarily through grants aimed at supporting those in need. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, focusing on human services and social services. While it operates primarily in California, it also extends its support to individuals in Oregon and Washington. The foundation emphasizes direct assistance to those experiencing financial difficulties, reflecting its commitment to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Individuals or very small community organizations seeking one-time or emergency hardship relief in the Western U.S., particularly Oregon and California; applicants that can present concise, documentable hardship requests and submit via a letter or mailed packet.
Good Fit
- • Request is for direct hardship or emergency financial assistance.
- • Request size aligns with typical awards (generally under $5,000).
- • Applicant or service area is in Oregon or California (with occasional Washington awards).
- • Can supply clear documentation of need and a short, mail-friendly application packet.
- • Willingness to use a rolling, request-driven process rather than an online portal.
Geography
The latest giving was regional: three states received funds with a clear concentration in Oregon (about 59% of dollars) and most remaining dollars to California, indicating a West Coast regional footprint rather than national reach.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the funder supported 20 distinct recipients (all new that year), but recipients are narrowly focused on individual hardship payments rather than a wide institutional mix, producing moderate variety for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence is limited to two filing years, but the most recent year shows 20 new grantees and the profile provides application instructions (forms available on request) plus a named contact and rolling deadlines, so unfamiliar applicants plausibly can access funding; this assessment is cautious because no public website was found and the foundation appears family-run.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
