Samuel & Rena Given Foundation
Given Co is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, with a focus on community development, arts and culture, and affordable housing initiatives. The foundation provides general support to organizations that align with these values, as evidenced by its grants to entities such as the UCSF Foundation and LINC Housing Corp. Additionally, it supports restoration efforts for cultural sites, such as the Holly Theatre Restoration Fund. Given Co operates primarily in California and Oregon, reflecting its commitment to enhancing community resources and cultural preservation in these regions.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small or locally focused nonprofits in California (occasionally Oregon) working in arts/cultural preservation, community or economic development, or affordable housing that have local credibility or connections to the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Located in California (primary) or Oregon (secondary).
- • Project-level requests in the ~$3K–$9K range (equipment, restoration, general support).
- • Clear local impact and established reputation in the community.
- • Existing relationships or introductions to trustees, service provider, or local partner organizations.
- • Ability to respond to invitation-based offers rather than a public RFP.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to two states (California and Oregon), with about 67% of dollars directed to California, indicating a regional (state-level) footprint rather than strictly local or national giving.
Recipient Variety
In 2023 the foundation made four grants to four distinct, apparently independent recipients across arts, housing and community purposes; this is a modest but diverse recipient set for a micro private foundation.
New Applicants
The filings explicitly indicate the funder supports only preselected grantees and no repeat recipients were observed; while the foundation did add four new grantees in 2023, there is no public application route, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio without invitation or connection.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
