Arthur French Family Foundation

This foundation operates on a preselected, invite-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. President Arthur French works approximately 5 hours per week without compensation, suggesting highly personal, relationship-driven grantmaking. The foundation was seeded with a $5M contribution in 2021 and generates income primarily from investment dividends. Potential partners should note that Wing & Barrel Foundation (youth, community, veterans) and Conservation Force Inc (wildlife conservation) represent the visible thematic priorities. Any organization hoping to receive funding would need a direct personal connection to Arthur French or the foundation network.

The Arthur French Family Foundation is a small private grantmaking foundation established in Montara, CA in 2022. With approximately $4.7M in assets, it awards roughly $125,000–$225,000 annually through just 2 grants per year. The median grant size is $63,000 with a range of $25,000–$100,000. Giving is highly concentrated: Wing & Barrel Foundation has received funding in every year of operation ($50K in 2022, $50K in 2023, $100K in 2024), indicating a strong ongoing relationship. The foundation also made a $25,000 grant to Conservation Force Inc for wildlife conservation in 2024. The overall giving rate is low at approximately 2.6% of assets, suggesting a patient, long-term approach to asset deployment. Geographic focus includes California and Louisiana.

As a sub-$5M private foundation awarding only 2 grants per year, the Arthur French Family Foundation is significantly smaller than most actively-searched foundations. Similar small California private foundations typically give in the $10,000–$50,000 range per grant. This foundation's grants ($25K–$100K) are on the larger end for its asset size. Its concentrated, repeat-grantee model resembles donor-directed vehicles or family offices rather than traditional grantmaking foundations. There is no public RFP process, no grants page, and no application portal, distinguishing it from open-door foundations of comparable size.

The foundation was established in 2021 with a $5,000,000 initial contribution. Annual giving has grown from $50,000 (2022) to $190,000 (2023) to $225,000 (2024), suggesting an increasing pace of deployment. In 2024, two grants were made: $100,000 to Wing & Barrel Foundation (recurring grantee, youth/community/veterans) and $25,000 to Conservation Force Inc (wildlife conservation, Metairie, LA). Revenue is exclusively investment-derived (dividends ~$65K/year). No new programs or public announcements were found. The foundation maintains no active public website.

This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. All grantmaking is relationship-based and invite-only. Nonprofits working in outdoor recreation, youth development, veterans services, wildlife conservation, or community programs in California or Louisiana may be the best fit thematically, but outreach must occur through personal networks connected to Arthur French. There is no formal application form, deadline, or submission portal. Organizations should not spend resources submitting cold proposals. If a personal introduction can be arranged, focus on alignment with Wing & Barrel Foundation-style community/veterans programming or Conservation Force-style conservation advocacy.