Schultz Family Foundation

The Schultz Family Foundation, co-founded in 1996 by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and his wife Sheri, operates with a distinctive venture-philanthropy mindset that sets it apart from traditional grantmakers. With $355 million in assets, the foundation does not function as a conventional pass-through funder—instead, it incubates, scales, and co-funds large systems-level initiatives targeting economic mobility for young Americans aged 16-24 who are out of school and out of work (an estimated 4.6 million people), as well as 3.8 million post-9/11 veterans. The foundation actively collaborates with major partners including the Ballmer Group, Stand Together, Pinterest, and AmeriCorps on multi-million dollar national programs. Key strategic pillars include the Youth Mental Health Corps (deploying near-peer advisors across 11 states), the American Opportunity Index (a data-driven tool measuring how major corporations drive economic mobility), the Veteran Transition Partnership, Cash Assistance programs for youth on the verge of homelessness, and Transformative Storytelling through documentary film. The foundation prioritizes BIPOC and historically marginalized communities across all focus areas and demonstrates a high risk tolerance for innovative, untested models.

The Schultz Family Foundation distributed approximately $12.1 million across 66 grants in 2024, down from a peak of 134 grants in 2021 and 122 in 2022, suggesting a strategic consolidation toward fewer, larger investments. Grant sizes range from $1,000 to $1,350,000, with the majority falling between $25,000 and $500,000. The foundation's grantmaking has historically concentrated in Washington State, New York, and the District of Columbia, though national programs like the Youth Mental Health Corps span 11 states. Key grantmaking categories include education, human services, and philanthropy/voluntarism. The foundation demonstrates strong collaborative funding patterns, frequently co-investing with corporate and philanthropic partners on coordinated initiatives rather than making standalone grants. Notable investment patterns include $7 million commitments to veteran employment organizations (USO, VetJobs.org, Hire Heroes USA) to support 10,000 junior enlisted veterans, and significant funding to state service commissions (California Volunteers Fund, Serve Colorado, ServeMinnesota) for the Youth Mental Health Corps. The foundation also maintains a Seattle-specific grantmaking track for local community organizations.

The Schultz Family Foundation occupies a distinct niche among high-net-worth family foundations focused on youth economic mobility and workforce development. Below is a comparison with peer funders:

The Schultz Family Foundation is relatively modest in total giving compared to peers like Ballmer Group or Emerson Collective, but distinguishes itself through its highly focused venture-philanthropy approach, willingness to incubate new programs from scratch, and emphasis on building employer accountability tools like the American Opportunity Index. Its co-investment model with major partners amplifies its impact well beyond its direct giving numbers.

In 2024, the Schultz Family Foundation distributed $12.1 million across 66 grants, continuing its focus on youth economic mobility and mental health. The Youth Mental Health Corps, launched in 2024, represents a major new initiative recruiting 18-24-year-olds as near-peer mental health advisors, now operating in 11 states through partnerships with state service commissions including California Volunteers Fund, Serve Colorado, ServeMinnesota, and the Maryland Department of Service. The foundation's American Opportunity Index continues to gain traction as a data tool holding major employers accountable for economic mobility outcomes. Cash Assistance pilot programs expanded across multiple states, providing direct financial support to young people at risk of homelessness through partners like Building Changes, First Place for Youth, and National Network for Youth. The Transformative Storytelling program funded documentary projects through Breakwater Studios, GrownKid, and Lady & Bird Films. The foundation also maintained its Veteran Transition Partnership investments including ongoing support for Hire Heroes USA, VetJobs.com, and Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Notable community investments included SugarHill Creamery (NYC), Pressed Roots Inc. (Dallas), and Black Ambition (entrepreneurship). The foundation's leadership team of Howard Schultz, Sheri Kersch Schultz, and Addison Schultz continues to guide strategy.

The Schultz Family Foundation is invitation-only and does not accept unsolicited proposals through a formal application process. However, there are strategies for organizations seeking their attention. First, send a concise, strategic written inquiry to info@schultzfamilyfoundation.org explaining your funding request and how it aligns with their core priorities (youth economic mobility, mental health, veterans, housing stability). Second, build relationships through the foundation's network—connect with existing grantees for introductions and endorsements. Third, demonstrate a scalable, systems-change model rather than a localized direct-service approach; the foundation has a venture-philanthropy mindset and prioritizes initiatives that can transform entire sectors. Fourth, emphasize data and measurement in your approach, as the foundation invests heavily in accountability tools like the American Opportunity Index. Fifth, if you serve BIPOC or historically marginalized youth, make this central to your pitch. Sixth, watch for occasional targeted RFPs announced through the foundation's website and newsletter for specific cohorts. Organizations based in Seattle may have an advantage given the foundation's local giving track. For veteran-focused organizations, highlight employment outcomes and civilian transition metrics. The foundation's high risk tolerance means innovative, untested models may be welcome if well-articulated.