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Grant funders / California / Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Walnut Creek, California  ·  EIN 680208980  ·  Private foundation

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation is a California-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $5.6M in annual giving against $79.1M in assets. This page documents the 408 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.

$5.6M
Annual giving (FY2020)
$79.1M
Total assets
408
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation funds

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, community improvement, criminal justice, domestic violence, education, and related causes.

Arts & CultureCommunity ImprovementCriminal JusticeDomestic ViolenceEducationEnvironment & ConservationFaith-Based (Christian)Food & AgricultureHealth CareHigher Education

Populations it has supported include black communities, children, families, foster youth, homeless population, lgbtq people.

black communitieschildrenfamiliesfoster youthhomeless populationlgbtq peoplelow-income communitiesolder adults

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
See Schedule Attached
Charitable purposes--see schedule
Various, CA$5.6M2020
See Schedule Attached
Charitable purposes--see schedule
Various, CA$5.0M2019
See Schedule Attached
Charitable purposes--see schedule
Various, CA$4.2M2017
Diablo Regional Arts Association
Phase Two Lesher Center for the Arts Strategic Plan
Walnut Creek, CA$260K2023
Diablo Regional Arts Association
General Support
Walnut Creek, CA$260K2024
First 5 Contra Costa
Ready Community, Ready Schools, Ready Families
Concord, CA$230K2022
First 5 Contra Costa
Ready Community, Ready Schools, Ready Families
Concord, CA$230K2023
Diablo Regional Arts Association
DRAA & Lesher Center for Arts Reopening Season
Walnut Creek, CA$210K2022
John Muir Health Foundation
John Muir Cancer Center
Walnut Creek, CA$200K2024
John Muir Health Foundation
John Muir Cancer Center
Walnut Creek, CA$200K2023
First 5 Contra Costa
Ready Community, Ready Schools, Ready Families
Concord, CA$183K2024
California Symphony Orchestra
General opperating fund, purchase of musical intruments for elementary school
Walnut Creek, CA$155K2022
Contra Costa Family Justice Allianc
Contra Costa Family Justice Center
Richmond, CA$152K2024
Contra Costa Family Justice Allianc
Contra Costa Family Justice Center
Richmond, CA$152K2023
Ujima Family Recovery Services
Ujima Family Recovery Services (Ujima Homes)
San Pablo, CA$150K2023

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2017$4.2M
2019$5.0M
2020$5.6M
2022$4.9M
2023$5.0M
2024$5.5M

How to apply for funding from Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal.

Is Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation the right funder for your nonprofit?

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Frequently asked questions about Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation

Does Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation accept grant applications?
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation fund?
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include See Schedule Attached, See Schedule Attached, See Schedule Attached. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation give in grants?
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation reported $5.6M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $30.1M over 408 grants.
Where is Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation located?
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation is based in Walnut Creek, California. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 680208980.
How can I find foundations similar to Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation?
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Other California grantmakers with overlapping priorities:

About this profile. This page is built from Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.