The Schmidt Family Foundation
The Schmidt Family Foundation (Eric and Wendy Schmidt) is a Palo Alto–based private foundation focused on restoring a balanced relationship between people and planet through grantmaking and impact investing, operating programs such as the 11th Hour Project and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A mission-driven nonprofit working on environment-related priorities (ocean stewardship, just transition from fossil fuels, equitable food systems, indigenous land stewardship) with capacity to manage mid-to-large grants and to report on programmatic outcomes.
Good Fit
- • Clear alignment with the foundation's environmental and people-planet program areas (ocean, climate transition, food systems, indigenous stewardship).
- • Organizational capacity to manage grants in the $100K–multi‑million range or to partner with intermediaries.
- • Track record of scaling impact, capacity-building, or national/regional programming.
- • Willingness to participate in proactive outreach or intermediated relationships (the foundation funds national partners and fiscal intermediaries).
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year spanned 49 states, indicating a national footprint; California receives a notable share (36%) but the majority of dollars are distributed out of state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 643 distinct recipients across many program areas and low dollar concentration (top recipient ~5%, top five ~14%), demonstrating a broad and diverse recipient portfolio for the foundation's scale.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists: about 276 new recipients appeared in the latest year (~43%), and the foundation maintains public online application/process information; site language about proactive sourcing is present but observed grant behavior indicates new entrants do gain funding.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
