Downey Kiwanis Foundation
The Downey Kiwanis Foundation (chartered January 1985) is the Kiwanis Club of Downey’s charitable foundation that provides college scholarships to graduating high school students in Downey and Lakewood. The foundation also funds local community projects and reported sizable scholarship awards (the page notes over $122,000 awarded at the 2023 Scholarship Banquet).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid‑sized community nonprofits, schools, and youth-serving organizations based in Downey/Lakewood or nearby Southern California that run scholarship, youth development, arts, health, or local community-service programs.
Good Fit
- • Clear local presence in Downey or neighboring communities.
- • Programs focused on scholarships, youth development, community events, arts education, or local wellness projects.
- • Request sizes aligned with the foundation's typical grants (many awards under $10K, a few larger scholarship or capital grants).
- • Existing relationships or referrals from Kiwanis Club members or local civic leaders.
Geography
All observed grants in the available years were made to recipients in California, with giving concentrated in Downey and nearby communities.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 13 distinct recipients across education, youth services, arts, health, and civic groups, showing a moderate spread of independent local beneficiaries even though dollars are concentrated among a few large awards.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (five new recipients in the latest year) and the foundation publishes application information and contact routes, so unfamiliar local organizations plausibly can enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
