Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the John Gogian Family Foundation?

The John Gogian Family Foundation is an independent private grantmaking foundation located in Torrance, California, targeting specific funding areas in Los Angeles County.

2. What is the focus of the Foundation's funding?

The Foundation's grantmaking is focused in two primary program areas: developmentally disabled and abused or neglected youth. The Foundation distinguishes between abused or neglected youth and those that are at-risk or disadvantaged. The specific areas of funding available for abused or neglected youth programs are outlined in more detail in the Grant Guidelines section of this website.

3. How does an organization apply for a Foundation grant?

The Foundation has two grant cycles per year and utilizes a 2-step application process. An organization must first fill out the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form available on the website. Those organizations that best fit the Foundation's grant guidelines, criteria, and funding priorities will be invited to submit a full grant application.

4. Can an organization submit an LOI on-line?

Due to the necessary budget information that must be included with the LOI, organizations must submit the LOI via U.S. Mail or commercial carrier. The LOI must be postmarked by the day of the deadline. Faxed, e-mailed, or hand delivered copies will not be accepted.

5. What types of organizations does the Foundation fund?

The Foundation prefers to fund smaller or community-based organizations that may not be able to obtain funding through traditional sources.

6. Does the Foundation fund faith based organizations?

The Foundation funds only non-sectarian programs. A religiously affiliated group may operate a program, but participation must be open to anyone and be non-discriminatory. The service delivery must be free of worship or religious teaching.

7. Are there organizations that the Foundation does not fund?

The Foundation does not fund national organizations or their affiliates, individuals, capital campaigns, care of animals, arts, culture, research, reduction of existing debt, funding of endowments, lending of funds, fund-raising events, or political campaigns designated to influence legislation. Organizations with an annual operating budget of $5 million or more will only be funded by the Foundation in exceptional circumstances.

8. What types of support are available from the Foundation?

The Foundation supports the following: 1) new, expanding, or sustaining program services, and 2) capital expenditures, including improvements, equipment, and vehicles.

9. What is the average size of a grant?

The Foundation's grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. The average grant is $15,000. Grants to new organizations are usually $10,000 for the first year.

10. Is there a limit to the number of grants an organization can receive?

An organization may apply for and receive a grant annually, for up to three consecutive years. Thereafter, it must refrain from applying for at least one year.

11. How much money does the Foundation give away on an annual basis?

Depending on the conditions of the various capital markets in which the majority of our endowment is invested, the Foundation typically grants from $500,000 to $650,000 per year.