Tully and Elise Friedman Fund

OVERVIEW: The Tully and Elise Friedman Fund supports human services, education, youth and arts and culture, primarily in the Bay Area of California.

IP TAKE: The Friedman Fund is opaque about its giving, which is typical for this type of locally focused private foundation. It keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Grantseekers best bet to get on this funder’s radar is to network; however, a mailing address and phone number are listed below.

PROFILE: Established in 1997, the Tully and Elise Friedman Fund is the private foundation of Tully Friedman and his wife, Elise. Tully Friedman co-founded Hellman & Friedman and went on to found FFL Partners, a private equity firm in San Francisco. Friedman and his wife, Elise, move charitable contributions through their Tully and Elise Friedman Fund, which gave away around $1 million in a recent year. Grantmaking areas of interest include human services, education, youth, and arts and culture.

Grants for K-12 and Higher Education

Education is this funder’s largest giving area, substantially dwarfing all other areas. St Paul's School has received at least $3.2 million between 2015 and 2017. Other education grantees include Woodside School Foundation, University of Denver, Yale University, Washington Montessori Association, and The Branson School.

Bay Area & NorCal, Arts and Culture, and Community Development

The foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers and its giving does not reveal a clear strategy. However, the couple supports causes broadly in its home region. Bay Area grantees have included Friends of the San Francisco Symphony, California Shakespeare Theatre, Junior League of San Francisco and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. Tully Friedman is a former president of the San Francisco Opera Association, which has seen support.

Most foundation grants go to groups in the greater San Francisco area. However, the funder has also steadily supported the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, where Tully sits on the board of trustees.

Important Grant Details

Foundation grants can range anywhere from $250 to $1 million each. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.

The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals from nonprofits and only funds pre-selected organizations. The phone number for the foundation is 415-402-2101.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

15 Funston Ave Apt B
San Francisco, CA 94129-4513
415-402-2101