West Marin Fund

What West Marin Fund does

West Marin Fund is a 501(c)(3) community foundation incorporated in California and headquartered at 65 Third Street, Suite 24, Point Reyes Station. Founded in 2011 and now marking its 15th year in 2026, the foundation serves coastal West Marin communities from Muir Beach to Dillon Beach, mobilizing philanthropic resources and awarding grants to address local challenges in housing, early childhood, economic opportunity, community enrichment, and equity. It does not sell products or services in a commercial sense; its core "offerings" are grant programs, capacity-building services, and direct community initiatives delivered through a small staff (which has tripled over the years), a board of directors, and a broad network of nonprofit partners.

The foundation's program portfolio is broad and interconnected. Core grantmaking includes Community Grants (historically $160,000-$219,750 per cycle), Community Enrichment Grants ($2,000-$4,000 awarded three times yearly), and Organizational Effectiveness Grants for nonprofit capacity building. Specialized programs include the Giving Through Youth philanthropy education program (305 students, $70,000 awarded to 43 nonprofits over 2015-2025), Emprende West Marin and Start Up West Marin Spanish-language entrepreneurship training with up to $5,000 micro-grants, the West Marin Jobs Hub, the Infant & Toddler Initiative, the Housing Action Fund and Neighbors for Neighbors emergency housing program, the Women & Girls' Empowerment Program ($111,500 to 12 organizations), and the West Marin Collaborative community forum. The foundation also publishes an annual West Marin Nonprofit Sector survey (tracking roughly 37-50 organizations annually since 2020) and Skillbuilding Workshops for local nonprofits. No proprietary technology, APIs, or digital platforms beyond a website and grant management portal are indicated.

Revenue is derived from philanthropic donations (individuals, foundations, organizations) and grant funding from larger partners such as Marin Community Foundation (which manages $3.3 billion in philanthropic assets) and the County of Marin. Cumulative grantmaking exceeds $7.5 million to 92 nonprofits over the last five years and $1.38 million in community grants since 2013; an additional $9 million has been catalyzed in gifts toward a $25 million housing initiative. Leadership is in transition: Sarah Hobson stepped down as Executive Director on December 31, 2025 after eight years, and Liz Warner has been appointed as the next Executive Director, expected to begin by June 2026. The board includes Chris Brahm and recently added Elizabeth Share and Eric Oldmixon, with Susan Byrd departing in approximately April 2026 after longtime service as Audit Committee chair.

Name

West Marin Fund

Legal name

West Marin Fund

Website

https://westmarinfund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

West Marin Fund is a 501(c)(3) community foundation founded in 2011 that serves coastal West Marin, California. It mobilizes philanthropic resources, awards grants to over 100 local nonprofits, and operates programs spanning housing, early childhood, economic opportunity, and youth philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN)

Keywords

• Community foundation services
• Philanthropic grantmaking
• Nonprofit capacity building
• Community development grants
• Rural coastal philanthropy

Headquarters

HQ city

Point Reyes Station

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations: West Marin Fund receives charitable contributions from individual donors, foundations, and organizations to build its endowment and operational capacity for grantmaking and community programs.
2. Grant Funding: The foundation receives grant funding from larger philanthropic partners such as Marin Community Foundation to support specific initiatives like housing solutions and community programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

West Marin Fund is a community foundation that mobilizes charitable donations and grant funding to award grants to West Marin nonprofits, deliver community programs (housing support, entrepreneurship training, early childhood services, youth philanthropy), and convene local stakeholders through the West Marin Collaborative. It serves as backbone coordinator for cross-sector coalitions addressing the regional housing crisis, and provides capacity-building services such as Skillbuilding Workshops and Organizational Effectiveness Grants to strengthen local nonprofits.

Product overview

West Marin Fund is a coastal community foundation that operates as a unified grantmaking and community programs platform rather than a technology product. The organization offers multiple interconnected programs including: Community Grants and Community Enrichment Grants (core grantmaking), Emprende West Marin and Start Up West Marin (entrepreneurship training with micro-grants), West Marin Jobs Hub (workforce connection), Infant & Toddler Initiative with Early Childhood Resource Guide (early childhood support), Giving Through Youth (youth philanthropy education), West Marin Collaborative (community forum), annual Nonprofit Survey (research), Skillbuilding Workshops and Organizational Effectiveness Grants (nonprofit capacity building), and the West Marin Housing Study with Housing Action Fund and Neighbors for Neighbors (housing solutions). Strategic Impact Areas span Collaborative Impact, Community Enrichment, Early Childhood Equity, Economic Opportunity, Equity & Justice, Housing Action, Internet Connectivity, Rapid Response, and Transportation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Grants Program Multi-year grant program awarding funds to West Marin nonprofit organizations addressing community challenges; awards have exceeded $7.5 million to 92 nonprofits in the last five years, with community grants historically ranging from $160,000 to $219,750 per cycle.
• Community Enrichment Grants Grants of $2,000-$4,000 awarded three times yearly to support community events and one-time activities that strengthen social fabric and cultural diversity in West Marin.
• Emprende West Marin Spanish-language small business training and micro-grant program offered in partnership with the County of Marin and the Small Business Development Center. Provides 15-week courses, ongoing coaching, and up to $5,000 in micro-grants for graduates. The first cohort graduated 23 entrepreneurs.
• Start Up West Marin Entrepreneurship Program English-language entrepreneurship program connecting West Marin residents with resources to launch and grow local businesses; applications open for next cohort with deadline of July 17.
• West Marin Jobs Hub Free community resource created in partnership with the County of Marin and the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, designed to connect West Marin residents with local job opportunities while helping employers reach qualified candidates.
• Infant & Toddler Initiative Three-year initiative launched with partners including the Early Learning Collaborative Action Network (ELCAN) to build a coordinated system of care for children ages 0-3 in West Marin, focusing on easier service navigation, programs closer to home, expanded playgroups, caregiver training, and rural-appropriate childcare models.
• West Marin Early Childhood Resource Guide Bilingual resource guide providing information on services for families with young children including help finding services, public benefits, early play and learning, pregnancy support, childcare, and developmental screenings.
• Giving Through Youth Program Program that engages elementary and middle school students in grantmaking decisions, teaching philanthropy and civic responsibility. Over 10 years, 305 students awarded $70,000 to 43 local nonprofits.
• West Marin Collaborative A diverse community forum initiated by West Marin Fund providing a space where people and organizations can learn what others are doing, support each other, and collaborate to increase effectiveness.
• West Marin Nonprofit Survey Annual survey of West Marin nonprofits providing data on sector well-being and operational trends, supporting nonprofits, funders, and policymakers in resource alignment. Conducted since 2020 (50 nonprofits in 2020, 37 in 2021, 39 in 2022, 38 in 2023, 38 in 2024).
• Skillbuilding Workshops Free professional development workshops for local nonprofits covering topics like program evaluation, board roles, grantsmanship, nonprofit law, and technology.
• Organizational Effectiveness Grants Grants supporting nonprofit capacity building through tools such as websites, computer systems, apps, and strategic planning to improve organizational effectiveness.
• West Marin Housing Study Research study titled 'Growing Together: Advancing Housing Solutions for Workers in West Marin' addressing the housing crisis affecting service and agricultural workers in the region.
• Housing Action Fund Fund established to support housing solutions and resources for families facing eviction, including grant funds for displaced families, transition services, and planning for new and rehabilitated affordable housing.
• Neighbors for Neighbors Program Emergency housing support program providing bridge housing and case management for displaced families, with local residents offering temporary housing while longer-term solutions are developed.
• Women & Girls' Empowerment Program Grant program supporting professional and personal growth for women, girls and non-binary youth through innovative projects at West Marin nonprofits; funded 12 organizations with $111,500 in grants.
• Infant and Toddler Community Study Two-year research survey on the system of care for children ages 0-3 and their families in West Marin, involving families, informal caregivers, and early childhood providers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $7.5 million awarded to 92 nonprofits in 5 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• County of MarincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty partnership on housing solutions, entrepreneurship programs (Emprende West Marin), and policy advocacy. County provides Office of Equity Microenterprise Program support and is part of the Committee for Housing Agricultural Workers and Their Families.
• Early Learning Collaborative Action Network (ELCAN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Infant & Toddler Initiative, collaborating on expanding early childhood services and developing the 0-3 care system in West Marin.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in developing and delivering the Emprende West Marin Spanish-language small business training program and coaching.
• Workforce Alliance of the North BayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in creating the West Marin Jobs Hub to connect residents with local job opportunities.
• Mission MetminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal nonprofit consulting firm that compiled and analyzed the 2020, 2021, and 2022 nonprofit survey reports.
• J. Solomon ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal nonprofit consulting firm that compiled and analyzed the 2023 nonprofit survey report.
• Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in housing solutions coalition working on interim housing development and long-term affordable worker housing.
• Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in housing solutions coalition addressing affordable housing needs in West Marin.
• West Marin Community ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in housing solutions and backbone coordination for the Committee for Housing Agricultural Workers and Their Families.
• Committee for Housing Agricultural Workers and Their FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of housing, agriculture, philanthropic, county and community stakeholders that oversaw housing study and is transitioning to action-oriented solutions. West Marin Fund provides backbone coordination.
• Circulo de Esperanza (Circle of Hope)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organizing committee of Latino community members advocating for greater voice in decision-making related to relocation efforts from ranch closures. West Marin Fund provided initial funding.
• West Marin CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiverse community forum initiated by West Marin Fund providing space for organizations to learn about each other's work, support each other, and collaborate to increase effectiveness.
• 100+ West Marin NonprofitscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtensive network of nonprofit partners receiving grants and capacity building support, including organizations in health, housing, environment, education, arts, and community services across West Marin.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Tides Foundation: A major philanthropic partner organization with comparable grantmaking infrastructure and a similar focus on equity and justice funding — useful for benchmarking operating model sophistication, though at materially larger scale.
• San Francisco Foundation: The Bay Area's oldest community foundation operating at much larger scale. Comparable in mission and Bay Area footprint but serves a denser, more urban constituency.
• Marin Community Foundation: The much larger sister community foundation serving Marin County, with $3.3B in philanthropic assets. Directly comparable as a place-based grantmaker in the same region and a core funding partner of West Marin Fund.
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation: One of the largest community foundations in the U.S., with similar Bay Area roots and a comparable diversified program portfolio, though at substantially greater scale and with stronger tech-sector donor base.

Direct peers

• Sonoma County Community Foundation: A regional community foundation serving Sonoma County with similar grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and nonprofit capacity-building programs — a closely matched operating model in an adjacent Northern California coastal/rural geography.
• Napa Valley Community Foundation: Northern California community foundation with analogous grant cycles, disaster response work, and rural-community focus. Closely matched in scale and operating model to West Marin Fund.
• Foundation for the Carolinas: A mid-sized community foundation offering comparable donor-advised funds, competitive grant cycles, and community-impact programming — a useful size and operating-model peer for benchmarking.
• Humboldt Area Foundation: Rural Northern California community foundation with a comparable focus on remote-coastal communities, agricultural worker support, and small-grant cycles — a strong model match.

Regional players

• East Bay Community Foundation: Bay Area community foundation serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties with comparable equity, housing, and nonprofit capacity-building programs. Comparable operating model in adjacent geography.
• Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina: A community foundation serving a defined coastal region with similar place-based grantmaking and nonprofit-support programs, providing a non-California geographic peer for comparison.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=SNIbuZ1pdUw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/west-marin-fund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about West Marin Fund