The S.H. Cowell Foundation is a public benefit corporation based in San Francisco, California. It was created under the will of S.H. Cowell and is classified as a private non-operating foundation.

The Foundation awards grants primarily to organizations in Northern and Central California. Our 2009 grants budget is $8,420,000 including new and previously authorized grants.

Asset and Grant History

The Foundation’s total net assets for the year ending December 31, 2008 were $122,672,929. The Foundation authorized grants totaling $10,036,767.

The Foundation’s total net assets for the year ending December 31, 2007 were $177,650,766. The Foundation authorized grants totaling $8,082,060.

To download the Foundation’s most recent Financial Statement and Independent Auditors Report click here.

Investment Approach

The Investment Committee seeks to manage the Foundation's assets consistent with the Foundation's objectives which include being a committed partner with our grantee organizations in various economic cycles. In keeping with this purpose, the Committee's investment strategy is to emphasize capital preservation and minimize volatility. The assets will be allocated to asset classes, sectors and managers based on return and volatility targets for the aggregate portfolio that will be agreed upon by the committee and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Furthermore, external managers will be selected for their ability to generate superior investment results with investment strategies and business practices that are consistent with the Foundation's values and principles. The Committee intends to use outside managers to manage most if not all of the Foundation's assets.

Form 990-PF

As a private grantmaking foundation the S.H. Cowell Foundation files a Form 990-PF each year with the Internal Revenue Service. This tax statement provides a way for interested parties to quickly review the business operations of the Foundation and assess how its resources are being directed.

Click here to download the Foundation’s latest Form 990-PF.

To learn more about reading the Form 990-PF and/or the public disclosure requirements for tax exempt organizations like the Cowell Foundation, visit one of the following links:

http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/990pfhelp.html
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96430,00.html
http://www.npccny.org/Form_990/990.htm