About the Fund

Gaia Fund is a San Francisco-based family foundation that began awarding charitable grants in 1995. It was established by Christine Russell and Mark Schlesinger, who serve as its sole trustees and, additionally, set grantmaking priorities. Susan R. Clark is the Fund's Director of Programs.

As of December 31, 2018, Gaia Fund has distributed grants totaling $19,922,312, and has net assets of approximately $49 million.

Please note that effective October 2019, Gaia Fund will not be accepting or reviewing unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals. Our website will no longer link to the online application process. The Fund will continue to maintain active engagement in the fields it supports and will invite applications from organizations aligned with the needs and opportunities in its priority areas of interest. Current grantees should submit reports and updates to Susan Clark, Director of Programs, at susan@gaiasf.org.

The Fund is engaged in a program review and planning process, and will announce any new program directions on this website.

Gaia Fund is a member of Bay Area Democracy Funders, Exponent Philanthropy, Environmental Grantmakers Association, Funders' Committee for Civic Participation, Jewish Funders Network, Northern California Grantmakers, Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders, and California Foodshed Funders.