About the Foundation
A private, volunteer-led foundation giving since 1994.
Our story
Three decades of giving
The Susan Scott Foundation was established in 1994 in Orange County, California.
Three decades later, the Foundation continues its work. Since 2020 alone it has awarded more than $2 million to organizations that care for children, support families through illness and hardship, pursue cures for devastating diseases, and serve those who have served the country and their communities.
How we give
Trusting good organizations to do their work
We are a private, volunteer-led foundation. Our grants are funded by the Foundation's endowment, not by public fundraising. Most of our grants are unrestricted general support, because we believe the organizations we fund know best where the need is greatest. Many of our grantees have received support every year for five years or more.
Most of our giving goes to organizations in California, particularly Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. We also support a small number of national organizations whose work reaches families here.
Our mission
The Susan Scott Foundation helps children and families in need build healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives. Rooted in Orange County, California, we fund trusted organizations that care for children, strengthen families facing hardship, advance medical research, and stand by those who serve.
Our vision
What we hope to see
A California where every child is cared for, every family has somewhere to turn, and the diseases that burden families today are treatable tomorrow.
Guiding principles
- Trust proven organizations. We look for organizations with a record of results and sound stewardship, and we let them do their work.
- Give consistently. Many of our grantees have received support year after year. Reliable funding lets good organizations plan.
- Stay close to home. Most of our giving stays in Orange County and Southern California, where we can see the difference it makes.
- Keep overhead low. The Foundation has no paid staff. Its resources go to grants.