TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRANT, YOUR ORGANIZATION OR PROJECT MUST: 1. BE CLASSIFIED AS A PUBLIC CHARITY AND TAX EXEMPT UNDER 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. 2. BENEFIT CALIFORNIA. OUR INDENTURE OF TRUST RESTRICTS OUR GRANTMAKING TO PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA. 3. BE PRIMARILY INDEPENDENT FROM GOVERNMENT SUPPORT. WHEN JAMES IRVINE ESTABLISHED THE FOUNDATION IN 1937, HE STIPULATED THAT HIS FUNDS "SHALL BE USED FOR SUCH CHARITIES AS DO NOT ENJOY SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT THROUGH TAXATION." BASED ON THIS RESTRICTION, WE REFRAIN FROM MAKING GRANTS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECEIVE MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF THEIR REVENUE FROM GOVERNMENT DONATIONS.
