The Gerbode Foundation (the Foundation), is interested in programs and projects offering potential for significant impact. The primary geographical focus is on the San Francisco Bay Area (counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo) and Hawaii. The Foundations program areas include advancing truth, justice, the environment, the arts, and special initiatives which include strengthening the philanthropic process and the nonprofit sector.Preferred form of contact: letter of inquiry with short description of the project. Initial contact should not include materials (videotapes, etc.) requiring return. In the event that materials must be returned, an explicit request for their return and a self-addressed, stamped envelope must be provided. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Special awards cycles are usually announced in May.

To qualify for support, an organization must be a tax-exempt public charity, as determined by internal revenue code section 501(c)(3). The Foundation generally does not support direct services, deficit budgets, general operating funds, building or equipment funds, general fundraising campaigns, religious purposes, private schools, publications, scholarships, or grants to individuals.