Total Assets (2013): $339,549,608
Total Assets (2010): $280,700,000
Total Giving (2013): $109,000,000[1]
Total Giving (2010): $57,100,000
Prominent Grants: $5,000,000 to the Boy Scouts of America; $4,000,000 to the California Waterfowl Association.
Summary: The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and the Stephen Bechtel Fund (“the Foundation”) envision a productive, vibrant, and sustainable California that is a model of success and a source of innovation.
The Foundation’s vision for California is pursued through two programs.
The Education Program focuses on helping young people develop the knowledge, skills, and character they need to become productive, engaged citizens. The Foundation supports students and educators in STEM education and character development, and encourages effective education policy.
The Environment Program concentrates on the management, stewardship, and conservation of the state’s natural resources by supporting organizations and partnerships that inform, demonstrate, implement and advocate for improvements in water management and land stewardship.
Both programs work to strengthen the link between policy and practice, which is critical to achieving the Foundation’s vision.
The Foundation’s board made the decision to spend down all of its assets by 2020, reflecting a commitment to identifying lasting solutions for education and the environment sooner, rather than later.