Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation

Overview

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization established in 2008 to promote gender and racial equity. Its mission centers on supporting strategies that address the needs of marginalized communities, particularly focusing on intersectional feminism and racial justice.

Mission and Goals

The foundation prioritizes women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals of color, aiming to amplify their voices and support solutions created by those impacted by patriarchal and racist structures. It seeks to challenge dominant narratives and support comprehensive change through social justice frameworks like critical race theory and intersectionality.

Funding Priorities

• Geographic Focus: The foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, with occasional funding extending to the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and initiatives with statewide or national impact across the United States.
• Programmatic Emphasis: Grants are awarded to programs that address systemic inequalities faced by women and gender-expansive individuals of color, focusing on educational initiatives, community empowerment, and policy advocacy.

Grant Program

The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals but partners with organizations that align with its mission. Key funding areas include:

• Critical Race Theory and Intersectional Feminism: The foundation supports efforts to protect and promote critical race theory and intersectional feminism in education, countering misinformation and legislative attacks on these frameworks.
• Community Engagement: Grants are awarded to organizations led by women and gender-expansive individuals of color, ensuring community-driven solutions are prioritized and supported.

Financial Overview

As of 2023, the foundation reported revenues of approximately $4.2 million and expenses of $1.54 million, with total assets valued at $15.1 million. It operates as a private independent foundation under the U.S. tax code, categorizing donations as tax-deductible.

Scholarship Initiative

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation also offers scholarships to low-income women with academic excellence, prioritizing women of color, first-generation college students, and those aiming to give back to their communities. Scholarships support students at local community colleges with plans to transfer to University of California campuses.

Leadership and Governance

The foundation is led by a board of directors who guide its strategic direction and grantmaking activities. Key figures include Peggy Downes Baskin and Jack Baskin as founding directors, while operational roles are filled by officers such as Nicole Baran and Cammy Torgenrud.

Tax Status

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring that donations are tax-deductible. It files annual Form 990 reports with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), detailing its financial activities and governance structure.