SF IPO Season 2026–2027 · Giving Guide
Turn Liquidity Into Long-Term Impact
As IPOs and acquisitions create new wealth across the Bay, many founders and executives are choosing to commit 5% of their liquidity to the institutions and communities that make San Francisco thrive. This guide is designed to help you do that thoughtfully.
21+
Vetted organizations
5
Categories covered
4★
Top Charity Navigator ratings
A practical way to approach your giving
Build a giving portfolio that reflects the kind of city you want to help build.
Start with a commitment: many people in this moment choose to allocate 5% of a liquidity event. From there, choose 1–2 anchor institutions that reflect your deepest values, then add 2–4 complementary organizations across adjacent causes.
A practical way to begin
  1. Consider allocating 5% of your liquidity event.
  2. Choose 1–2 anchor institutions that reflect your deepest values.
  3. Add 2–4 complementary organizations across adjacent causes.
  4. Give in a way that reflects the kind of city you want to help build.
Sample 5% giving plan
One anchor institution40%
Direct services / human impact30%
Education, science, or environment20%
Civic or community organization10%
Arts & Culture
SFMOMA
World-class modern & contemporary art — anchoring SF's cultural identity since 1935.
Visual Art ★★★★
Fine Arts Museums of SF
de Young & Legion of Honor — two iconic museums connecting SF to global art heritage.
Museums ★★★
Asian Art Museum
18,000+ works spanning 6,000 years — the largest Asian art museum in the Western world.
Visual Art ★★★★
SFJAZZ
America's largest nonprofit jazz organization, with its own stunning home on Franklin St. — live music, education, and community all year round.
Music ★★★★
San Francisco Ballet
Oldest professional ballet company in the US. Premiered The Nutcracker in America in 1944.
Performing Arts ★★★★
SF Symphony
Grammy-winning orchestra bringing world-class music to Davies Symphony Hall since 1911.
Music ★★★★
SF Opera
Second-largest opera company in the US. Internationally acclaimed productions and young artists program.
Performing Arts ★★★★
Science & Education
California Academy of Sciences
Aquarium + planetarium + natural history museum under one living roof in Golden Gate Park.
Science ★★★★
Exploratorium
Pioneer of hands-on science learning. Over 650 interactive exhibits on the waterfront at Pier 15.
Science ★★★★
826 Valencia
Beloved youth creative writing & tutoring nonprofit, started in SF's Mission District. Nationally replicated.
Education ★★★★
SF Education Fund
Bridges the gap between public schools and community resources — enriching education citywide.
Education ★★★
Human Services & Housing
SF-Marin Food Bank
4-star Charity Navigator. Feeds 53,000 households/week with 60% fresh produce. Essential SF institution.
Food Security ★★★★
GLIDE Foundation
Iconic Tenderloin institution providing meals, housing support, and healthcare with zero judgment.
Social Services ★★★★
Larkin Street Youth
Disrupts youth homelessness through housing, education, and employment support for SF's most vulnerable teens.
Youth & Housing ★★★★
Habitat for Humanity Greater SF
Builds affordable homes and empowers families toward lasting homeownership across the Bay Area.
Housing ★★★★
La Casa de las Madres
California's oldest domestic violence crisis center — shelters, legal support, and healing for survivors.
Safety ★★★★
Project Open Hand
Delivers medically tailored meals to seniors and adults with serious illness throughout the Bay Area.
Food & Health ★★★★
Environment & Conservation
Save the Bay
Protects San Francisco Bay from pollution and rising seas — over 60 years fighting for the Bay's survival.
Bay & Water ★★★★
Golden Gate Nat'l Parks Conservancy
Preserves and restores the iconic parks surrounding SF — your backyard wilderness steward.
Parks ★★★★
San Francisco Baykeeper
Holds polluters legally accountable and fights for clean water in the Bay — a watchdog with teeth.
Advocacy ★★★★
Community & Civic
San Francisco Foundation
Community foundation channeling philanthropic dollars into equity, justice, and opportunity across the Bay Area.
Grantmaking ★★★★
SF LGBT Center
20+ years unifying SF's LGBTQ+ community — job training, health services, and advocacy under one roof.
Community ★★★★
Tipping Point Community
High-rigor funder backing the most effective Bay Area nonprofits fighting poverty — the gold standard in local philanthropy.
Anti-Poverty ★★★★
Shanti Project
Emotional support and practical assistance for people living with life-threatening illness — pioneering since 1974.
Health ★★★★
Ready to give?
Start building your SF giving portfolio — every.org makes supporting any of these organizations a matter of a few clicks.
Start your 5% giving plan
Ratings sourced from Charity Navigator & GuideStar. All organizations are 501(c)(3) tax-deductible.