For more than 45 years, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation has worked with partners around the world to improve the lives of children, families, and communities—and to restore and protect our planet. We are a family foundation guided by the enduring business philosophy and personal values of Lucile and David, whose innovative approach to management helped transform a small electronics shop in their garage into one of the world’s leading technology companies. Their approach to business and community participation guides our philanthropy: We invest in leaders and institutions, collaborate with them to identify the most effective solutions, and give them freedom and support to best reach their goals.
The values of the Foundation reflect the personal values of Lucile—who spent her life as a volunteer in the community, often on efforts aimed at improving the lives of children—and David—who believed in the power of science to improve the human condition and restore the health of the planet. Today, their children and grandchildren continue to help guide the foundation.
What We Do
We work on the issues our founders cared about most: improving the lives of children, enabling the creative pursuit of science, advancing reproductive health, and conserving and restoring the earth’s natural systems.
We respect and support the leadership of our grantees and believe our success depends on seeking out and listening to those who are best able to make meaningful impact.
Our resources are small compared to the challenges we seek to solve, so we invest carefully, constantly evaluate our progress, and refine our strategies to ensure that our efforts lead to effective solutions.
Building on the legacy of our founders, we believe that talented and committed people, with appropriate resources and support, can drive meaningful innovation and create lasting change.
What We Fund
The Foundation supports leaders and institutions working to achieve a biologically rich, sustainable world where all families can plan for their children and all children reach their potential. We work on the issues our founders cared about most.
Our resources are small compared to the challenges we seek to solve so we invest carefully, constantly evaluate our progress, and refine our strategies to ensure that our efforts lead to effective solutions.
Program Areas
The Conservation and Science Program invests in action and ideas that conserve and restore ecosystems while enhancing human well-being.
The Population and Reproductive Health Program funds innovative work that addresses population growth and promotes positive reproductive health.
The Children, Families, and Communities Program strives to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
For more than 40 years, the Packard Foundation has supported an array of nonprofit organizations in geographic areas that are significant to the Packard family.
