The S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation was created in 1957 by Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr., a dedicated philanthropist and business leader.

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.

Education
The Foundation invests in grantees that support an inquiry-based approach to key academic and social disciplines: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), character development, citizenship/civic learning, and environmental literacy.

STEM
Supporting teachers to align their practices with the new, more rigorous and engaging academic standards in California.

Character
Strengthening and sustaining youth development organizations, and fostering youth engagement and leadership.

Education Policy and Advocacy
Encouraging a comprehensive approach to K–12 learning that recognizes the importance of teachers, standards, and out-of-school programs.

Environment
The Foundation seeks to advance the transition to more sustainable and effective approaches to water and land management by investing in grantees that develop and scale innovative models; expand the knowledge base; ground resource management in best practice; and support sound policies.

Water
Informing, demonstrating, and scaling water management solutions to meet the needs of communities, farms, and ecosystems.

Land
Advancing land management and conservation systems to ensure the long-term vitality of California’s land resources.