Philosophy & Focus
Values
History
Geisel Fact Sheet
Brian E. C. Schottlaender
President President Brian Schottlaender is a Founding Principal of re:work library consulting. From 1999 to 2017, he led the UC San Diego Library as the Audrey S. Geisel University Librarian. Brian is also the Chair of the Geisel-Seuss Enterprises Board of DirectorsTed Owens
Vice President Vice President Ted Owens is a designer and filmmaker. His company, Syncronos Design, promotes sustainable technology design and is currently directing a feature-length animated film on environmental issues. Ted is also on the board of Geisel-Seuss Enterprises.Satomi Saito
Treasurer Satomi Saito serves as Treasurer of the Dr. Seuss Foundation. Satomi, the Senior Financial Analyst for the California Digital Library, has worked in a variety of finance roles for educational institutions including the UCSD Library and the Scripps Institution of OceanographyKatie Rast
SecretaryKatie Rast serves as Secretary for the Dr. Seuss Foundation. She was the Executive Director for the Fab Lab, a local program fostering innovation in partnership with the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT. She is currently the Director of Community Impact at San Diego Foundation, focused on advancing equitable opportunities for children and families.
Lucia Wiechers Garay
Trustee
Lucia Wiechers Garay is a retired education administrator and a leader in early childhood education. Her passion for equitable access for children furthest removed from quality multi-lingual early literacy opportunities includes supporting families, early childhood educators, and caregivers in developing and providing experiential, language and literacy rich environments during a child’s most critical developing years (birth - age 5).
Claudia Prescott
President Emerita A longtime associate of the Geisel family, Claudia Prescott serves as President Emerita of the Dr. Seuss Foundation. Her philanthropic endeavors have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2020 Vista Hill “In My Backyard” (IMBY) Award.Jay Hill
Executive Director Jay Hill serves as the first Executive Director of the Dr. Seuss Foundation. He was also the first CEO of the San Diego Public Library Foundation and served as the Executive Director of Gay Games IV, a worldwide sports and cultural event fostering health, empathy, and community.Briea Emory
Program Manager Briea Emory is the Program Manager for the Dr. Seuss Foundation. She brings 10 years of administrative experience to her role overseeing the grantmaking operations of the Foundation, providing executive support to the staff and Board, and collaborating with community partners.Alexandria Papasavas
Controller Alexandria Papasavas is the Controller for the Dr. Seuss Foundation. She previously worked at a large, west coast-based CPA firm and founded a minority- and woman-owned accounting and HR consulting firm providing bookkeeping, controller, HR, and CFO services.Grant FAQ
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What and who will the Dr. Seuss Foundation fund?
Our focus is on improving literacy and learning as these are essential to succeeding in the multi-layered worlds of the arts and humanities, health and well-being, animal welfare, and the environment. To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a tax-exempt charitable organization in good standing, as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. See additional eligibility requirements under the Grant Seeker section.
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What geographic areas does the Dr. Seuss Foundation support?
Currently, we fund projects in San Diego. Please note that a nonprofit does not need to be headquartered in San Diego, California to be considered, but the applying program must serve San Diego.
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How do I apply for funding?
All applicants—including existing and past grantees—must register and submit letter of intent (LOI) via the Grantee Portal. If an organization can no longer access the Grantee Portal because previous contacts have left, send an email with the name/email of the new contact using our Contact Form.
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What is an appropriate request amount?
Grant awards are dependent on project, organizational capacity, partnerships, and other factors. No request below $10,000 will be considered.
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How many grants may an organization be awarded?
An applicant may apply as often as they like, but may only be awarded one grant per year.
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Will applicants receive feedback if proposals are declined?
Due to the volume of applications received, individual feedback cannot be offered.
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Does the Dr. Seuss Foundation accept meetings with applicants?
The Foundation may request a meeting after an applicant submits an LOI.
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What if I have other questions?
Please send an inquiry using our Contact Form.
Contact Us
Costs usually charged directly
- Project staff
- Consultants
- Project supplies
- Publications
- Travel
Costs either charged directly or allocated indirectly
- Telephone charges
- Computer use
- Project clerical personnel
- Postage and printing
- Miscellaneous office supplies
Costs usually allocated indirectly
- Utilities
- Rent
- Audit and legal
- Administrative staff
- Equipment rental
Financials
The Dr. Seuss Foundation is committed to transparency. An independent, professional accounting firm audits our financial statements annually.