The Holocene Foundation is heavily focused on land and environmental conservation, funding national advocacy and land-protection organizations and providing general operating support. Most of its visible grants are large, unrestricted awards to established environmental nonprofits and a very large transfer to a donor-advised fund, suggesting both direct philanthropy and use of fiscal-conduit vehicles. Grants are concentrated among a few repeat grantees that work on conservation policy, land protection, and stewardship.
Concentrated, high-dollar giving with a single very large transfer to a donor-advised fund plus several multi-grant relationships to major environmental nonprofits; grants are predominantly unrestricted/general operating and recurrent to the same organizations.
The Holocene Foundation’s visible giving is defined by large unrestricted support for land conservation and environmental advocacy, alongside a very large transfer to a donor-advised fund vehicle. In the recent grants list, the biggest award is $56,403,675 to Chabot Family Daf - Vanguard for general operating funds, which stands apart from the foundation’s other environmental grants and signals use of a fiscal-conduit structure as part of its philanthropy. Among direct grantees, the foundation repeatedly backs organizations working on protected lands, conservation policy, and environmental litigation. Conservation Lands Foundation received $400,000 in both 2023 and 2025 for general operating funds, while Earthjustice received $400,000 in 2024 and 2025. The Nature Conservancy also appears multiple times, including $450,000 in 2023 and $350,000 in 2024 and 2025. This pattern points to a portfolio centered on established nonprofits rather than short-term project awards. Most listed grants are general operating support, suggesting flexibility for recipients to use funds across organizational needs and ongoing advocacy work.
Land conservation is a clear throughline. The foundation gave $400,000 to Conservation Lands Foundation in 2025 for general operating funds, and the organization also received the same amount in 2023. Trust for Public Land received $350,000 in 2023 and $200,000 in 2024 and 2025, again as general operating funds. Public-interest environmental litigation is another recurring area. Earthjustice received $400,000 in 2024 and 2025 for general operating funds, and NRDC received $150,000 in both 2023 and 2024. These awards support advocacy organizations that work on environmental policy and legal action. The foundation also funds broader conservation and outdoor stewardship networks. The Conservation Alliance received $300,000 in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Outdoor Alliance received $150,000 in 2023.
Typical grants cluster at the upper end of the distribution: p25 is $25,000, median grant size is $100,000, and p75 is $200,000. The recent record shows repeated awards to the same organizations across 2023, 2024, and 2025, which indicates recurring support rather than isolated one-time gifts. The foundation is classified as a Regular Funder, does not fund individuals, and does not make program-related investments. Most listed grants are labeled general operating funds, pointing to flexible, unrestricted support.
$60.2M
$0
$1.4M
$60.4M
Most grants fall between $25K and $200K, with a median of $100K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$100K
75th Percentile
$200K
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Notable grantees: Chabot Family DAF - Vanguard, Earthjustice, Conservation Lands Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land
Giving is heavily concentrated in the U.S., with 82 grants to U.S. recipients in the recent dataset. Washington state receives 59% of grants, and several recipients are in Seattle, including The Nature Conservancy, Earthjustice, Trust for Public Land, Climate Solutions, The Mountaineers, and Conservation Northwest. Other recurring recipient locations include Durango, Colorado; Washington, DC; New York, New York; Bend, Oregon; and Warwick, Rhode Island. The map of recent grants shows a regional footprint anchored in Washington and nearby conservation networks.
Its visible giving centers on land conservation, protected-lands advocacy, environmental litigation, and conservation partnerships. Recent grantees include Conservation Lands Foundation, Trust for Public Land, Earthjustice, The Nature Conservancy, Climate Solutions, The Conservation Alliance, and Conservation Northwest, mostly through general operating support.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years. Conservation Lands Foundation, Earthjustice, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Climate Solutions, The Conservation Alliance, Defenders of Wildlife, and The Mountaineers all received repeated grants in the recent record.
The grant-size distribution is weighted toward larger awards: p25 is $25,000, median grant size is $100,000, and p75 is $200,000. In the recent grants list, many awards are in the $150,000 to $400,000 range, with one much larger transfer to a donor-advised fund vehicle.
Yes. Washington state accounts for 59% of grants in the recent dataset. Seattle appears frequently among recipient cities, including The Nature Conservancy, Earthjustice, Trust for Public Land, Climate Solutions, The Mountaineers, and Conservation Northwest.
Most listed awards are general operating funds, which suggests flexible, unrestricted support rather than tightly restricted project grants. The foundation is also classified as a Regular Funder, does not fund individuals, and does not make program-related investments.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHABOT FAMILY DAF - VANGUARD | WARWICK, RI | $56,403,675 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION | DURANGO, CO | $400,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| EARTHJUSTICE | SEATTLE, WA | $400,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | SEATTLE, WA | $350,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CLIMATE SOLUTIONS | SEATTLE, WA | $300,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE | BEND, OR | $300,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CONSERVATION NORTHWEST | SEATTLE, WA | $250,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE MOUNTAINEERS | SEATTLE, WA | $250,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND | SEATTLE, WA | $200,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE | WASHINGTON, DC | $200,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| OUTDOOR ALLIANCE | WASHINGTON, DC | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| NRDC | NEW YORK, NY | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| DAUGHTERS FOR EARTH | NEW YORK, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| SALMON-SAFE INC | PORTLAND, OR | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT SEATTLE | SEATTLE, WA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY TRUST | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON WATER TRUST | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| RACHEL'S NETWORK INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON WILDLIFE & RECREATION COALITION | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS EDUCATION FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| ISLANDWOOD | BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| SPARK NORTHWEST | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| EARTHGEN | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS SEATTLE | SEATTLE, WA | $6,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION | DURANGO, CO | $400,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| EARTHJUSTICE | SEATTLE, WA | $400,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | SEATTLE, WA | $350,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE | BEND, OR | $300,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CLIMATE SOLUTIONS | SEATTLE, WA | $300,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE MOUNTAINEERS | SEATTLE, WA | $250,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE | WASHINGTON, DC | $200,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND | SEATTLE, WA | $200,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| OUTDOOR ALLIANCE | WASHINGTON, DC | $150,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $150,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| NRDC | NEW YORK, NY | $150,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| SALMON-SAFE INC | PORTLAND, OR | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| ONE EARTH PHILANTHROPY | CULVER CITY, CA | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT SEATTLE | SEATTLE, WA | $100,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON WATER TRUST | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| CONSERVATION NORTHWEST | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| THE MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY TRUST | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| EARTHGEN | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| SPARK NORTHWEST | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
| WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION | SEATTLE, WA | $25,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS |
CHABOT FAMILY DAF - VANGUARD
$56,403,675GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
EARTHJUSTICE
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
$350,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CONSERVATION NORTHWEST
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE MOUNTAINEERS
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
OUTDOOR ALLIANCE
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
NRDC
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
DAUGHTERS FOR EARTH
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
SALMON-SAFE INC
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT SEATTLE
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY TRUST
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON WATER TRUST
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
RACHEL'S NETWORK INC
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON WILDLIFE & RECREATION COALITION
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS EDUCATION FUND
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
ISLANDWOOD
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
SPARK NORTHWEST
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
EARTHGEN
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS SEATTLE
$6,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
EARTHJUSTICE
$400,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
$350,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
$300,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE MOUNTAINEERS
$250,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
$200,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
OUTDOOR ALLIANCE
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
NRDC
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
SALMON-SAFE INC
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
ONE EARTH PHILANTHROPY
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT SEATTLE
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON WATER TRUST
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
CONSERVATION NORTHWEST
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
THE MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY TRUST
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
EARTHGEN
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
SPARK NORTHWEST
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS
WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS