The John and Mary Neff Foundation concentrates its giving on science, public-interest research, and policy advocacy with an emphasis on food systems, public health nutrition, and climate/environmental science. They fund both national advocacy and education organizations that translate rigorous science into public policy and public understanding, while also supporting local Atlanta philanthropic infrastructure. Grants tend to support organizations that combine research, public education, and policy engagement rather than purely service delivery.
A recurring thread in The John and Mary Neff Foundation’s recent giving is support for organizations that turn science into public action. The largest grants in the record go to the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, each at $750,000 in 2025, signaling a strong preference for research-based advocacy rather than general philanthropy. The foundation also backs science education and civic-facing institutions, including Society for Science, which received $250,000 in 2024 and $200,000 in 2025, and WABE, which received $160,000 in 2024 for independent local storytelling and civic participation. Their portfolio includes both national organizations and Atlanta-based institutions, with grants to Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and Georgia Tech Foundation reflecting a local infrastructure component. Across the recent grants list, the pattern is consistent: fund groups that produce evidence, communicate it clearly, and use it to shape policy, public understanding, or educational opportunity. That mix extends from public health nutrition and climate-related science to STEM learning and Atlanta community support.
In public health and food policy, The John and Mary Neff Foundation gave $750,000 in 2025 and $350,000 in 2024 to the Center for Science in the Public Interest to advance a healthy population, reduce preventable disease, and promote an equitable food system. In environmental and climate science advocacy, they gave $750,000 in 2025 and $250,000 in 2024 to the Union of Concerned Scientists to use rigorous, independent science to solve pressing problems. For science education, Society for Science received $250,000 in 2024 and $200,000 in 2025 to inform, educate, and inspire appreciation of science. The foundation also supports teacher preparation and undergraduate STEM pipelines through grants such as $100,000 to Stanford University for science teacher training and $100,000 to the Mathematical Association of America for recruiting and retaining minority and female students in mathematics-intensive fields.
Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $20,000 at the median, and $105,000 at the 75th percentile, showing a mix of smaller local awards and much larger national grants. Some recipients appear in multiple years, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Society for Science, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, and Communities in Schools of Atlanta. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments. The recent record reflects direct grants to organizations rather than an application-based public program; the dataset does not show an open application process.
$2.5M
$1.3M
$1.1M
$2.6M
Most grants fall between $10K and $105K, with a median of $20K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$20K
75th Percentile
$105K
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Concentrated, high-dollar grants to a small set of repeat national grantees and a local community foundation; multiple multi-grant relationships indicate multi-year or phased support rather than many small one-off gifts.
Notable grantees: Center for Science in the Public Interest, Union of Concerned Scientists, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Society for Science / Society for Science & the Public
Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Georgia: 75% of grants in the recent record went to recipients in the foundation’s headquarters state, and the top city destination is Atlanta. Atlanta-based grants include Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, WABE, Georgia Tech Foundation, Communities in Schools of Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, and Good Samaritan Health Center. Outside Georgia, recipients cluster in Washington, DC; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Stanford, California; and Marietta, Georgia. All recent grants in the dataset went to U.S. organizations.
The foundation backs science-based advocacy, public education, and community support organizations. Recent grants include large awards to the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, plus support for Society for Science, WABE, Georgia Tech Foundation, and Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta.
The grant-size distribution is $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $20,000 at the median, and $105,000 at the 75th percentile. The record also includes larger awards of $750,000 and $350,000, showing that the foundation makes both modest and substantial grants.
Yes. Atlanta is the main recipient city in the recent record, with grants to Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, WABE, Georgia Tech Foundation, Communities in Schools of Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, Inspiredu, Horizons Atlanta, and Good Samaritan Health Center.
Yes. Several recipients appear across more than one year, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Society for Science, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Communities in Schools of Atlanta, Inspiredu, Horizons Atlanta, Science Atl, Georgia Tech Ceismc, Good Samaritan Health Center, and the Mathematical Association of America.
The recent grants list shows U.S.-only giving, with 100% of grants going to U.S. recipients. Georgia is the top state by grant count, and 75% of grants went to recipients in Georgia.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $1,766,607 | 2026 | Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services. |
| MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA | WASHINGTON, DC | $450,000 | 2026 | Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields. |
| SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $316,033 | 2026 | To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. |
| UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS | CAMBRIDGE, MA | $750,000 | 2025 | to use rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems |
| CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $750,000 | 2025 | To envision a healthy population with reduced impact and burden of preventable diseases and an equitable food system that makes healthy, sustainable food accessible to all. |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $250,000 | 2025 | Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services. |
| SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $200,000 | 2025 | To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. |
| MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2025 | Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields. |
| HORIZONS ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2025 | to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers |
| GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH CENTER | ATLANTA, GA | $10,000 | 2025 | Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area. |
| NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 | 2025 | to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. |
| GEORGIA ORGANICS | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2025 | To invest in Georgia's organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land. |
| WHOLESOME WAVE GEORGIA | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2025 | to make fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable for all Georgians and match the value of SNAP/EBT (commonly referred to as food stamps) on fruit and vegetable purchases. That means families who spend $10 using SNAP/EBT receive $20 of locally-grown food. |
| FOOD WELL ALLIANCE | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2025 | To provide resources and support to local Georgia growers to connect and build healthier communities through an equitable, local food ecosystem in which everyone can participate and benefit. |
| WYLDE CENTER | DECATUR, GA | $5,000 | 2025 | To support resilient communities by connecting people to nature through environmental education and public greenspaces: Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods. |
| CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $350,000 | 2024 | To envision a healthy population with reduced impact and burden of preventable diseases and an equitable food system that makes healthy, sustainable food accessible to all. |
| UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS | CAMBRIDGE, MA | $250,000 | 2024 | to use rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems |
| SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $250,000 | 2024 | To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $250,000 | 2024 | Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services. |
| WABE | ATLANTA, GA | $160,000 | 2024 | To support the most trusted, independent source of news and local storytelling, furthering community and civic participation. |
| GEORGIA TECH FOUNDATION | ATLANTA, GA | $150,000 | 2024 | To foster and manage gifts given in support of academic excellence in the spirit and traditions of the Georgia Institute of Technology. |
| COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $120,000 | 2024 | to support a new way to support at-risk students so they can rise to their potential |
| MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2024 | Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields. |
| TREES ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $60,000 | 2024 | To mitigate Atlanta's tree loss, protect its forests, and increase its tree canopy. |
| INSPIREDU | ATLANTA, GA | $30,000 | 2024 | to help underserved youth develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology-based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools. |
| GEORGIA COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS | MARIETTA, GA | $20,000 | 2024 | General Support for mathematics teachers in Georgia. |
| SCIENCE ATL | DECATUR, GA | $20,000 | 2024 | o cultivate an equitable community of lifelong learners across metro Atlanta who are connected and inspired by the wonder of science. |
| HORIZONS ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2024 | to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers |
| NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 | 2024 | to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. |
| GA TECH CEISMC | ATLANTA, GA | $10,000 | 2024 | Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing to support K-12 STEAM Education and Workshops |
| GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH CENTER | ATLANTA, GA | $10,000 | 2024 | Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area. |
| WHOLESOME WAVE GEORGIA | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2024 | to make fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable for all Georgians and match the value of SNAP/EBT (commonly referred to as food stamps) on fruit and vegetable purchases. That means families who spend $10 using SNAP/EBT receive $20 of locally-grown food. |
| GEORGIA ORGANICS | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2024 | To invest in Georgia's organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land. |
| FOOD WELL ALLIANCE | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2024 | To provide resources and support to local Georgia growers to connect and build healthier communities through an equitable, local food ecosystem in which everyone can participate and benefit. |
| WYLDE CENTER | DECATUR, GA | $5,000 | 2024 | To support resilient communities by connecting people to nature through environmental education and public greenspaces: Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods. |
| MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2023 | Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields. |
| STANFORD UNIVERSITY | STANFORD, CA | $100,000 | 2023 | to support Center to Support Excellence in Teaching's project on science teacher training |
| SCIENCE ATL | DECATUR, GA | $20,000 | 2023 | o cultivate an equitable community of lifelong learners across metro Atlanta who are connected and inspired by the wonder of science. |
| COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2023 | to support a new way to support at-risk students so they can rise to their potential |
| INSPIREDU | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2023 | to help underserved youth develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology-based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools. |
| GA TECH CEISMC | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2023 | Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing to support K-12 STEAM Education and Workshops |
| HORIZONS ATLANTA | ATLANTA, GA | $20,000 | 2023 | to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers |
| GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH CENTER | ATLANTA, GA | $10,000 | 2023 | Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area. |
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA
$1,766,607Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services.
MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA
$450,000Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields.
SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC
$316,033To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
to use rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems
To envision a healthy population with reduced impact and burden of preventable diseases and an equitable food system that makes healthy, sustainable food accessible to all.
Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services.
SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC
$200,000To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA
$100,000Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields.
to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers
Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area.
to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
To invest in Georgia's organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land.
WHOLESOME WAVE GEORGIA
$5,000to make fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable for all Georgians and match the value of SNAP/EBT (commonly referred to as food stamps) on fruit and vegetable purchases. That means families who spend $10 using SNAP/EBT receive $20 of locally-grown food.
To provide resources and support to local Georgia growers to connect and build healthier communities through an equitable, local food ecosystem in which everyone can participate and benefit.
WYLDE CENTER
$5,000To support resilient communities by connecting people to nature through environmental education and public greenspaces: Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods.
To envision a healthy population with reduced impact and burden of preventable diseases and an equitable food system that makes healthy, sustainable food accessible to all.
to use rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems
To promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
Enhance the quality of life in Atlanta by providing expert philanthropic services.
WABE
$160,000To support the most trusted, independent source of news and local storytelling, furthering community and civic participation.
To foster and manage gifts given in support of academic excellence in the spirit and traditions of the Georgia Institute of Technology.
to support a new way to support at-risk students so they can rise to their potential
MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA
$100,000Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields.
To mitigate Atlanta's tree loss, protect its forests, and increase its tree canopy.
to help underserved youth develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology-based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools.
GEORGIA COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS
$20,000General Support for mathematics teachers in Georgia.
o cultivate an equitable community of lifelong learners across metro Atlanta who are connected and inspired by the wonder of science.
to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers
to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
GA TECH CEISMC
$10,000Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing to support K-12 STEAM Education and Workshops
Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area.
WHOLESOME WAVE GEORGIA
$5,000to make fresh, healthy, locally grown food affordable for all Georgians and match the value of SNAP/EBT (commonly referred to as food stamps) on fruit and vegetable purchases. That means families who spend $10 using SNAP/EBT receive $20 of locally-grown food.
To invest in Georgia's organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land.
To provide resources and support to local Georgia growers to connect and build healthier communities through an equitable, local food ecosystem in which everyone can participate and benefit.
WYLDE CENTER
$5,000To support resilient communities by connecting people to nature through environmental education and public greenspaces: Oakhurst Garden, Sugar Creek Garden, Hawk Hollow, Edgewood Community Learning Garden, and the Mulberry Fields Garden in four different Decatur and Atlanta neighborhoods.
MATHMATICAL ASSOC OF AMERICA
$100,000Public policy efforts to recruit and retain minority and female students into undergraduate mathematics and mathematics-intensive fields.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
$100,000to support Center to Support Excellence in Teaching's project on science teacher training
o cultivate an equitable community of lifelong learners across metro Atlanta who are connected and inspired by the wonder of science.
to support a new way to support at-risk students so they can rise to their potential
to help underserved youth develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology-based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools.
GA TECH CEISMC
$20,000Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing to support K-12 STEAM Education and Workshops
to support a six-week summer learning experience that supports students from underserved communities throughout their K-12 academic careers
Work to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area.