Puffin Foundation West makes large, unrestricted grants to a small set of mission-driven institutions, with a clear emphasis on cultural institutions, animal conservation, higher education/healthcare, and civic advocacy. Giving is largely concentrated in North Carolina and national nonprofits that align with conservation, arts access, and social justice education. The foundation favors flexible general support over project-restricted funding, enabling grantees to apply funds where most needed.
Concentrated, high-dollar unrestricted grants to a small number of repeat and flagship grantees; mix of regional (NC) beneficiaries and select national advocacy/conservation organizations rather than many small awards.
Puffin Foundation West Ltd C/o Judith Kitrick gives unrestricted support to a relatively small group of institutions, and its largest recent awards show how broad that portfolio is. In 2024, it granted $275,000 to Duke University and $250,000 to Unc Health Foundation, both described as unrestricted grants supporting the organizations’ exempt purposes. That same year it also gave $210,000 to Anne Frank Center USA and $200,000 to Dolphin Research Center, followed in 2025 by another $170,000 to Dolphin Research Center. The pattern points to a funder that backs higher education and health-related institutions alongside cultural, conservation, and civic organizations. Recent grants also include North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-center Inc, and North Carolina Symphony Society Inc, each receiving support across multiple years. The foundation’s giving is not tied to a single program area; instead, it repeatedly funds organizations with flexible general support that can be used for exempt-purpose work. That mix of university, museum, marine, and advocacy recipients gives the foundation a distinctive profile for researchers tracking unrestricted institutional philanthropy.
One clear theme is cultural and arts support. Puffin Foundation West Ltd C/o Judith Kitrick gave $200,000 in 2025 and $120,000 in 2024 to North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, plus $65,000 in 2024 and $50,000 in 2025 to North Carolina Symphony Society Inc. It also supported Welltone New Music Inc with $75,000 in 2025 and $40,000 in 2024, and 54 Below Inc with $50,000 in both 2024 and 2025. Another theme is conservation and animal-related work. Dolphin Research Center received $200,000 in 2024 and $170,000 in 2025, while Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-center Inc received $150,000 in 2024 and $125,708 in 2025. The foundation also funded International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals Inc for $125,000 in 2024. Civic and education-focused grants appear as well, including Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund at $100,000 and Social Security Works Education Fund at $50,000.
Typical grants fall in a mid-sized unrestricted range: the 25th percentile is $2,500, the median is $4,000, and the 75th percentile is $25,000. The recent list also shows larger institutional awards, including six-figure grants and repeat support across years. Multiple recipients appear more than once, such as Dolphin Research Center, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-center Inc, North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, North Carolina Symphony Society Inc, 54 Below Inc, Welltone New Music Inc, Dublin Arts Council, and Interfaith Association of Central Ohio. The pattern is consistent with flexible funding rather than project-restricted awards. The foundation funds individuals and operates nationally.
$1.1M
$0
$21K
$1.2M
Most grants fall between $3K and $25K, with a median of $4K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$4K
75th Percentile
$25K
About 16% of grants go to recipients in OH.
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Notable grantees: Dolphin Research Center, North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center, Anne Frank Center USA, Backbone Campaign
Puffin Foundation West Ltd C/o Judith Kitrick gives nationally, with all recent grants in the United States. By count, Texas is the top giving state, while North Carolina accounts for 16% of grants. Recent recipient locations cluster in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill in North Carolina, along with New York, Ohio cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dublin, and Washington, DC. Outside the Southeast and Midwest, recipients also appear in Washington state, Florida, Illinois, and Virginia.
The recent grants show repeated support for cultural institutions, conservation and animal-related organizations, higher education and health-related foundations, and civic or education advocacy groups. Examples include North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Dolphin Research Center, Duke University, and Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund.
Yes. The recent grants are described as unrestricted grants supporting the organizations’ exempt purposes, including awards to Duke University, Unc Health Foundation, Anne Frank Center USA, and North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation.
The grant-size distribution is centered on smaller awards, with a 25th percentile of $2,500, a median of $4,000, and a 75th percentile of $25,000. The recent record also includes larger six-figure grants to institutions such as Duke University and Unc Health Foundation.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Dolphin Research Center, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-center Inc, North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, North Carolina Symphony Society Inc, 54 Below Inc, Welltone New Music Inc, Dublin Arts Council, and Interfaith Association of Central Ohio.
The foundation gives nationally, with all recent grants in the United States. North Carolina receives 16% of grants by recipient location, and Texas is the top state by grant count. Recent recipient cities include Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, New York, Columbus, and Dublin.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART FOUNDATION | RALEIGH, NC | $200,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER | GRASSY KEY, FL | $170,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| SYLVAN HEIGHTS WATERFOWL PARK AND ECO-CENTER INC | SCOTLAND NECK, NC | $125,708 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OHIO | COLUMBUS, OH | $95,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| WELLTONE NEW MUSIC INC | NEW YORK, NY | $75,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| AUSTIN FARM SANCTUARY | PAIGE, TX | $63,500 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| FRIENDS OF CASA OF FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO | DUBLIN, OH | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY SOCIETY INC | RALEIGH, NC | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL | DUBLIN, OH | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| 54 BELOW INC | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| SOCIAL SECURITY WORKS EDUCATION FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NORTH SHORE MUSIC ALLIANCE INC | NORTHBROOK, IL | $30,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THE UMSTEAD COALITION | RALEIGH, NC | $25,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| HOLLYS NEST ANIMAL RESCUE | SANFORD, NC | $20,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THEATRE RALEIGH INC | RALEIGH, NC | $15,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| LAKE ERIE INK | CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH | $10,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THE EMILY KRZYZEWSKI FAMILY LIFE CENTER | DURHAM, NC | $5,000 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| COLUMBUS MUSIC COMMISSION | COLUMBUS, OH | $200 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | DURHAM, NC | $275,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| UNC HEALTH FOUNDATION | CHAPEL HILL, NC | $250,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| ANNE FRANK CENTER USA | NEW YORK, NY | $210,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER | GRASSY KEY, FL | $200,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| SYLVAN HEIGHTS WATERFOWL PARK AND ECO-CENTER INC | SCOTLAND NECK, NC | $150,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR THE PRESERVATION OF WILD ANIMALS INC | CUMBERLAND, OH | $125,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART FOUNDATION | RALEIGH, NC | $120,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| OHIO CITIZEN ACTION EDUCATION FUND | CLEVELAND, OH | $100,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| BACKBONE CAMPAIGN | VASHON, WA | $100,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| LAKOTA LANGUAGE CONSORTIUM INC AKA THE LANGUAGE CONSERVANCY | BLOOMINGTON, IN | $100,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| QUEEN CITY CHAMBER OPERA | CINCINNATI, OH | $80,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY SOCIETY INC | RALEIGH, NC | $65,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL | DUBLIN, OH | $55,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| 54 BELOW INC | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OHIO | COLUMBUS, OH | $50,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| WELLTONE NEW MUSIC INC | NEW YORK, NY | $40,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| MORE PERFECT UNION FOUNDATION | ARLINGTON, VA | $25,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NATIONAL AUDOBON SOCIETY | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| NORTH SHORE MUSIC ALLIANCE INC | NORTHBROOK, IL | $25,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION FOR A NEW AMERICAN UNIVERSITY | TEMPE, AZ | $25,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSE OF COLUMBUS INC | COLUMBUS, OH | $15,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| OHIODANCE | COLUMBUS, OH | $15,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THE EMILY KRZYZEWSKI FAMILY LIFE CENTER | DURHAM, NC | $15,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THE UMSTEAD COALITION | RALEIGH, NC | $15,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| ARTS ACCESS INC | RALEIGH, NC | $10,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| ST MARY'S HOME - LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| AUSTIN FARM SANCTUARY | PAIGE, TX | $10,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| LOVING FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY | PASO ROBLES, CA | $10,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| LIFE WITH PIGS | WILLIAMSBURG, VA | $10,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| CONCORD COUNSELING SERVICES | WESTERVILLE, OH | $5,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| HELPING PAWS ANIMAL SANCTUARY | SAINT JAMES CITY, FL | $5,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
| THE ANIMAL RESCUE MISSION | W HOLLYWOOD, CA | $5,000 | 2024 | UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE. |
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
SYLVAN HEIGHTS WATERFOWL PARK AND ECO-CENTER INC
$125,708UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OHIO
$95,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
WELLTONE NEW MUSIC INC
$75,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
FRIENDS OF CASA OF FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO
$50,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL
$50,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
NORTH SHORE MUSIC ALLIANCE INC
$30,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
THE UMSTEAD COALITION
$25,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
HOLLYS NEST ANIMAL RESCUE
$20,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
THEATRE RALEIGH INC
$15,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
LAKE ERIE INK
$10,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
COLUMBUS MUSIC COMMISSION
$200UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
ANNE FRANK CENTER USA
$210,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
SYLVAN HEIGHTS WATERFOWL PARK AND ECO-CENTER INC
$150,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
BACKBONE CAMPAIGN
$100,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
LAKOTA LANGUAGE CONSORTIUM INC AKA THE LANGUAGE CONSERVANCY
$100,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
QUEEN CITY CHAMBER OPERA
$80,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL
$55,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL OHIO
$50,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
WELLTONE NEW MUSIC INC
$40,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
MORE PERFECT UNION FOUNDATION
$25,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
NATIONAL AUDOBON SOCIETY
$25,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
NORTH SHORE MUSIC ALLIANCE INC
$25,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
OHIODANCE
$15,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
THE UMSTEAD COALITION
$15,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
ARTS ACCESS INC
$10,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
ST MARY'S HOME - LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
$10,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
LOVING FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY
$10,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
LIFE WITH PIGS
$10,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
CONCORD COUNSELING SERVICES
$5,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
HELPING PAWS ANIMAL SANCTUARY
$5,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.
THE ANIMAL RESCUE MISSION
$5,000UNRESTRICTED GRANT TO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S EXEMPT PURPOSE.