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    5. Friends of Acadia
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    Friends of Acadia

    ActiveEnvironment
    Bar Harbor, MEWebsite2072883340

    About Friends of Acadia

    Friends of Acadia works with Acadia National Park to support conservation, stewardship, visitor services, education, and critical park needs through private philanthropy, volunteerism, and partnerships.

    Focus Areas

    national park supporthabitat restorationtrail and infrastructure stewardshipemployee housingenvironmental educationpublic transportation (Island Explorer)

    Who They Fund

    visitors to Acadia National Parklocal communities and businesses in the Acadia regionstudents and youth participating in outdoor educationpark management and conservation organizationsunderrepresented / diverse participants in conservation programs

    About Friends of Acadia

    Friends of Acadia’s grantmaking is built around Acadia National Park itself: protecting the park region, funding conservation work, and supporting the visitor and education systems that surround it. The largest recent grant in the data was $9,056,616 to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor for protection of the Acadia National Park region, showing the scale of its park-centered support. Other large awards reinforce that pattern, including $1,000,000 to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Acadia Gateway Center and $297,000 to Downeast Transportation for Island Explorer propane buses serving the park. The foundation also backs organizations that help deliver outdoor education and stewardship in the Acadia region. Schoodic Institute at Acadia received $364,721 for education and conservation, and College of the Atlantic received $28,480 for research. Across the recent grants list, the work is place-based and tied to park needs, conservation capacity, and access for visitors, students, and local communities.

    What Friends of Acadia Funds

    A major theme is transportation and visitor access. Friends of Acadia gave $297,000 to Downeast Transportation in 2025, and the purpose text ties that support to Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park. The same program also appears in 2024 with another $297,000 award and in 2023 with $198,000. Education is another clear line of giving. Schoodic Institute at Acadia received $201,585 in 2024 for the Schoodic Education Adventure Grant, followed by $146,441 in 2023 for the same purpose. The foundation also funded Orono Middle School with $10,000 for education. Research and conservation show up as well. College of the Atlantic received $28,480 for research, while the Appalachian Mountain Club was awarded $86,301 for conservation. These grants sit alongside the foundation’s broader support for Acadia-related stewardship and learning.

    How Friends of Acadia Gives

    The recent grants show a wide spread in grant size, with a p25 of $8,996, a median of $15,042, and a p75 of $207,439. That mix pairs many smaller education and research awards with a few much larger park-support grants. The foundation is a regular funder rather than a donor-advised fund, and it does not fund individuals or program-related investments. Recurring support is visible in the recent record. Acadia National Park, Downeast Transportation, and Schoodic Institute at Acadia each appear across multiple years, which points to ongoing support rather than one-time gifts. The grantmaking is project-specific and program-oriented, with awards tied to park protection, transportation, education, and stewardship.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $10.2M

    Total Assets

    $97.3M

    Total Revenue

    $14.3M

    Total Expenses

    $15.2M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $9K and $207K, with a median of $15K.

    25th Percentile

    $9K

    Median

    $15K

    75th Percentile

    $207K

    Geographic Reach

    Regional5 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Leadership

    William C Eacho

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    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceYour privacy choicesEnvironmental footprintSystem Status
    EIN (Tax ID): 01-0425071Latest Form 990: 2025Total assets: $97.3M3 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
    See If You're a Fit — FreeFree account · instant fit score · similar funders

    Funding Style

    project-specific / program supportinfrastructure and capital supportsustainable transportation fundingenvironmental education grantsplace-based conservation funding

    Topics

    national park protection and stewardship (Acadia region)low-emission visitor transportation (propane buses / Island Explorer)visitor infrastructure and gateway center supportoutdoor and environmental education (Schoodic Education Adventure)habitat and ecosystem conservationdiversity and inclusion in conservation programming

    Where Friends of Acadia Makes Grants

    Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Maine, which accounts for 75% of grants in the HQ state and is also the top state by grant count. Bar Harbor appears repeatedly through grants to Acadia National Park and College of the Atlantic, while Ellsworth, Augusta, Winter Harbor, Bangor, and Orono also show up in the recent list. Outside Maine, the recent grants include Boston, Salt Lake City, Arlington, and Chicago, but every grant in the provided distribution is in the United States.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Friends of Acadia

    What kinds of work does Friends of Acadia fund?

    The foundation funds Acadia National Park support, habitat restoration, trail and infrastructure stewardship, employee housing, environmental education, and public transportation tied to the park. Its program areas also include land protection, visitor services, outdoor education, and sustainability projects such as lower-emission transportation.

    Does Friends of Acadia support education programs?

    Yes. The recent grants include funding for the Schoodic Education Adventure Grant, education at Schoodic Institute at Acadia, and school-based awards such as Orono Middle School, Holden Elementary School, and Ellsworth School Department. The active programs also include teacher fellows and outdoor classroom support.

    How large are Friends of Acadia grants?

    Typical grant sizes in the data range from a p25 of $8,996 to a median of $15,042 and a p75 of $207,439. The list also includes much larger awards, such as $9,056,616 to Acadia National Park and $1,000,000 to the Maine Department of Transportation.

    Where does Friends of Acadia give most often?

    Most grants go to Maine, which is the top state by grant count and receives 75% of grants in the HQ state. Recent recipient cities in Maine include Bar Harbor, Augusta, Ellsworth, Winter Harbor, Bangor, Orono, Gouldsboro, and Somerville.

    Are the grants recurring or mostly one-time awards?

    The recent record shows recurring support for several recipients. Acadia National Park appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Downeast Transportation appears in all three years with Island Explorer support; and Schoodic Institute at Acadia appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for education-related work.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Friends of Acadia that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open now

    Enhance Outdoor Classroom Grant

    Outdoor educationYouth engagementEnvironmental education+1 more

    Who can apply: Available to campuses that have received a previous outdoor classroom grant from Friends of Acadia. The broader Outdoor Classroom Grants eligibility describes Maine early learning centers and pre-K through 12th grade public schools, with outdoor classrooms hosted on school grounds and a curriculum link to Acadia National Park.

    Deadline: 2026 applications are stated to be open; no closing deadline is provided.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    Acadia National ParkBar Harbor, ME$6,124,4042026Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.
    Schoodic Institute at AcadiaWinter Harbor, ME$486,6382026Education and Conservation
    Downeast TransportationEllsworth, ME$297,0002026Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.
    Appalachian Mountain ClubBoston, MA$100,0002026Conservation
    Maine Coast Heritage TrustTopsham, ME$89,0002026Conservation
    Student Conservation AssociationArlington, VA$43,9142026Education
    College of the AtlanticBar Harbor, ME$23,7822026Research
    University of MaineBangor, ME$15,0242026Research
    Indian Township SchoolPrinceton, ME$15,0002026Education
    Indian Island SchoolIndian Island, ME$15,0002026Education
    NiweskokMilford, ME$10,0002026Education
    Ellsworth ElementaryEllsworth, ME$7,5002026Education
    Blue Hill ConsolidatedBlue Hill, ME$7,5002026Education
    Hancock Grammar SchoolHancock, ME$7,5002026Education
    The Molly Ockett SchoolFryeburg, ME$7,5002026Education
    Abbe MuseumBar Harbor, ME$7,5002026Education
    Acadia National ParkBar Harbor, ME$9,056,6162025Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.
    Schoodic Institute at AcadiaWinter Harbor, ME$364,7212025Education and Conservation
    Downeast TransportationEllsworth, ME$297,0002025Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.
    Maine Department of TransportationAugusta, ME$225,0002025Provide support for Acadia Gateway Center
    Appalachian Mountain ClubBoston, MA$86,3012025Conservation
    American Conservation ExperienceSalt Lake City, UT$27,6992025Conservation
    Student Conservation AssociationArlington, VA$19,0752025Education
    University of MaineBangor, ME$15,0582025Research
    College of the AtlanticBar Harbor, ME$13,0002025Research
    Holden Elementary SchoolHolden, ME$7,5002025Education
    Teens Take on Climate IncChicago, IL$7,5002025Education
    Sheepscot Valley RSU 12Somerville, ME$7,5002025Education
    Ellsworth School DepartmentEllsworth, ME$7,5002025Education
    Easton School DepartmentEaston, ME$7,5002025Education
    Day Mountain Regional Middle SchoolPhillips, ME$7,5002025Education
    Maine Natural History ObservatoryGouldsboro, ME$7,1802025Conservation
    Maine Department of TransportationAugusta, ME$1,000,0002024Provide support for Acadia Gateway Center.
    Acadia National ParkBar Harbor, ME$994,6992024Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.
    Downeast TransportationEllsworth, ME$297,0002024Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.
    Schoodic Institute at AcadiaWinter Harbor, ME$201,5852024Schoodic Education Adventure Grant.
    College of the AtlanticBar Harbor, ME$28,4802024Research
    University of MaineBangor, ME$15,0262024Research
    Student Conservation AssociationArlington, VA$13,9202024Education
    American Conservation ExperienceSalt Lake City, UT$10,7602024Conservation
    Orono Middle SchoolOrono, ME$10,0002024Education
    Maine Natural History ObservatoryGouldsboro, ME$9,8172024Conservation
    Acadia National ParkBar Harbor, ME$1,109,7572023Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.
    Downeast TransportationEllsworth, ME$198,0002023Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.
    Schoodic Institute at Acadia National ParkWinter Harbor, ME$146,4412023Schoodic Education Adventure Grant
    University of Maine Controllers OfficeBangor, ME$14,9832023Research
    Student Conservation AssociationArlington, VA$9,4942023Education
    Black People Who HikeEdwardsville, IL$6,5002023Diversity Grant

    Acadia National Park

    $6,124,404
    Bar Harbor, ME2026

    Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.

    Schoodic Institute at Acadia

    $486,638
    Winter Harbor, ME2026

    Education and Conservation

    Downeast Transportation

    $297,000
    Ellsworth, ME2026

    Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.

    Appalachian Mountain Club

    $100,000
    Boston, MA2026

    Conservation

    Maine Coast Heritage Trust

    $89,000
    Topsham, ME2026

    Conservation

    Student Conservation Association

    $43,914
    Arlington, VA2026

    Education

    College of the Atlantic

    $23,782
    Bar Harbor, ME2026

    Research

    University of Maine

    $15,024
    Bangor, ME2026

    Research

    Indian Township School

    $15,000
    Princeton, ME2026

    Education

    Indian Island School

    $15,000
    Indian Island, ME2026

    Education

    Niweskok

    $10,000
    Milford, ME2026

    Education

    Ellsworth Elementary

    $7,500
    Ellsworth, ME2026

    Education

    Blue Hill Consolidated

    $7,500
    Blue Hill, ME2026

    Education

    Hancock Grammar School

    $7,500
    Hancock, ME2026

    Education

    The Molly Ockett School

    $7,500
    Fryeburg, ME2026

    Education

    Abbe Museum

    $7,500
    Bar Harbor, ME2026

    Education

    Acadia National Park

    $9,056,616
    Bar Harbor, ME2025

    Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.

    Schoodic Institute at Acadia

    $364,721
    Winter Harbor, ME2025

    Education and Conservation

    Downeast Transportation

    $297,000
    Ellsworth, ME2025

    Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.

    Maine Department of Transportation

    $225,000
    Augusta, ME2025

    Provide support for Acadia Gateway Center

    Appalachian Mountain Club

    $86,301
    Boston, MA2025

    Conservation

    American Conservation Experience

    $27,699
    Salt Lake City, UT2025

    Conservation

    Student Conservation Association

    $19,075
    Arlington, VA2025

    Education

    University of Maine

    $15,058
    Bangor, ME2025

    Research

    College of the Atlantic

    $13,000
    Bar Harbor, ME2025

    Research

    Holden Elementary School

    $7,500
    Holden, ME2025

    Education

    Teens Take on Climate Inc

    $7,500
    Chicago, IL2025

    Education

    Sheepscot Valley RSU 12

    $7,500
    Somerville, ME2025

    Education

    Ellsworth School Department

    $7,500
    Ellsworth, ME2025

    Education

    Easton School Department

    $7,500
    Easton, ME2025

    Education

    Day Mountain Regional Middle School

    $7,500
    Phillips, ME2025

    Education

    Maine Natural History Observatory

    $7,180
    Gouldsboro, ME2025

    Conservation

    Maine Department of Transportation

    $1,000,000
    Augusta, ME2024

    Provide support for Acadia Gateway Center.

    Acadia National Park

    $994,699
    Bar Harbor, ME2024

    Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.

    Downeast Transportation

    $297,000
    Ellsworth, ME2024

    Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.

    Schoodic Institute at Acadia

    $201,585
    Winter Harbor, ME2024

    Schoodic Education Adventure Grant.

    College of the Atlantic

    $28,480
    Bar Harbor, ME2024

    Research

    University of Maine

    $15,026
    Bangor, ME2024

    Research

    Student Conservation Association

    $13,920
    Arlington, VA2024

    Education

    American Conservation Experience

    $10,760
    Salt Lake City, UT2024

    Conservation

    Orono Middle School

    $10,000
    Orono, ME2024

    Education

    Maine Natural History Observatory

    $9,817
    Gouldsboro, ME2024

    Conservation

    Acadia National Park

    $1,109,757
    Bar Harbor, ME2023

    Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region.

    Downeast Transportation

    $198,000
    Ellsworth, ME2023

    Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park.

    Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park

    $146,441
    Winter Harbor, ME2023

    Schoodic Education Adventure Grant

    University of Maine Controllers Office

    $14,983
    Bangor, ME2023

    Research

    Student Conservation Association

    $9,494
    Arlington, VA2023

    Education

    Black People Who Hike

    $6,500
    Edwardsville, IL2023

    Diversity Grant