Alta Via For Good

Alta Via For Good appears to operate through board-directed grantmaking rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. No public application form, deadline, or eligibility criteria were found. Organizations seeking funding should consider direct outreach to the foundation via their website (altaviaforgood.org) or through professional networks connected to the three board members: Dawn Sedgley, Christopher Jackiw, and Anton Van Der Merwe. The foundation's Palos Park, Illinois base and general charitable focus suggest local and regional organizations may have an advantage.

Alta Via For Good has grown rapidly from $1.37M in assets (2020) to $12.33M (2024), entirely funded through investment income rather than donor contributions. In 2024, the foundation distributed $887,770 in charitable grants — 88.9% of its total expenses of $998,338. Revenue was $488,812 (all from interest), resulting in a net loss of -$509,526, indicating the foundation intentionally distributes more than it earns annually. This aggressive distribution pattern suggests a serious commitment to charitable impact over asset preservation.

Alta Via For Good operates in the mid-size Illinois foundation space ($12.3M in assets). Compared to typical fund-raising-and-distribution foundations of similar size, its 89% charitable disbursement rate is notably high — many peer foundations distribute 50-70% of expenses as grants. The zero-compensation board structure and zero-liability balance sheet indicate extremely lean operations. The foundation's investment-only revenue model is unusual, as most peers of this size receive some donor contributions.

The foundation has shown consistent growth over its short history (tax-exempt since 2021). Assets have grown nearly 9x from $1.37M to $12.33M in four years. The 2024 filing shows the foundation is now in a mature distribution phase, spending down assets to fund charitable grants at a rate exceeding annual investment income. The website (altaviaforgood.org) includes a gallery and culture page emphasizing trust, constructive debate, and leadership that empowers innovation and excellence.

Direct outreach is likely the only path to funding from Alta Via For Good. Consider: (1) Identify connections to board members Dawn Sedgley, Christopher Jackiw, or Anton Van Der Merwe; (2) Submit a concise letter of inquiry via the foundation website describing your organization's mission and specific funding needs; (3) Emphasize alignment with the foundation's society-benefit and community-impact values; (4) Illinois-based organizations should highlight their local impact; (5) Be prepared that the foundation may only fund pre-selected organizations and may not respond to unsolicited requests.