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Better Natures Foundation is a private trust based in OXFORD, MA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2020. The principal officer is Justine A Johnson. It holds total assets of $15.4M. Annual income is reported at $3M. The foundation is governed by 2 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2021 to 2024. The foundation primarily funds organizations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New England. According to available records, Better Natures Foundation has made 49 grants totaling $735K, with a median grant of $10K. Annual giving has grown from $80K in 2022 to $655K in 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $100K, with an average award of $15K. The foundation has supported 34 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in District of Columbia, New York, Rhode Island, which account for 61% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 11 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Better Natures Foundation operates as a donor-directed private foundation without publicly disclosed application processes. The foundation was established with a substantial $15 million initial contribution in 2021 by Dr. Gary Block and Dr. Justine Johnson, veterinary medicine specialists who co-founded two major New England veterinary hospital systems. Given its closed nature, direct outreach to the trustees through their professional networks at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists (OSVS) or the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association would be the most viable approach. Organizations working in animal welfare, veterinary care accessibility, or environmental conservation in the New England region may align with the foundation's interests. The founders' deep involvement in evidence-based veterinary medicine and humane animal treatment advocacy suggests a preference for scientifically rigorous, impact-focused programs.
The foundation received a $15 million founding contribution in 2021 and has maintained a conservative payout strategy. Charitable disbursements have been: 2024: $694,205 (4.5% of assets); total cumulative disbursements approximately $1.35 million since inception. Revenue is generated primarily through investment management (86.7% from asset sales, 13.2% dividends, 0.1% interest). No specific grant recipients have been publicly identified through ProPublica, GuideStar, Cause IQ, or other nonprofit databases. The foundation files Form 990-PF annually (filings available 2021-2024). Both trustees (Gary Block and Justine Johnson) serve without compensation, keeping administrative costs minimal. The payout rate of approximately 4.5% is consistent with IRS minimum distribution requirements for private foundations, suggesting deliberate long-term capital preservation alongside grantmaking.
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Focus | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Natures Foundation | $15.4M | ~$694K | Animal welfare, vet medicine, environment | Private independent |
| MSPCA-Angell | $195M | $12M+ | Animal welfare, veterinary services | Public charity |
| Animal Rescue League of Boston | $75M | $5M+ | Animal welfare, adoption, education | Public charity |
| RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation | <$1M | ~$50K | Reduced-cost veterinary care (RI) | Public charity |
| Banfield Foundation | $24M | $3.5M | Veterinary care access, pet welfare | Corporate foundation |
| Morris Animal Foundation | $140M | $13M+ | Animal health research | Public charity |
Better Natures Foundation is a mid-sized private foundation relative to major animal welfare organizations but significantly larger than grassroots veterinary access nonprofits like the RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation that Dr. Block co-founded. Its $15.4M asset base and ~$694K annual disbursement rate suggest a conservative, long-term oriented approach to grantmaking.
The foundation was established in April 2020 with 501(c)(3) status and received its $15 million founding contribution in 2021. As of 2024, total assets stand at $15.4 million with $694,205 in charitable disbursements. The foundation website (betternatures.org) remains a placeholder with the message "Something new is coming," suggesting the organization may be in the process of establishing its public presence and formalizing its grantmaking programs. Dr. Justine Johnson was featured in a "CEOs You Should Know" radio segment on News Radio RI in March 2025, discussing her role at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Gary Block continues to serve as board president of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and publishes on veterinary care accessibility through HumanePro. The Cornell University Class of 1991 (Dr. Johnson's class) recently endowed a scholarship to help struggling veterinary students, reflecting the founders' ongoing commitment to veterinary education.
This is a closed, donor-directed private foundation with no publicly available application process. The website (betternatures.org) is a placeholder with no application portal or contact information. Prospective grantseekers should consider: (1) Building relationships through professional veterinary networks, particularly the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association or RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation where Dr. Block holds leadership positions; (2) Presenting proposals that align with evidence-based veterinary medicine, animal welfare, or environmental conservation; (3) Demonstrating impact in the New England region, particularly Massachusetts and Rhode Island where the founders operate; (4) Monitoring the website for potential future public grantmaking announcements; (5) The foundation's preselected-only status means unsolicited applications are unlikely to be accepted through formal channels.
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No program descriptions are available for this foundation. Many private foundations report program activities in their annual 990-PF filings — check the Tax Filings section below for the most recent filing.
The foundation received a $15 million founding contribution in 2021 and has maintained a conservative payout strategy. Charitable disbursements have been: 2024: $694,205 (4.5% of assets); total cumulative disbursements approximately $1.35 million since inception. Revenue is generated primarily through investment management (86.7% from asset sales, 13.2% dividends, 0.1% interest). No specific grant recipients have been publicly identified through ProPublica, GuideStar, Cause IQ, or other nonprofi.
Better Natures Foundation has distributed a total of $735K across 49 grants. The median grant size is $10K, with an average of $15K. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $100K.
Better Natures Foundation operates as a donor-directed private foundation without publicly disclosed application processes. The foundation was established with a substantial $15 million initial contribution in 2021 by Dr. Gary Block and Dr. Justine Johnson, veterinary medicine specialists who co-founded two major New England veterinary hospital systems. Given its closed nature, direct outreach to the trustees through their professional networks at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists (OSVS) or the.
Better Natures Foundation is headquartered in OXFORD, MA. While based in MA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 11 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Block | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Justine Johnson | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$15.4M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$15.4M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
49
Total Giving
$735K
Average Grant
$15K
Median Grant
$10K
Unique Recipients
34
Most Common Grant
$10K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founders PledgeGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $100K | 2023 |
| Rock Hill Country Day SchoolGENERAL PURPOSE | East Greenwich, RI | $50K | 2023 |
| WildaidGENERAL PURPOSE | San Francisco, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Ocean ConservancyGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $50K | 2023 |
| OceanaGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Defenders Of WildlifeGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Center For International Enviromental LawGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| The Climate Reality ProjectGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Union Of Concerned ScientistsGENERAL PURPOSE | Cambridge, MA | $25K | 2023 |
| Coral Reef AllianceGENERAL PURPOSE | San Francisco, CA | $25K | 2023 |
| Nature Conservancy RiGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $25K | 2023 |
| Nature Conservancy (Global)GENERAL PURPOSE | Arlington, VA | $25K | 2023 |
| Africian Wildlife FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $25K | 2023 |
| Rainforest TrustGENERAL PURPOSE | Warrenton, VA | $20K | 2023 |
| Animal Legal Defense FundGENERAL PURPOSE | Cotati, CA | $15K | 2023 |
| Ri Community Food BankGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $15K | 2023 |
| Empowers AfriciaGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $10K | 2023 |
| Marine Conservation InstituteGENERAL PURPOSE | Seattle, WA | $10K | 2023 |
| Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine (Pcrm)GENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $10K | 2023 |
| Inn0cence ProjectGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $10K | 2023 |
| One GoalGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $10K | 2023 |
| Pets In Need Veterinary ClinicGENERAL PURPOSE | Riverside, RI | $10K | 2023 |
| Amici CannisGENERAL PURPOSE | Fort Collins, CO | $10K | 2023 |
| My Stuff Bags FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Westlake Village, CA | $10K | 2023 |
| Providence Animal Rescue LeagueGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $10K | 2023 |
| Rivma Companion Animal FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $10K | 2023 |
| Providence Children'S MuseumGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $10K | 2023 |
| Freedom From Religion FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Environmental Defense FundGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $10K | 2023 |
| Great Plains FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Jupiter, FL | $5K | 2022 |
| Freedom From Religious FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Oviedo, FL | $3K | 2022 |
| My StuffGENERAL PURPOSE | Westlake Village, CA | $3K | 2022 |
| City Arts ProvidenceGENERAL PURPOSE | Providence, RI | $2K | 2022 |
| Earth Conservation CorpGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $1K | 2022 |