Northern Exposure Foundation

Northern Exposure Foundation (NEF) is a young nonprofit operating foundation established in Milan, New Hampshire, with IRS recognition obtained in July 2022. Unlike traditional grantmaking foundations, NEF is an operating foundation that directly runs programs rather than primarily distributing grants to other organizations. The foundation is physically located at 434 W Milan Rd, Milan, NH — in the White Mountains region of northern New Hampshire, an area well-suited to sled dog operations. NEF's core mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sled dogs and build connections between people and animals through mushing experiences. The foundation maintains a professional GoDaddy Website Builder site (northernexposurefoundation.com) and runs an online merchandise store (backpacks, socks, blankets, coasters, phone cases) to supplement donation revenue. The organization is connected to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race community, with 2026 Iditarod coverage featured on the website, and has supported mushers in Bethel, Alaska. Revenue is 100% donation-based with no investment income, and the foundation spends its revenue on direct program costs (dog housing, veterinary care, training infrastructure) rather than grantmaking. NEF is one of a small number of sled dog rescue nonprofits in the United States.

Northern Exposure Foundation is an operating foundation that spends on programs rather than making grants. Financial profile: - FY2023: Revenue $118,891 (100% donations); Total expenses $325,013 (program expenses $119,659); Grants $0; Assets $760,592 - FY2022: Revenue $883,931 (100% donations); Total expenses $395,251; Grants $550; Assets $966,714 - FY2021: Revenue $602,649 (100% donations); Total expenses $129,788; Grants $0; Assets $472,861

Key observations: - Revenue is entirely donation-dependent, making the foundation reliant on fundraising and major gifts - Total expenses ($325K in 2023) significantly exceed revenue ($119K) — foundation is drawing down reserves - The large 2022 revenue ($883K) likely represented a major founding gift or capital campaign - Assets have declined from $966K (2022) to $760K (2023), and the database shows $2.05M — suggesting a recent major gift in 2024 not yet reflected in the most recent ProPublica data - No investment portfolio (all assets in operating form, likely real property and equipment for dog operations) - Grantmaking is negligible ($550 total in documented history) — this is a direct service organization - The foundation runs a merchandise store as a supplementary revenue channel

Northern Exposure Foundation occupies a niche in the sled dog rescue and rehabilitation space, which has few dedicated nonprofits nationally:

NEF is one of very few nonprofits nationally focused specifically on sled dog rescue and rehabilitation combined with human-animal bond programming. Its geographic location in NH's White Mountains and connection to the Iditarod community gives it a unique position in a small niche. For funders interested in animal welfare, outdoor education, and human-animal bond programs, NEF fills a gap not addressed by general animal shelters or humane societies.

Northern Exposure Foundation is actively operating as of March 2026. Recent highlights: - March 2026: Promoting the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race; encouraging supporters to cheer on mushers - Website updated March 2026 (sitemap shows March 5, 2026 last modified date) - Published article: "Supporting Local Dog Mushers in Bethel, Alaska" — documenting geographic reach to Alaska - Online merchandise store active (GoDaddy/SimpleStore) selling branded goods - Database asset figure of $2,050,928 significantly exceeds the IRS-reported $760,592 from FY2023, suggesting a major gift or capital acquisition in 2024 that has not yet appeared in IRS records - IRS status: Active (2022 ruling, NTEE T23 Operating Foundation) - No paid staff reported in 2021-2023 filings — foundation appears to operate on volunteer labor or contractor basis The foundation's White Mountains, NH location and Iditarod connections suggest active mushing seasons (November-March) drive peak programming, with warmer months focused on kennel operations and fundraising.

Northern Exposure Foundation is an operating foundation that directly runs programs rather than making grants to other organizations. Tips for those seeking to engage: 1. This is not a typical grantmaker: NEF runs its own sled dog programs and does not distribute significant grants. Organizations seeking funding should not expect traditional grant awards. 2. Partnership opportunities: Organizations in the animal welfare, outdoor education, or human-animal bond space could explore programmatic partnerships — co-presenting events, educational collaborations, or referral networks for rescued sled dogs. 3. Volunteer and donation support: NEF is donation-dependent and welcomes volunteer support for kennel operations, dog care, and mushing programs. Dog mushing enthusiasts, veterinarians, and animal welfare volunteers are valuable. 4. Connect through the mushing community: The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race community, New England sled dog clubs, and New Hampshire outdoor recreation networks are the best paths to connect with NEF leadership. 5. Support via merchandise: The foundation operates an online store (backpacks, blankets, socks, coasters, phone cases) at a GoDaddy SimpleStore — purchasing merchandise directly supports operations. 6. Contact: Website contact form at northernexposurefoundation.com. No direct email or phone number is publicly displayed; use the website contact form for inquiries. 7. For funders considering NEF as a grantee: NEF could be an attractive grantee for funders interested in animal welfare, sled dog rescue, human-animal bond programs, outdoor recreation, or rural NH community development.