Pepita Foundation Inc.

Pepita Foundation operates as a second- and third-generation family foundation committed to what it explicitly calls 'disruptive philanthropy' — a deliberate rejection of traditional grantmaking hierarchies. Founded in October 2021 by members of the Elsbach and Walsh families in Sheffield, Massachusetts, the foundation aims to 'radically reimagine the purpose and practice of philanthropy' by redistributing generational wealth to grassroots, frontline organizations that are often overlooked by mainstream funders.

The foundation's giving philosophy is anchored in four stated values: Reciprocity, Trust, Disruption, and Love. In practice, this translates to trust-based, multi-year unrestricted grants — a meaningful distinction from the program-only funders that dominate mainstream philanthropy. Pepita explicitly states it funds 'the un-exciting parts of running an organization,' including employee salaries, benefits, and administrative costs. This posture makes it an unusually valuable partner for small organizations that struggle to cover overhead.

Pepita does not use a traditional application model and explicitly does not accept unsolicited proposals. Instead, the foundation operates through a relationship-based nomination system — organizations are referred through the network or nominated via the foundation's website. Warm introductions matter significantly here. The foundation also conducts its own proactive research on potential grantees, meaning it may approach organizations rather than waiting to be found.

Strong thematic priorities are evident from both the website and the FY2023 grantee portfolio: disability justice (Sins Invalid, Heard, Off-The-Grid), international humanitarian relief tied to Gaza and Ukraine, movement building via solidarity economy (Peopleshub), and immigrant rights (Raices, Gowanus Mutual Aid). Organizations must be led by Black, Indigenous, queer, disabled, or Latinx/e people to align with Pepita's stated focus on 'historically oppressed identities.'

The extraordinary FY2024 asset jump — from $2.76M to $50.93M driven by a $48.5M family contribution — is the most consequential development in this foundation's short history. With assets now exceeding $50M, the IRS 5% minimum distribution requirement means Pepita must distribute approximately $2.5M annually going forward, far exceeding its historical giving levels of $192,500–$346,000. First-time applicants should treat this as an emerging major funder with enormous near-term capacity, while expecting the relationship-first, slow-build engagement model to remain core to the experience.

Pepita's grantmaking has grown steadily since its founding in 2021 but remains modest relative to its newly enlarged asset base. Total documented giving by year: $18,947 (FY2021), $50,229 (FY2022), $314,719 (FY2023, total giving line on 990-PF), and approximately $346,000 (FY2024, representing 97.3% of $355,670 in total expenses). Grant payments specifically reported on the 990-PF were $192,500 in FY2023.

In FY2023 — the most granular year available — Pepita awarded 12 grants totaling $192,500 in direct grants paid. Average grant: $16,042. Range: $2,500 (Raices, Gowanus Mutual Aid, One Community — immigrant services mutual aid) to $30,000 (Off-The-Grid, Peopleshub, Sins Invalid, Heard). The four largest grantees each received exactly $30,000, suggesting a standard ceiling for core partnership grants in that period.

In FY2024, the foundation made only 4 documented grants totaling approximately $118,000, implying an average of roughly $29,500 per grant — nearly double the FY2023 average. This shift toward fewer but larger awards reflects the FAQ-stated tier structure: $1,000 for one-off grants and specific projects; up to $100,000 for full partnership arrangements.

By program area, FY2023 grants break down as: disability justice ($90,000, 47% — Sins Invalid, Heard, Off-The-Grid); international humanitarian ($30,000, 16% — Anera, Doctors Without Borders, Palestine Red Crescent); movement building ($30,000, 16% — Peopleshub); community health and recovery ($25,000, 13% — Eleanor Health Foundation); and immigrant rights ($15,000, 8% — Raices, Gowanus Mutual Aid, One Community, Urban Rural Action).

Geographically, California dominates FY2023 grantmaking (5 of 12 grants), followed by New York (2) and Washington, D.C. (2), with single grants to Texas and North Carolina. The foundation states no geographic restrictions and its international-facing grantees (Palestine, Syria/Turkey, Ukraine) show global reach via U.S.-based intermediaries. With $50.9M in assets requiring a 5% payout (~$2.5M/year), grant volume and individual award sizes are expected to grow significantly in FY2025 and FY2026.

The foundations below were matched to Pepita by total asset size (approximately $50.9M) and shared NTEE category T (Philanthropy & Grantmaking). All are private, independent foundations; most maintain minimal public disclosure, making detailed programmatic comparison difficult.

Pepita stands out sharply among asset-matched peers for its unusually explicit public articulation of values, grantmaking philosophy, and a functioning website describing grant tiers and a nomination pathway. Most similarly-sized private family foundations maintain near-total opacity. Pepita's current giving ($346K) is strikingly low relative to its $50.9M in assets — a 0.7% payout versus the IRS-required 5% — indicating substantial near-term grantmaking expansion is legally mandated. Organizations that build relationships now position themselves advantageously as this relatively young foundation develops its scaled giving infrastructure.

The defining event in Pepita's recent history is the FY2024 endowment infusion: contributions of $48,526,625 documented in the Form 990-PF filed November 17, 2025, vaulting total assets from $2.76M to $50.93M in a single year. No public announcement accompanied this transfer, consistent with the foundation's deliberately low-profile posture. The contribution almost certainly originated from the founding Elsbach and Walsh families, representing a major commitment of generational wealth to the foundation's philanthropic mission.

Also documented in the FY2024 filing: Torri Oaks joined as Administrator at $63,000 annually — the foundation's first and only compensated employee. All five board members (Janet Elsbach as President/Treasurer/Clerk; directors Marcia Walsh, Louisa Pearl Elsbach, Hazel Elsbach, and Corie Walsh) continued to serve without compensation. Janet Elsbach's triple officer role underscores the family-run character of governance.

Grantmaking in FY2024 contracted to 4 grants (from 12 in FY2023) totaling approximately $118,000 in documented awards, even as total charitable expenditures reached ~$346,000. This likely reflects a strategic pause to absorb the endowment transition before scaling. No press releases, media coverage, or funder network announcements about the asset growth were found in searches conducted May 2026. The foundation's Instagram account (@pepita.foundation) is the most accessible channel for observing current grantee relationships and any shifts in focus as the foundation prepares for significantly expanded giving.

Because Pepita does not accept unsolicited applications, the path to funding begins with relationship-building and referral — not a formal proposal.

Enter through nomination. The foundation explicitly invites anyone to nominate organizations via the form at pepitafoundation.org/get-involved, and direct email to info@pepitafoundation.org is welcomed for those who want to connect or learn more. A referral from a current Pepita grantee (Sins Invalid, Heard, Peopleshub, Off-The-Grid, Eleanor Health Foundation, Raices, Anera, Urban Rural Action, Gowanus Mutual Aid) carries meaningful weight. Build relationships within disability justice, mutual aid, and solidarity economy networks where Pepita is known.

Use the foundation's language. Pepita is drawn to organizations that are led by and accountable to Black, Indigenous, queer, disabled, and Latinx/e people; engaged in 'radical, on-the-ground' movement building; and trusted by their communities. Avoid corporate vocabulary and institutional framing. Demonstrate grassroots legitimacy through community governance, longevity, earned trust, and lived experience leadership rather than professional credentials.

Lead with operating support needs. Pepita explicitly funds 'the un-exciting parts' of organizations — staff salaries, benefits, administrative costs. If your organization has historically struggled to cover overhead, say so plainly. This is not a weakness; it is exactly the funding gap Pepita intends to fill. Frame requests around what the organization structurally needs to sustain its work, not around a specific program deliverable.

Align your ask with the grant tier. For initial or one-off engagements, target $1,000–$30,000. For full partnership arrangements (multi-year, unrestricted, up to $100,000), expect the relationship to develop over 6–12 months before a larger commitment materializes. With $50.9M in assets requiring ~$2.5M in annual distributions, the foundation's near-term grant capacity far exceeds historical levels — position your organization for the scale-up.

Prepare for foundation-led research. Pepita states it proactively researches potential grantees rather than relying on applicant self-presentation. Ensure your public footprint — website, social media, IRS Form 990 if applicable — accurately and compellingly reflects your leadership composition, community trust, and the transformative nature of your work. A clean, authentic Instagram or social presence aligned with movement values can be a meaningful signal.