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Also known as: FAMILY FOUNDATION
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The Fink Family Foundation is a private corporation based in FAIRFIELD, CT. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2001. The principal officer is G William Haas. It holds total assets of $14.7M. Annual income is reported at $4.1M. The foundation is governed by 2 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2017 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 7 states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard MA. According to available records, The Fink Family Foundation has made 53 grants totaling $2.5M, with a median grant of $25K. Annual giving has grown from $918K in 2020 to $1.6M in 2022. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $250K, with an average award of $48K. The foundation has supported 35 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in New York, North Carolina, Indiana, which account for 42% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 13 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
The Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation operates as a relationship-driven, invitation-only funder. Because the foundation explicitly makes contributions only to preselected organizations, the highest-leverage approach is indirect network cultivation rather than cold outreach.
Key approach vectors:
1. Network entry through Fink Fellows alumni. The foundation has a documented network of environmental leaders and social entrepreneurs it calls "Friends of BJFFF." Organizations whose staff trained at ReFED, Island Grown Initiative, BiodiversityWorks, SUNY ESF, or Prime Coalition have natural credibility pathways. If your team includes anyone in this orbit, that connection should lead introductions.
2. Align with the Fink Fellows program. The foundation actively funds fellowship placements at partner organizations (SUNY ESF, Student Conservation Association, Yale). Hosting a Fink Fellow signals mission alignment and creates an ongoing relationship that often precedes grant consideration.
3. Media and narrative alignment. Jesse and Betsy Fink have funded environmental documentaries (Racing Extinction, Chasing Coral) through Impact Partners and support writers such as Robin Kimmerer and Terry Tempest Williams. Organizations with compelling storytelling components or media partnerships gain visibility in this community.
4. Co-attendance at environmental convenings. The foundation participates in networks like CapShift, JUST Capital, and Prime Coalition—meaning staff at environmental finance convenings, ESG investor summits, or conservation events may encounter foundation leadership directly.
5. Martha's Vineyard local presence. The foundation has a strong place-based commitment to Martha's Vineyard. Organizations with island-based or island-connected programs (BiodiversityWorks, Island Grown Initiative, Island Climate Action Network) receive recurring multi-year support. A local partnership or field site on the island is a durable advantage.
Grant-making profile based on 990-PF filings and grantmaker databases (2017-2024):
Annual giving: approximately $1.5-1.7M across 30-40 grants per year. In 2023, the foundation distributed $1,689,968 across 39 awards.
Grant size distribution: - Small grants ($2,500-$15,000): Fellowships, individual artist/writer stipends, local conservation projects - Mid-tier grants ($25,000-$75,000): Core programmatic support for environmental nonprofits - Major grants ($100,000-$250,000): Multi-year commitments to anchor partners (SUNY ESF, ReFED, Earthjustice, major film projects) - Median grant: approximately $18,000
Grant types observed: - General operating support (frequent, especially for established partners) - Program-specific grants (food waste innovation, biodiversity monitoring) - Fellowship support (Fink Fellows placements at multiple host organizations) - Film and media production (documentary partnerships via Impact Partners) - Donor Advised Fund distributions (via Renaissance Charitable Foundation)
Multi-year commitments are common for anchor partners. BiodiversityWorks, ReFED, SUNY ESF, and Island Grown Initiative appear in multiple years, suggesting the foundation builds sustained partnerships rather than one-off grants.
Geographic distribution of 2024 grants: New York (10 grants), Massachusetts (6), Colorado (3), Washington DC (3), Indiana (2), others scattered. Despite being a Fairfield CT foundation, only a small proportion of grants go to Connecticut-based organizations directly.
The foundation has increased Colorado giving in recent years, likely connected to Jesse Fink's impact investing network and the Denver Film Society partnership ($250K, Braiding Sweetgrass).
Peer comparison: Environmental family foundations (~$7M-$52M assets, similar focus areas)
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Median Grant | Geographic Focus | Open Applications | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Betsy & Jesse Fink Family Foundation | $14.7M | ~$1.7M | $18,000 | CT, MA, NY, CO | No (preselected) | Food systems, biodiversity, climate |
| Shumaker Family Foundation | $16.0M | ~$982K | $10,000 | Kansas City Region | Yes | Social justice, environmental justice, education |
| Penney Family Fund | $7.0M | ~$641K | $25,000 | United States | No (preselected) | Racial/economic/environmental justice |
| Sapelo Foundation Inc. | $35.5M | ~$1.6M | $20,000 | Georgia | Yes | Environmental justice, land and water, climate |
| TomKat Foundation | $42.8M | Variable | $500,000 | United States, CA | No (preselected) | Sustainable agriculture, food systems, clean energy |
Key differentiators of the Fink Family Foundation: - Stronger emphasis on individual leadership development (Fink Fellows) compared to peers, which is rare among foundations this size - Place-based commitment to Martha's Vineyard is unique and creates a durable niche - Film and narrative funding is atypical for an environmental foundation of this asset size - Smaller grant count than Sapelo but higher per-grant average, suggesting deeper relationships with fewer organizations - Unlike TomKat (very large anchor grants), Fink distributes across a broader portfolio at a more accessible size range
Recent grant-making activity (2023-2024) and emerging trends:
2024 highlights (30 grants, approximately $2M distributed): - Denver Film Society: $250,000 — Braiding Sweetgrass film adaptation, signaling continued investment in environmental media and Indigenous ecological knowledge - ESF College Foundation: $100,000-125,000 — Restoration Science Center at SUNY, ongoing multi-year commitment - ReFED Inc: $100,000-125,000 — AI-driven food waste analytics, reflecting increasing interest in technology-enabled environmental solutions - Earthjustice: $100,000 — Land, wildlife, and ocean litigation/advocacy - BiodiversityWorks: $47,500-50,000 — Atlas of Life program on Martha's Vineyard, continuing place-based commitment
Trend observations: 1. Technology integration: ReFED's AI food waste work represents a shift toward funding data and technology-driven environmental solutions, not just field programs. 2. Cultural/narrative investment growing: The Braiding Sweetgrass film (Robin Kimmerer's work) follows earlier investments in Racing Extinction and Chasing Coral. Environmental storytelling is becoming a core program pillar. 3. DAF usage: Renaissance Charitable Foundation received $230,000-250,000, indicating the foundation uses a Donor Advised Fund vehicle for some distributions, which may route to additional organizations not visible in 990 data. 4. Indigenous knowledge: Funding of Braiding Sweetgrass and support for Robin Kimmerer's work at SUNY ESF signals emerging interest in Indigenous ecological frameworks. 5. Consistent anchor partners: SUNY ESF, ReFED, BiodiversityWorks, and Earthjustice appear in multiple consecutive years, confirming the foundation's relationship-first grant-making approach.
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Grants supporting solutions to food waste, sustainable and inclusive food systems, and food security. Past grantees include ReFED, Harlem Grown, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust, and Upcycled Food Association.
Grants supporting resilient habitats, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Past grantees include BiodiversityWorks, Martha's Vineyard Atlas of Life, Earthjustice, The Nature Conservancy, and Walking Mountains Science Center.
Grants supporting climate resilience initiatives, sustainable communities, and environmental justice. Supports organizations building adaptive capacity at the local and regional level.
Fellowship and internship program developing emerging environmental leaders. Partners include SUNY ESF Restoration Science Center, Student Conservation Association, Yale University, Island Grown Initiative, and BiodiversityWorks.
Supporting writers, artists, and storytellers focused on climate and environmental narratives. Has supported environmental documentaries including Racing Extinction, The Eagle Huntress, and Chasing Coral.
Grant-making profile based on 990-PF filings and grantmaker databases (2017-2024): Annual giving: approximately $1.5-1.7M across 30-40 grants per year. In 2023, the foundation distributed $1,689,968 across 39 awards.
The Fink Family Foundation has distributed a total of $2.5M across 53 grants. The median grant size is $25K, with an average of $48K. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $250K.
The Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation operates as a relationship-driven, invitation-only funder. Because the foundation explicitly makes contributions only to preselected organizations, the highest-leverage approach is indirect network cultivation rather than cold outreach. Key approach vectors:.
The Fink Family Foundation is headquartered in FAIRFIELD, CT. While based in CT, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 13 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betsy Fink | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jesse Fink | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$14.7M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$14.7M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
53
Total Giving
$2.5M
Average Grant
$48K
Median Grant
$25K
Unique Recipients
35
Most Common Grant
$25K
of 2022 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Food BankGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM SUPPORT) | Tucson, AZ | $30K | 2020 |
| Renaissance CharitableGRANT TO RENAISSANCE CHARITABLE DAF | Indianapolis, IN | $250K | 2022 |
| Esf College FoundationGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES & MISC (CENTER FOR NATIVE PEOPLES; RESTORATION SCIENCE) | Syracuse, NY | $200K | 2022 |
| Refed IncGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT) | Long Island City, NY | $125K | 2022 |
| Island Grown Initiative LtdGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (SUPPORT IGI'S 2022-23 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN) | Vineyard Haven, MA | $125K | 2022 |
| EarthjusticeGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS & BIODIVERSITY (2ND OF 3 ANNUAL GRANTS OF $100K) | San Francisco, CA | $100K | 2022 |
| National Geographic SocietyGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS BIODIVERSITY (HUBBARD COUNCIL ANNUAL INSTALLMENT, PMT #5 OF 5 YR COMMITMENT) | Washington, DC | $50K | 2022 |
| Harlem GrownGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS ($50K IN ACCORDANCE WITH AGMT DATED 8/16/21) | New York, NY | $50K | 2022 |
| Center For Responsible Travel (Crest)GRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (OPERATIONAL GRANT, 2ND PMT FOR FY 2020-2021) | Washington, DC | $50K | 2022 |
| Biodiversityworks IncGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS, HUMAN CAPITAL (2022 SUPPORT FOR MV ATLAS OF LIFE PROG. JAN - AUG) | Vineyard Haven, MA | $43K | 2022 |
| Utah Film CenterGRANT AREA: ENVIRONMENT (SUPPORT FOR OUTREACH OF INTO THE WEEDS FILM ON GLYPHOSATES) | Salt Lake City, UT | $25K | 2022 |
| ReplateGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS) | Oakland, CA | $25K | 2022 |
| International Rescue CommitteeGRANT AREA: HUMAN RIGHTS (UKRAINE RELIEF) | New York, NY | $25K | 2022 |
| Environmental Defense FundGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS & BIODIVERSITY (WILDLIFE PROTECTION AND FOOD WASTE SOLUTIONS) | New York, NY | $25K | 2022 |
| Natural Resources Defense CouncilGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS (SPLIT EVENLY B/T WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND WILDERNESS PROTECTION) | Hagerstown, MD | $25K | 2022 |
| New York UniversityGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM) | New York, NY | $25K | 2022 |
| Student Conservation Association IncGRANT AREA: ENVIRONMENTAL (EARTH MONTH PROGRAM) | Charlestown, NH | $10K | 2022 |
| Woodwell Climate Research CenterGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (SUPPORT FOR STUDY WITH MVC CLIMATE TASK FORCE) | Falmouth, MA | $10K | 2022 |
| Walking Mountains Science CenterGRANT AREA: ENVIRONMENTAL (GENERAL OPERATING FUND) | Avon, CO | $10K | 2022 |
| World Central KitchenGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (UKRAINE RELIEF) | Washington, DC | $10K | 2022 |
| National Audubon SocietyGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES & CLIMATE (DIRECTED TO ROWE SANCTUARY, GIBBON, NE) | New York, NY | $5K | 2022 |
| Food TankGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS & FOOD WASTE (GENERAL SUPPORT) | Baltimore, MD | $5K | 2022 |
| Harvard Food Law And Policy ClinicGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS & FOOD WASTE (GENERAL SUPPORT) | Cambridge, MA | $5K | 2022 |
| Center For EcotechnologyGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS & FOOD WASTE (GENERAL SUPPORT) | Dalton, MA | $5K | 2022 |
| Just Capital Foundation IncGRANT AREA: MISCELLANEOUS - GENERAL/ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION - COMPANY RANKINGS | New York, NY | $5K | 2022 |
| Food And Environmental Reporting NetworkGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (GENERAL SUPPORT) | New York, NY | $2K | 2022 |
| North American Butterfly AssociationGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS (PROJECT: NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER) | Morristown, NJ | $2K | 2022 |
| Fidelity Charitable Gift FundGRANT AREA: FIDELITY DAF ACCOUNT (ACCT NAME: PIKA; # 1141364) | Durham, NC | $250K | 2020 |
| The Xerces SocietyGRANT AREA: RESILIENT HABITATS (NORTHEAST MONARCH PROGRAM) | Portland, OR | $30K | 2020 |
| Island Grown InitiativeGRANT AREA: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (FOOD WASTE RECYCLING INITIATIVE) | Vineyard Haven, MA | $25K | 2020 |
| Planned ParenthoodGRANT AREA: HUMAN RIGHTS (GENERAL SUPPORT) | Denver, CO | $20K | 2020 |
| American Farmland TrustGRANT AREA: HUMAN AG & HEALTHY EATING (GENERAL SUPPORT; HEALTHY EATING) | Washington, DC | $15K | 2020 |
| Center For Reproductive RightsGRANT AREA: HUMAN RIGHTS (GENERAL SUPPORT) | New York, NY | $15K | 2020 |