The Volgenau Climate Initiative (VCI), an initiative of The Volgenau Foundation, is seeking Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) leaders to propose and co-host a sponsored convening in December 2026. The program funds convenings that bring together leaders to connect and collaborate on bold climate strategies. Support includes covering all costs for planning and hosting the 25-30 person event, travel stipends, host committee honorariums, seed funding for projects arising from the convening, and funding for a post-convening coordinator.
Volgenau Foundation is a private corporation based in MCLEAN, VA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1995. The principal officer is % Ernst Volgenau. It holds total assets of $166.2M. Annual income is reported at $29.4M. DEMONSTRATING CONSERVATION VALUES AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM: - CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM (PCF): TVF UNDERTAKES ONGOING LANDSCAPE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES AT PCF. - SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFITS (AND GRANTEES): TVF MAKES PHILLIPS CREEK FARM AVAILABLE FOR USE BY LOCAL NONPROFITS FOR THEIR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS. TVF INVITES ITS GRANTEES AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO USE PCF AS A MEETING AND DEMONSTRATION SITE. According to available records, Volgenau Foundation has made 160 grants totaling $30.1M, with a median grant of $100K. Annual giving has grown from $10M in 2021 to $20.1M in 2022. Individual grants have ranged from $15K to $1.2M, with an average award of $188K. The foundation has supported 59 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in District of Columbia, New York, California, which account for 50% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 15 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
DEMONSTRATING CONSERVATION VALUES AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM: - CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM (PCF): TVF UNDERTAKES ONGOING LANDSCAPE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES AT PCF. - SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFITS (AND GRANTEES): TVF MAKES PHILLIPS CREEK FARM AVAILABLE FOR USE BY LOCAL NONPROFITS FOR THEIR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS. TVF INVITES ITS GRANTEES AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO USE PCF AS A MEETING AND DEMONSTRATION SITE.
Expenses: $18K
ENHANCING CONSERVATION PHILANTHROPY: TVF FOSTERS COLLABORATION AMONG CONSERVATION FUNDERS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT. - TVF IS CO-FOUNDER (WITH THE LAND FAMILY FOUNDATION) OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDERS ORGANIZATION. IN 2020 WE HOSTED THREE EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS OF THE ORGANIZATION WITH PRESENTATIONS BY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS. WE ALSO HOSTED A MEETING AT WHICH GRANTEES WERE INVITED TO MAKE PRESENTATIONS AND MEET OUR MEMBER FOUNDATIONS.- TVF PARTICIPATES IN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS AMONG FUNDERS, INCLUDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTMAKERS ASSOCIATION, BLUE SKY FUNDERS NETWORK, AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FUNDERS NETWORK.
Expenses: $3K
BOARD AND STAFF EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT:- BOARD MEMBERS ATTEND EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCES AND LOCAL MEETINGS BY ASSOCIATIONS AND PARTNERS.- BOARD MEMBERS SERVE ON LOCAL ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES AND FUNDERS GROUPS.- TVF HOSTS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS ON VARIOUS CONSERVATION ISSUES FOR BOARD EDUCATION. - BOARD AND STAFF MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN WEBINARS AND TRAININGS.
Expenses: $29K
DEMONSTRATING CONSERVATION VALUES AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM: - CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AT PHILLIPS CREEK FARM (PCF): TVF UNDERTAKES ONGOING LANDSCAPE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES AT PCF. - SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFITS (AND GRANTEES): TVF MAKES PHILLIPS CREEK FARM AVAILABLE FOR USE BY LOCAL NONPROFITS FOR THEIR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS. TVF INVITES ITS GRANTEES AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO USE PCF AS A MEETING AND DEMONSTRATION SITE. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 160 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in DC, NY, CA.
Volgenau Foundation has distributed a total of $30.1M across 160 grants. The median grant size is $100K, with an average of $188K. Individual grants have ranged from $15K to $1.2M.
Volgenau Foundation typically selects its grantees rather than accepting unsolicited proposals.
Volgenau Foundation is headquartered in MCLEAN, VA. While based in VA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 15 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Pearl | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $229K | $9K | $238K |
| Jonathan Kaledin | BOARD MEMBER/EXECUTIVE VP | $120K | $0 | $120K |
| Jennifer Volgenau Wiley | DIRECTOR AND VP, ADMINISTR | $72K | $0 | $72K |
| Lauren Volgenau-Knapp | DIRECTOR AND VP, ENVIRONME | $72K | $0 | $72K |
| Lisa Volgenau | DIRECTOR AND VP, ENVIRONME | $72K | $0 | $72K |
Total Giving
$14.2M
Total Assets
$154.6M
Fair Market Value
$154.6M
Net Worth
$154.5M
Grants Paid
$11.4M
Contributions
$12.5M
Net Investment Income
$3.4M
Distribution Amount
$4.5M
Total: $65K
Total Grants
160
Total Giving
$30.1M
Average Grant
$188K
Median Grant
$100K
Unique Recipients
59
Most Common Grant
$50K
of 2022 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Markets FoundationVOLGENAU CLIMATE INITIATIVE | New York, NY | $1.2M | 2022 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy AdvisorsPLASTIC SOLUTIONS FUND & SHARK CONSERVATION FUND | New York, NY | $750K | 2022 |
| The Nature Conservancy Of CaliforniaJACK AND LAURA DANGERMOND PRESERVE AND MIGRATORY BIRD RESTORATION | San Francisco, CA | $600K | 2022 |
| Naturebridge- West CoastNATUREBRIDGE ACCESS, GROWTH, AND LEADERSHIP | Sausalito, CA | $500K | 2022 |
| Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation InitiativePROTECTING THE ELUSIVE WOLVERINE: LARGE LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY |
BETHESDA, MD
FREDERICKSBRG, VA
GREENSBORO, NC
| Chris Decardy | BOARD MEMBER | $15K | $0 | $15K |
| Ernst Volgenau | PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 2018 | 990PF | View |
| 2017 | 990PF | View |
| 2016 | 990PF | View |
| Bozeman, MT |
| $450K |
| 2022 |
| Center For Large Landscape ConservationCORRIDORS AND CROSSINGS PROGRAM | Bozeman, MT | $400K | 2022 |
| Land Trust AlliancecbfnLAND AND WATER CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY AND GREAT LAKES & CLIMATE INITIATIVE | Washington, DC | $400K | 2022 |
| Greater Yellowstone CoalitionPROTECTING THE ENGINE OF THE ECOSYSTEM: GREATER YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE MIGRATIONS | Bozeman, MT | $400K | 2022 |
| National Parks Conservation AssociationPROTECTING NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE | Washington, DC | $400K | 2022 |
| Defenders Of WildlifeALASKA PROGRAM AND PROTECTING SELECT PREDATORS IN THE SOUTHWEST AND FLORIDA | Washington, DC | $330K | 2022 |
| Appalachian Trail ConservancyBEYOND BOUNDARIES: THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL AS AN EAST COAST CLIMATE CORRIDOR | Harpers Ferry, WV | $300K | 2022 |
| EarthjusticeSNAKE RIVER ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN - PHASE II | San Francisco, CA | $250K | 2022 |
| Mica GroupREWILDING THE ROCKIES: ADVANCING EQUITABLE & ENDURING CONSERVATION IMPACT | Bronx, NY | $250K | 2022 |
| Alaska Wilderness LeagueGENERAL SUPPORT TO PROTECT THE ARCTIC REFUGE | Washington, DC | $250K | 2022 |
| National Symphony OrchestraYOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERTS PROGRAMS | Washington, DC | $200K | 2022 |
| American Prairie ReserveWILD SKY PROGRAM | Bozeman, MT | $200K | 2022 |
| Wildlands NetworkRECONNECTING CRITICAL MIGRATION CORRIDORS FOR WILDLIFE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA | Salt Lake City, UT | $200K | 2022 |
| Building Bridges Across The RiverNAVY YARD TREE GROVE AT 11TH STREET BRIDGE PARK | Washington, DC | $200K | 2022 |
| Northern Chumash Tribal CouncilCHUMASH HERITAGE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY DESIGNATION CAMPAIGN | Los Osos, CA | $200K | 2022 |
| From The TopGENERAL SUPPORT | Boston, MA | $200K | 2022 |
| Alaska Conservation FoundationNORTHERN LATITUDES PARTNERSHIPS: COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION IN THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NORTH | Anchorage, AK | $175K | 2022 |
| National Marine Sanctuary FoundationHAWAIIAN HUMPBACK WHALE CONSERVATION, WEST COAST GEAR INNOVATION, RESTORE FLORIDA KEYS ICONIC REEFS | Silver Spring, MD | $150K | 2022 |
| Trustees For AlaskaUSING THE LAW TO PROTECT & DEFEND ALASKA LANDS & WILDLIFE | Anchorage, AK | $150K | 2022 |
| Levine MusicSUPPORTING EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION AT LEVINE MUSIC | Washington, DC | $100K | 2022 |
| Living Classrooms Of The National Capital RegionLC-NCR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMING AND GENERAL SUPPORT | Baltimore, MD | $100K | 2022 |
| Piedmont Environmental CouncilRAPPAHANNOCK-RAPIDAN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE | Warrenton, VA | $100K | 2022 |
| Potomac ConservancyPOTOMAC HEADWATERS CONSERVATION PROJECT | Silver Spring, MD | $100K | 2022 |
| Smithsonian InstitutionPROTECTING SWIFT FOX AND CORALS | Washington, DC | $100K | 2022 |
| Social And Environmental EntrepreneursANIMAL ROAD CROSSINGS | Calabasas, CA | $100K | 2022 |
| The Nature Conservancy In VirginiaASSESSMENT OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS AND FISH SPECIES USING TAGGING TECHNOLOGIES AT VVCR | Charlottesville, VA | $100K | 2022 |
| Smithsonian Conservation Biology InstitutePIEDMONT GRASSLANDS BIRD INITIATIVE | Front Royal, VA | $80K | 2022 |
| New England AquariumNORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE CONSERVATION: INTEGRATED RIGHT WHALE ANTHROPOGENIC EVENTS DATABASE | Boston, MA | $80K | 2022 |
| National Marine Sanctuary Foundation- SbnmsTHE VOLGENAU FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP IN TOP PREDATOR ECOLOGY | Silver Spring, MD | $80K | 2022 |
| Friends Of Kenilworth Aquatic GardensGENERAL SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $75K | 2022 |
| Point Blue Conservation ScienceFARALLON ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM | Petaluma, CA | $75K | 2022 |
| People And CarnivoresCOEXISTENCE FOR CONNECTIVITY | Bozeman, MT | $75K | 2022 |
| California Marine Sanctuary FoundationPROTECTING BLUE WHALES AND BLUE SKIES: REDUCING SHIP STRIKE RISK ON ENDANGERED WHALES IN CALIFORNIA | Monterey, CA | $60K | 2022 |
| Bishop John T Walker School For BoysGENERAL SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $50K | 2022 |
| LighthawkGENERAL SUPPORT | Denver, CO | $50K | 2022 |
| Audubon California A State Program Of The National Audubon SocietyAUDUBON CONSERVATION RANCHING AND GRASSLAND BIRD CONSERVATION PROGRAM | New York, NY | $50K | 2022 |
| Project CoyoteREFORMING PREDATOR MANAGEMENT AND RANCHING WITH WILDLIFE | Larkspur, CA | $50K | 2022 |
| River PartnersRESTORING CALIFORNIA RIVER CORRIDORS: PATHWAYS TO WILDLIFE RECOVERY | Chico, CA | $50K | 2022 |
| Center For Biological DiversitySAFE PATHWAYS FOR THE FLORIDA MANATEE: POLICY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION INITIATIVE | Tucson, AZ | $50K | 2022 |
| Wolf Trap Foundation For The Performing Arts2022-2023 WOLF TRAP INSTITUTE EARLY STEM/ARTS | Vienna, VA | $50K | 2022 |
| Capital Partners For EducationGENERAL SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $50K | 2022 |
| Savannah InstituteVOLGENAU CLIMATE INITIATIVE | Madison, WI | $50K | 2022 |
| Endangered Species CoalitionROCKY MOUNTAIN WOLF PROTECTION & RECOVERY | Washington, DC | $40K | 2022 |
| The Ocean FoundationOCEAN CONNECTORS: CONNECTING YOUTH FOR CONSERVATION | Washington, DC | $40K | 2022 |
| Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust IncCAMPAIGN FOR RURAL LANDS | Exmore, VA | $30K | 2022 |
| American Bird ConservancyADVANCING RESEARCH FOR DECLINING BIRD SPECIES | The Plains, VA | $25K | 2022 |
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