Catena Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Catena Foundation is a private foundation in Carbondale, Colorado. In tax year 2024 it gave $27.2 million in 80 grants; the typical grant was $171,912 and the largest $3.3 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$27.2 million
- Number of grants80
- Typical grant$171,912
- Largest grant$3.3 million
- Assets$596 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2024 was down from $30.2 million the year before.
45% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $30.2 million | 124 | $574 million |
| 2024 | $27.2 million | 80 | $596 million |
How to apply
Catena Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Catena Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 20 states, the most to District of Columbia. It also paid $735,780 in 2 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 17 | $9.8 million |
| California | 11 | $5.9 million |
| New York | 5 | $3.0 million |
| Colorado | 12 | $1.7 million |
| North Carolina | 2 | $1.4 million |
| Arizona | 12 | $1.1 million |
| Oregon | 5 | $735,571 |
| Georgia | 1 | $450,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $397,440 |
| Maryland | 1 | $355,526 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Venture Fund | Community engagement | $3.3 million |
| Trust for Public Land | Conservation | $3.0 million |
| State Leadership Project | Community engagement | $1.1 million |
| Defending Democracy Together Institute | General operating support | $1.0 million |
| International Rescue Committee | Crisis response | $1.0 million |
| Third Way Institute | General operating support | $1.0 million |
| Policy Impact (Name Change in 2025 to Contina Impact) | Community engagement | $945,000 |
| Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project | Community engagement | $850,000 |
| Hopewell Fund | Community engagement | $775,000 |
| American Immigration Council | Community engagement | $600,000 |
| Aspen Global Change Institute | Conservation | $550,000 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors | Community engagement | $550,000 |
| Equis Institute | Community engagement | $500,000 |
| Issue One | General operating support | $500,000 |
| Welcoming America | Community engagement | $450,000 |
| Western States Center | Community engagement | $450,000 |
| International Refugee Assistance | General operating support | $440,000 |
| Resources Legacy Fund | Conservation | $410,673 |
| Fwduseducation Fund Inc | Community engagement | $400,000 |
| Unidosus | Community engagement | $400,000 |
| Resguardo Kogui Malayo Arhuaco | Conservation | $397,992 |
| Canopy Northwest Arkansas | General operating support | $397,440 |
| Refugee Congress | General operating support | $380,000 |
| Environmental Policy Innovation Center | Conservation | $355,526 |
| National Center for Youth Law | Community engagement | $350,000 |
| Neem Foundation | Crisis response | $337,788 |
| Colorado State University Foundation | Conservation | $325,000 |
| Define American | Community engagement | $325,000 |
| Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center | General operating support | $325,000 |
| Civic Nation | Community engagement | $300,000 |
| Southern Vision Alliance | Community engagement | $300,000 |
| States United Democracy Center | General operating support | $300,000 |
| Center for Tech and Civic Life | Community engagement | $275,000 |
| Refugee Council USA | General operating support | $265,000 |
| Grand Canyon Youth | Community engagement | $250,000 |
| Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition | Community engagement | $250,000 |
| Tech Assist Partnership of Arizona | Conservation | $203,463 |
| Cities Forward Inc | Community engagement | $200,000 |
| The Voter Project Fund | Community engagement | $200,000 |
| Princeton University | Community engagement | $180,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Samuel R Walton
- Greg Nelson
- Drew Ritchey
- Steve Matous
Questions people ask
Does Catena Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Catena Foundation give?
$27.2 million in tax year 2024, across 80 grants, with a typical grant of $171,912.
Who runs Catena Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Samuel R Walton (President), Greg Nelson (Vice President), Drew Ritchey (Treasurer) and Steve Matous (Secretary and Interim Executive Direct).
What does Catena Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, human services and international.