First Ascent Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
First Ascent Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Denver, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $264,514 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $84,514. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$264,514
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$84,514
- Assets$6.3 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $215,500 the year before.
29% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $210,000 | 7 | $5.2 million |
| 2024 | $215,500 | 8 | $5.7 million |
| 2025 | $264,514 | 7 | $6.3 million |
How to apply
First Ascent Charitable 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 First Ascent Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 5 | $150,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $84,514 |
| Utah | 1 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Philanthropic Trust | Daf contribution | $84,514 |
| Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center | 2025/2026 avalanche forecasting and education support | $30,000 |
| Protect Our Winters | Mobilizing the outdoor community for climate action in 2026 | $30,000 |
| Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers | Building a sustainable funding model for rfov's young stewards program | $30,000 |
| Shejumps | Shejumps general operating grant + fundraising match | $30,000 |
| The Buddy Program | Creating opportunities for youth to gain life skills in the outdoors with the leadership through exploration, action, and discovery (lead) program. | $30,000 |
| Wilderness Workshop | Wilderness workshop forest watchdog matching campaign | $30,000 |
Officers and trustees
- W King Grant III
- Tracy H Grant
- Caroline Grant
- Katie Grant
Questions people ask
Does First Ascent Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does First Ascent Charitable Foundation give?
$264,514 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs First Ascent Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists W King Grant III (President, Secretary), Tracy H Grant (Vice-President, Treasurer), Caroline Grant (Director) and Katie Grant (Director).
What does First Ascent Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation.