MLE Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
MLE Foundation Inc is a private foundation in New Canaan, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 82 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $60,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants82
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$60,000
- Assets$26.4 million
- New grantees4%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.1 million the year before.
4% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.6 million | 98 | $22.7 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 82 | $24.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 82 | $26.4 million |
How to apply
MLE Foundation Inc 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 MLE Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 29 | $493,500 |
| Wisconsin | 13 | $185,500 |
| Massachusetts | 12 | $91,500 |
| New York | 7 | $83,000 |
| Maine | 5 | $64,000 |
| Colorado | 2 | $60,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $60,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $52,000 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $37,500 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $18,400 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Canaan Town Players Inc | General purpose | $60,000 |
| First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan | General purpose | $55,000 |
| American Indian College | General purpose | $50,000 |
| American Indian Education Fund | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Save the Sound | General purpose | $40,000 |
| Southwood County Historical Corporation | General purpose | $40,000 |
| Connecticut Audubon Society | General purpose | $40,000 |
| American Bird Conservancy | General purpose | $35,000 |
| Audubon Connecticut | General purpose | $35,000 |
| Hawaiian Mission House | General purpose | $32,500 |
| Central Wisconsin Cultural Center | General purpose | $30,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Fair Haven Camps | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association | General purpose | $30,000 |
| International Crane Foundation | General purpose | $27,500 |
| Rare | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Carbone Cancer Center | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Staying Put in New Canaan | General purpose | $20,000 |
| YMCA | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | General purpose | $18,400 |
| Cornell University | Annual fund for the lab of ornithology | $18,000 |
| Horizons | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Norwalk Hospital Foundation | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Southern New England | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Storefront Academy Harlem | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Westover School | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Harlem Academy | General purpose | $15,000 |
| New Canaan Historical Society | General purpose | $12,000 |
| Person To Person | General purpose | $12,000 |
| Connecticut League of Conservation Voters | Voters education fund | $11,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund | General purpose | $11,000 |
| New Canaan Garden Club | General purpose | $11,000 |
| Bard College Longy School of Music | General purpose | $11,000 |
| ABC House of New Canaan | General purpose | $10,000 |
| New Canaan Nature Center | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Norwark Community College Foundation | General purpose | $10,000 |
| The Trust for Public Land | General purpose | $10,000 |
| United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Waveny Park Conservancy | General purpose | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Emily B Nissley
- Marie Creaturo
- Isabel McKay
- Robert B McKay
- Ruth McKay
Questions people ask
Does MLE Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does MLE Foundation Inc give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 82 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs MLE Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Emily B Nissley (Director), Marie Creaturo (Director), Isabel McKay (Director) and Robert B McKay (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does MLE Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and faith communities.