The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Portland, Maine. In tax year 2025 it gave $200,000 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$200,000
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$2.7 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $200,000 the year before.
22% 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 | $171,000 | 19 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $200,000 | 23 | $2.5 million |
| 2025 | $200,000 | 23 | $2.7 million |
How to apply
The Old Bug Light 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 The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Maine.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 20 | $150,000 |
| New York | 2 | $40,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of Deering Oaks | For operations | $50,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | For operations | $30,000 |
| Sailmaine | For operations | $20,000 |
| ACLU of Maine | For operations | $10,000 |
| Portland Parks Conservancy | For operations | $10,000 |
| Surfaid International | For operations | $10,000 |
| Too Young to Wed | For operations | $10,000 |
| Friends of Congress Square Park | For operations | $7,500 |
| Foundation for Portland Public Schools | For operations | $5,500 |
| Bicycle Coalition of Maine | For operations | $5,000 |
| Gulf of Maine Research Institute | For operations | $5,000 |
| Olympia Snowe Womens Leadership Institute | For operations | $5,000 |
| Hospice of Southern Maine | For operations | $4,000 |
| Maine Public Radio | For operations | $4,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Northern New England | For operations | $4,000 |
| Portland Community Squash | For operations | $4,000 |
| Portland Ovations | For operations | $4,000 |
| The Center for Grieving Children | For operations | $3,000 |
| Eastern Trail Alliance | For operations | $2,500 |
| Portland Musuem of Art | For operations | $2,500 |
| Portland Trails | For operations | $2,000 |
| Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project | For operations | $1,000 |
| The Dempsey Center | For operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Nathaniel T Moore
- Christopher S Moore
- Jennifer M Vandekreeke
- Meryl Nierman
- Robin Vandekreeke
- Bree Lacasse
Questions people ask
Does The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation give?
$200,000 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nathaniel T Moore (Trustee), Christopher S Moore (Trustee), Jennifer M Vandekreeke (Trustee) and Meryl Nierman (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Old Bug Light Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, environment and conservation and arts and culture.