Nora Roberts Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Nora Roberts Foundation is a private foundation in Glenn Dale, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $7.5 million in 466 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $750,000. 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$7.5 million
- Number of grants466
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$750,000
- Assets$141 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was down from $7.5 million the year before.
37% 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 | $6.0 million | 631 | $113 million |
| 2024 | $7.5 million | 592 | $127 million |
| 2025 | $7.5 million | 466 | $141 million |
How to apply
Nora Roberts 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Nora Roberts Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 32 states, the most to Maryland.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 211 | $3.7 million |
| New York | 28 | $1.1 million |
| District of Columbia | 67 | $945,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 27 | $646,000 |
| West Virginia | 14 | $291,500 |
| North Carolina | 11 | $269,844 |
| Virginia | 22 | $107,075 |
| Georgia | 6 | $68,000 |
| California | 10 | $52,000 |
| Illinois | 6 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Proliteracy Worldwide | Operations | $750,000 |
| Buttonwood Institute | Operations | $500,000 |
| Holy Cross Health Foundation | Operations | $500,000 |
| Luminis Health Doctor's Community Medical Center Foundation | Operations | $303,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Washington County | Operations | $250,000 |
| Moveius Contemporary Ballet Inc | Operations | $250,000 |
| San Mar Children's Home | Operations | $250,000 |
| Washington County Museum of Fine Arts | Operations | $250,000 |
| Amica Center for Immigrant Rights | Operations | $200,000 |
| Friends of NCTC All Over the Map | Operations | $200,000 |
| High Point University | Operations | $200,000 |
| Luminis Health Doctors Community | Operations | $100,000 |
| Proliteracy | Operations | $100,000 |
| Smithsburg High School | Operations | $100,000 |
| Washington County Museum of Fine Arts | Operations | $100,000 |
| Springbrook High School | Operations | $84,000 |
| Authors Guild Foundation | Operations | $50,000 |
| Casa Womens Shelter (Citizens Assisting & Sheltering the Abused Inc) | Operations | $50,000 |
| Discovery Station | Operations | $50,000 |
| Fahrney Keedy | Operations | $50,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Operations | $50,000 |
| Hagerstown Aviation Museum | Operations | $50,000 |
| Heartly House | Operations | $50,000 |
| Humane Rescue Alliance | Operations | $50,000 |
| Imagination Stage | Operations | $50,000 |
| Mental Health Association of Frederick Co | Operations | $50,000 |
| Meritus Health Association of Frederick Co | Operations | $50,000 |
| Olney Theatre Corporation (DBA Olney Theatre Center) | Operations | $50,000 |
| Proliteracy Worldwide | Operations | $50,000 |
| Theatrewashington | Operations | $50,000 |
| Amnesty International | Operations | $40,000 |
| Town of Keedysville | Operations | $40,000 |
| Authentic Community Theatre | Operations | $30,000 |
| Douglas G Bast Museum of History and Preservation | Operations | $30,000 |
| Rivendell School | Operations | $30,000 |
| Boonsboro Environmental Commission | Operations | $25,000 |
| Boonsboro High School We the People | Operations | $25,000 |
| Boonsboro High School Drama Parent Booster | Operations | $25,000 |
| First Hose of Boonsboro | Operations | $25,000 |
| Operation Warm Inc | Operations | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Eleanor Wilder
- Bruce Wilder
- Kathryn Pong
- Jason M Aufdem-Brinke
Questions people ask
Does Nora Roberts Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Nora Roberts Foundation give?
$7.5 million in tax year 2025, across 466 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Nora Roberts Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Eleanor Wilder (President), Bruce Wilder (Vice President), Kathryn Pong (Secretary) and Jason M Aufdem-Brinke (Treasurer).
What does Nora Roberts Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, health and education.