Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation is a private foundation in Annapolis, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 57 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $254,000. 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$1.3 million
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$254,000
- Assets$13.7 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was up from $613,000 the year before.
14% 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 | $563,000 | 57 | $12.4 million |
| 2024 | $613,000 | 58 | $13.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 57 | $13.7 million |
How to apply
Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher 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 Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Maryland.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 25 | $933,000 |
| Vermont | 21 | $305,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $15,000 |
| New York | 2 | $13,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $12,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $7,500 |
| California | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Watershed Stewards Academy | To help build a healthier community life | $254,000 |
| Annapolis Opera Company | To help build a healthier community life | $250,000 |
| Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts | To help build a healthier community life | $250,000 |
| Good Samaritan Haven | To help build a healthier community life | $150,000 |
| Scenic Rivers Land Trust | To help build a healthier community life | $50,000 |
| Center for an Agricultural Economy | To help build a healthier community life | $30,000 |
| Annapolis Film Festival | To help build a healthier community life | $25,000 |
| Onion River Community Access Media Inc | To support the green mountain film festival | $20,000 |
| American Cancer Society Inc | To help build a healthier community life | $18,000 |
| Friends of the Peter A Krusch Nature Preserve | To help build a healthier community life | $12,000 |
| Nature Conservancy MDDC | To help build a healthier community life | $12,000 |
| Chesapeake Arts Center | To help build a healthier community life | $10,000 |
| Committee on Temporary Shelter | For assistance in providing shelter for the homeless | $10,000 |
| Nek Art Council | To help build a healthier community life | $10,000 |
| Philadelphia Museum of Art | To help build a healthier community life | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas | To help build a healthier community life | $10,000 |
| Vermont Land Trust | To help build a healthier community life | $10,000 |
| Craftsbury Chamber Players | To help build a healthier community life | $8,000 |
| Jenna's Promise | To help build a healthier community life | $8,000 |
| Lymphoma Research Foundation | To help build a healthier community life | $8,000 |
| The Hardwick Gazette | To help build a healthier community life | $7,500 |
| American Visionary Art Museum | To help build a healthier community life | $7,000 |
| Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | To help build a healthier community life | $6,000 |
| Old Growth Forest Network | To help build a healthier community life | $6,000 |
| Preservation Maryland | To provide assistance in music education | $6,000 |
| Annapolis Symphony Orchestra | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Aware | To assist a community arts center | $5,000 |
| Child Haven International | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Heartbeat Lifesharing Inc | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Homegrown National Park | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Light House Inc | For assistance in providing shelter for the homeless | $5,000 |
| Pennypack Eco Restoration Trust | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Rails-To-Trail Conservancy | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Vermont Journalism Trust - Vermont Digger | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | To help build a healthier community life | $5,000 |
| Historic Annapolis | To help build a healthier community life | $4,000 |
| Rural Arts Collaborative | To help build a healthier community life | $4,000 |
| Shelburne Craft School | To help build a healthier community life | $3,500 |
| Arundel Rivers Federation | To help build a healthier community life | $3,000 |
| Caapa | To help build a healthier community life | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Claudia Gohl
- Tom Dekornfeld
- Nina Fisher
- Katherine Gibb
Questions people ask
Does Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Claudia Gohl (Director), Tom Dekornfeld (President), Nina Fisher (Secretary) and Katherine Gibb (Treasurer).
What does Norman J Fisher and Doris Fisher Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, arts and culture and environment and conservation.