Better Natures Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Better Natures Foundation is a private foundation in Oxford, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $783,500 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 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$783,500
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$18.3 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was up from $688,000 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 | $655,000 | 29 | $14.9 million |
| 2024 | $688,000 | 29 | $17.2 million |
| 2025 | $783,500 | 32 | $18.3 million |
How to apply
Better Natures 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 Better Natures Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 8 | $235,000 |
| Rhode Island | 6 | $135,000 |
| New York | 6 | $113,500 |
| California | 3 | $95,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $85,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $25,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $20,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Africian Wildlife Foundation | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Rocky Hill Country Day School | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Wildaid | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Empowers Africia | General purpose | $40,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy | General purpose | $40,000 |
| Animal Legal Defense Fund | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Founders Pledge | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Nature Conservancy (Global) | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Nature Conservancy (Rhode Island) | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Coral Reef Alliance | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Defenders of Wildlife | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Oceana | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Rainforest Trust | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Reef Enviromental Education Foundation | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Ri Community Food Bank | General purpose | $25,000 |
| The Climate Reality Project | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Union of Concerned Scientists | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Amica Center for Immigrant Rights | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Childrens Friend | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Creature Conserve | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Freedom From Religion Foundation | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Earth Justice | General purpose | $20,000 |
| One Goal | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Our Children's Trust | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Amici Cannis | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Innocence Project | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Rhode Island Community Pet Project | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Providence Children's Museum | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Heterodox Academy | General purpose | $7,500 |
| Climate Science Legal Defense Fund | General purpose | $6,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Gary Block
- Justine Johnson
Questions people ask
Does Better Natures Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Better Natures Foundation give?
$783,500 in tax year 2025, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Better Natures Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Gary Block (Trustee) and Justine Johnson (Trustee).
What does Better Natures Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and youth programs.