EcoTrust
Preselected recipients only
EcoTrust is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 59 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $115,000. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants59
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$115,000
- Assets$4.7 million
- New grantees3%
Giving in 2025 was up from $963,300 the year before.
3% 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 | $889,881 | 55 | $3.4 million |
| 2024 | $963,300 | 57 | $3.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 59 | $4.7 million |
How to apply
EcoTrust 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 EcoTrust funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 18 states, the most to District of Columbia. It also paid $25,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 14 | $308,000 |
| New York | 8 | $235,000 |
| Minnesota | 12 | $101,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $47,500 |
| Montana | 4 | $41,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $40,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $35,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $35,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $30,000 |
| California | 2 | $29,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| International Planned Parenthood Federat | General operating support | $115,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | Unrestricted general operating support for several chapters | $70,000 |
| Pai | Unrestricted general operating support | $45,000 |
| Population Media Center | Unrestricted general operating support | $40,000 |
| EngenderHealth | Unrestricted general operating support | $35,000 |
| Ipas | Unrestricted general operating support | $35,000 |
| Pathfinder International | Unrestricted general operating support | $35,000 |
| Fos Feminista | Unrestricted general operating support | $35,000 |
| DKT International | Unrestricted general operating support | $30,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund | Unrestricted general operating support | $30,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | Unrestricted general operating support of several chapters | $30,000 |
| Population Services International | Unrestricted general operating support | $30,000 |
| USA for UNFPA | Unrestricted general operating support | $30,000 |
| Sierra Club Foundation | Unrestricted general operating support and clean energy program | $26,500 |
| MN Center for Environmental Advocacy | Unrestricted general operating support | $25,000 |
| Minnesota Land Trust | Unrestricted general operating support | $25,000 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council | Unrestricted general operating support | $25,000 |
| Trust Women Foundation | Unrestricted general operating support | $25,000 |
| Women On Web International Foundation | Unrestricted general operating support | $25,000 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | Unrestricted general operating support | $20,000 |
| Conservation International | Unrestricted general operating support | $20,000 |
| Landmark Conservancy | Unrestricted general operating support | $20,000 |
| National Network of Abortion Funds | Unrestricted general operating support | $20,000 |
| Cambridge Reproductive Health | Directed for Women Help Women program | $20,000 |
| Fresh Energy | Unrestricted general operating support | $17,500 |
| Guttmacher Institute | Unrestricted general operating support | $17,500 |
| Center for Biological Diversity | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Earthjustice | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Earthworks | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Greater Yellowstone Coalition | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Well Done Foundation | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| American Prairie | Unrestricted general operating support | $10,000 |
| MN350 Alliance for Sustainability | Unrestricted general operating support | $7,500 |
| Population Council | Unrestricted general operating support | $7,500 |
| Union of Concerned Scientists | Unrestricted general operating support | $7,500 |
| Wellspring Health Access | Unrestricted general operating support | $7,500 |
| Conservation Minnesota | Unrestricted general operating support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Boundary Waters Wilderness | Unrestricted general operating support | $5,000 |
| Gathering Waters | Unrestricted general operating support | $5,000 |
| Population Connection | Unrestricted general operating support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Peter W Vaughan
- Catherine K Anson
- Angus M Vaughan
Questions people ask
Does EcoTrust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does EcoTrust give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 59 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs EcoTrust?
Its 2025 filing lists Peter W Vaughan (President), Catherine K Anson (Director) and Angus M Vaughan (Director).
What does EcoTrust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, environment and conservation and health.