Watersheds Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Watersheds Foundation is a private foundation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In tax year 2025 it gave $445,000 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $90,000. 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$445,000
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$90,000
- Assets$6.0 million
- New grantees78%
Giving in 2025 was up from $325,000 the year before.
78% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $315,000 | 7 | $5.6 million |
| 2024 | $325,000 | 7 | $5.6 million |
| 2025 | $445,000 | 9 | $6.0 million |
How to apply
Watersheds 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 Watersheds Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2 | $155,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $75,000 |
| California | 1 | $60,000 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $55,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $50,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A Rocha USA | To support work to restore, conserve and sustainably manage dry forest landscapes and endangered amazon forest in peru | $90,000 |
| MCC US | Promote sustainable agricultural practices, agroforestry and community empowerment in ethiopia | $75,000 |
| YMCA of the USA World Service | Support the east jerusalem YMCA-YWCA's joint advocacy initiative olive tree campaign | $65,000 |
| Plant With Purpose | Tree planting in tanzania, democratic republic of the congo and mexico | $60,000 |
| Catholic Relief Services | Strengthening village watershed committees in india | $50,000 |
| The Ministry Office | Creation stewards international tree planting, farming and forestry education in kenya | $30,000 |
| Echo | Echo's east africa rural energy initiative and sponsorship of 2025 innovation exchange | $25,000 |
| National Charitable Fund | Support the fruits, vegetables and environmental education program | $25,000 |
| The Antioch Partners | Support the fruits, vegetables and environmental education program | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David W Douglas
- Deborah S Douglas
- Rev Sara Armstrong
- Rusty Edmondson
- Rev Jim Brown
- Nina Brown
- Ivan Cornejo
- Judy Crawford
- Dave Delgado
- Krista Peterson
- Owen van Essen
- Tim Vellinga
Questions people ask
Does Watersheds Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Watersheds Foundation give?
$445,000 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Watersheds Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David W Douglas (President), Deborah S Douglas (Recording Secretary), Rev Sara Armstrong (Director) and Rusty Edmondson (Director) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Watersheds Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and faith communities.