Nordlys Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Nordlys Foundation is a private foundation in Saratoga Springs, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $739,547 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$739,547
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$8.2 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.0 million the year before.
38% 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 | $237,000 | 14 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $2.0 million | 25 | $8.1 million |
| 2025 | $739,547 | 21 | $8.2 million |
How to apply
Nordlys 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 Nordlys Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 16 | $599,547 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $125,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $5,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Council | Program support | $250,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Program support | $100,000 |
| Pitney Meadows Community | Program support | $80,000 |
| South Colonie CSD | Program support | $44,547 |
| Saratoga Plan | Program support | $35,000 |
| American Swedish Institute | Kaffestugan project | $25,000 |
| Saratoga Senior Center | Program support | $25,000 |
| The National Heritage Trust | Program support | $25,000 |
| Agricultural Stewardship Assn | Program support | $20,000 |
| Caffe Lena | Program support | $20,000 |
| Saratoga Institute | Program support | $20,000 |
| American Farmland Trust | Program support | $15,000 |
| Sagamore Institute of the Adirondac | Program support | $15,000 |
| Adirondack Center for Loon Conserva | Program support | $10,000 |
| Camp Stomping Ground | Program support | $10,000 |
| Saratoga Springs Preservation | Program support | $10,000 |
| St Williams on Long Point | Program support | $10,000 |
| The Mooncatcher Project | Program support | $10,000 |
| Berkshire Pulse | Program support | $5,000 |
| Chebeaque and Cumberland Land Trust | Program support | $5,000 |
| Nature Museum of Grafton Vermont | Program support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Barbara Glaser
- Kimara Gustafson
- Susan Bokan
- Kenneth Glaser
Questions people ask
Does Nordlys Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Nordlys Foundation give?
$739,547 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Nordlys Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Barbara Glaser (President), Kimara Gustafson (Director), Susan Bokan (Treasurer) and Kenneth Glaser (Director).
What does Nordlys Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and environment and conservation.