The Great Island Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Great Island Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $6.3 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $1.0 million and the largest $3.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$6.3 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$1.0 million
- Largest grant$3.0 million
- Assets$119 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2024 was up from $3.0 million the year before.
20% of its 2024 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 | $3.0 million | 7 | $40.5 million |
| 2024 | $6.3 million | 5 | $119 million |
How to apply
The Great Island 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 The Great Island Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Florida. It also paid $750,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 1 | $3.0 million |
| California | 1 | $1.5 million |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1.0 million |
| Texas | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Research & Conservation Association (Orca) | Dedicated to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and species sustain through science-based conservation action. | $3.0 million |
| Blue Forest Finance Inc | To accelerate ecological restoration through conservation finance, enabling climate resilience for ecosystems and communities. | $1.5 million |
| New Venture Fund | Alaska's tongass national forest: land, climate, and the future | $1.0 million |
| The Stichting European Climate Foundation | Pie americas program - transition to renewables and phase out of coal, oil & gas | $750,000 |
| Rewild | Collaborating for conservation and climate in the appalachians | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Eliot Nolen
- Malcolm C Nolen
- Christian Nolen
Questions people ask
Does The Great Island Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Great Island Foundation give?
$6.3 million in tax year 2024, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $1.0 million.
Who runs The Great Island Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Eliot Nolen (Secretary), Malcolm C Nolen (Treasurer) and Christian Nolen (President).
What does The Great Island Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation.