The Fine Fund
Accepts applications
The Fine Fund is a private foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $228,600 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $6,425 and the largest $40,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$228,600
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$6,425
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$4.6 million
- New grantees62%
Giving in 2025 was down from $282,250 the year before.
62% 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 | $249,500 | 25 | $908,606 |
| 2024 | $282,250 | 25 | $3.5 million |
| 2025 | $228,600 | 22 | $4.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Michael Smith One PPG Place Suite 1670, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (412) 444-3500 |
| What to submit | Letter of inquiry |
| Restrictions | Geographical area: boston charitable fields: environmental, visual arts |
What The Fine Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 5 | $77,500 |
| California | 4 | $50,350 |
| New York | 1 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $24,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $20,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $11,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| West Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $2,750 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Center for the Study of Public Policy | General operating support | $40,000 |
| New World Foundation | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Coming Clean | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Orion Magazine | Four-part series on public discourse and psychological crisis | $20,000 |
| Stanford University | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Global Center for Climate Justice | General operating support | $15,000 |
| Habitable | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Safer States | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Silent Spring Institute | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Story of Stuff Project | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Rachel's Network | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Million Marker Research Institute (Mmri) | General operating support | $5,350 |
| Center for International Environmental Law | Uprooting the fossil economy funder narrative project | $5,000 |
| Free Speech for People | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Earth | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Program for Preserving the Natural World | General operating support | $5,000 |
| West Virginia Rivers Coalition | General operating support | $5,000 |
| Health and Environmental Funders Network | Hefn | $2,750 |
| Community Foundation of Jackson Hole | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Slingshot | General operating support | $2,500 |
| Rachel's Network | Catalyst award | $1,500 |
| Toxic-Free Future | General operating support | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Carolyn Fine Friedman
- Thomas J Lavelle
Questions people ask
Does The Fine Fund accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Fine Fund give?
$228,600 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $6,425.
Who runs The Fine Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Carolyn Fine Friedman (Director, Chair, & Ceo) and Thomas J Lavelle (Director & Treasurer).
What does The Fine Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and international.