Otter Island Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Otter Island Foundation is a private foundation in Houston, Texas. In tax year 2025 it gave $191,400 in 86 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $27,000. 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$191,400
- Number of grants86
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$27,000
- Assets$4.1 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $181,320 the year before.
27% 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 | $194,563 | 101 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $181,320 | 82 | $3.8 million |
| 2025 | $191,400 | 86 | $4.1 million |
How to apply
Otter 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 Otter Island Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 21 states, the most to Maine.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | 19 | $54,750 |
| Texas | 16 | $32,800 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $28,000 |
| California | 12 | $19,500 |
| Maryland | 1 | $12,000 |
| New York | 7 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 11 | $8,250 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $6,250 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $5,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $4,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut College | Education fund | $27,000 |
| Island Institute | Annual fund campaign | $13,500 |
| Strand Theater | Annual fund | $12,000 |
| Girls Foundation of Tanzania | Annual fund | $11,000 |
| Farnsworth Art Museum | Annual fund campaign | $10,000 |
| Hermann Park Conservancy | Annual fund campaign | $5,500 |
| First Congregational Society of Gilmanton | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Penobscot Bay YMCA | Sustaining campaign | $5,000 |
| Poe Elementary School PTO | General fund | $5,000 |
| San Francisco Day School | Annual fund campaign | $5,000 |
| Duke University | Education fund | $4,500 |
| Children's Museum of Houston | Annual fund | $4,000 |
| North Bridge Academy | Annual | $4,000 |
| Annunciation Orthodox School | Annual fund campaign | $3,500 |
| Cure Alzheimer's Fund | Medical research | $3,000 |
| United Midcoast Charities | Annual fund campaign | $3,000 |
| Calvary Presbyterian Church | Annual fund campaign | $2,500 |
| Glide Foundation | Annual fund campaign | $2,500 |
| Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation | Annual fund | $2,500 |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Annual fund | $2,500 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | Annual fund | $2,500 |
| Rockwood Community Church | Annual fund | $2,500 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foundation | Annual fund | $2,000 |
| Groton School | Annual fund campaign | $2,000 |
| Mothers Against Media Addiction | Annual fund | $2,000 |
| Colorado Gives Foundation | Annual fund | $1,500 |
| Lawndale Art Center | Annual fund | $1,500 |
| Northern Light Ca Dean Hospital Foundation | Annual fund | $1,500 |
| Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation | Annual fund | $1,500 |
| St George's School | Scholarship, annual fund campaign | $1,500 |
| Friends of Boulder | Annual fund | $1,350 |
| Alley Theatre | Annual fund campaign | $1,000 |
| Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Annual fund campaign | $1,000 |
| Astrodome Conservancy | Annual fund | $1,000 |
| Berkley Repertory Theater | Annual fund | $1,000 |
| Boulder Ballet | Annual fund | $1,000 |
| Camden Public Library | Annual fund campaign | $1,000 |
| Center for Maine Contemporary Art | Annual fund campaign | $1,000 |
| Church of Christ | Annual fund | $1,000 |
| Coastal Mountains Land Trust | Annual fund campaign | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ellen CL Simmons
- Wheeler Es Griffith
- Abby S Walker
- Emma A Simmons Anselmi
- Winnie B Simmons Phillips
- Lydia F Simmons
Questions people ask
Does Otter Island Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Otter Island Foundation give?
$191,400 in tax year 2025, across 86 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Otter Island Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ellen CL Simmons (President,vp,treasurer), Wheeler Es Griffith (Executive Director), Abby S Walker (Director) and Emma A Simmons Anselmi (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Otter Island Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and youth programs.