The Darby Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Darby Foundation is a private foundation in Seattle, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $624,500 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $35,000 and the largest $150,000. 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$624,500
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$35,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$9.4 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was down from $730,000 the year before.
20% 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 | $985,000 | 14 | $10.5 million |
| 2024 | $730,000 | 15 | $10.0 million |
| 2025 | $624,500 | 15 | $9.4 million |
How to apply
The Darby 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 Darby Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 3 | $315,000 |
| Washington | 4 | $79,500 |
| Maryland | 2 | $65,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $45,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $40,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $35,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $30,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lambda Legal | Lgbtq+ rights | $150,000 |
| Artistic Freedom Initiative | Protection of artists from political persecution | $90,000 |
| Rainforest Foundation US | Environmental protection | $75,000 |
| Polaris Village Ministries | Socially just early education | $60,000 |
| North Cascades Institute | Environmental education | $50,000 |
| Share My Meals | Food support | $40,000 |
| World Food Program | Food support | $40,000 |
| Harwich Conservation Trust | Land preservation | $35,000 |
| Grand Canyon Trust | Colorado plateau environmental advocacy | $30,000 |
| American Indian College Fund | Educational scholarships | $15,000 |
| Helpoutkawaguchi O'Connor Initiative | Trans rights and lives | $12,000 |
| Resources | Environmental advocacy & policy | $10,000 |
| Cosee | Environmental education | $7,500 |
| Building African American Minds | Afterschool programs | $5,000 |
| Defenders of Wildlife | Biodiversity protection | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Maureen E Ryan
- Christopher Wade
- Kara Nygaard
Questions people ask
Does The Darby Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Darby Foundation give?
$624,500 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $35,000.
Who runs The Darby Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Maureen E Ryan (President, Board Chair), Christopher Wade (Secretary, Director) and Kara Nygaard (Treasurer, Director).
What does The Darby Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and food and hunger.