Adirondack Foundation
Adirondack Foundation, also known as Adirondack Community Foundation, is a public charity based in an individual recipient, New York, formed in 1997. It stewards charitable funds and makes grants to nonprofits, schools, organizations, and municipalities, with support spanning basic needs, educational pathways, economic vitality, environment, arts, and culture.
Adirondack Foundation at a glance
In short: Adirondack Foundation gave $8.2M across 313 grants in 2025 (avg $26K), mostly in New York. 40% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $8,228,115
- +71.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 313
- +36.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $26,288
- +25.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $12,500
- Total assets
- $117,799,803
- +15.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (67 of 166, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (90% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Adirondack Foundation
- How to Apply
-
For Generous Acts, review the grant guidelines and applicant packet and submit an application through the online portal. The website describes this as an annual application cycle but does not provide a deadline in the available information. The Kindling Awards’ listed February 25, 2026 deadline is past; this program selects individuals or informal groups, and each awardee selects a local organization to receive a $1,000 grant in their honor.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Phone: (518) 523-9904
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
32 open opportunities from Adirondack Foundation
Adirondack Foreign Language Enhancement Fund
Adirondack Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Adirondack Foreign Language Enhancement Fund Grant
Adirondack Foundation
Amount
US $500 - US $3,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Alfred M. Aseel Legacy Scholarship Grant
Adirondack Foundation
Amount
US $5,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Adirondack Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (Alca) ($774K across 11 grants). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Organizations only. It also paid 9 grants to individuals ($149,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,271 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,153 grants of 1,271 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated work benefits Adirondack communities. In filing year 2025, 90% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York; Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania each received 2%, and California received 1%. Generous Acts is listed as serving the Adirondack Region. The Kindling Awards geographic scope is the Adirondack Park, Clinton and Franklin counties, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 313 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Adirondack Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 67 of 166 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $44K; repeat grants $53K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $20K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.9M (2021) to $8.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 313 grants totaling $8.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (Alca) Blue Mountain Lake, NY | For the Alca Building Fund | $425,000 |
| Adirondack Experience Blue Mountain Lake, NY | From Nancy Towards Current Capital Campaign | $250,000 |
| Pendragon Theatre Saranac Lake, NY | To settle pendragon's outstanding mortgage obligation to the cloudsplitter foundation | $225,000 |
| Cloudsplitter Foundation Saranac Lake, NY | For support of the bridge loan fund per the attached grant agreement | $200,000 |
| Bruce L Crary Foundation Inc Elizabethtown, NY | For support of the spring semester 2025 crary awards | $150,000 |
| Bruce L Crary Foundation Inc Elizabethtown, NY | For the scholarship account in support of fall scholarships | $150,000 |
| Ticonderoga Alumni Association Ticonderoga, NY | For Fund Closure Distribution | $144,945 |
| LPHSA Inc Lake Placid, NY | To support current working capital requirements as approved by the board of directors | $125,000 |
| Homestead Development Corp Lake Placid, NY | For support of the lake placid thrift shop and food pantry project | $120,000 |
| Homestead Development Corp Lake Placid, NY | For support of the lake placid thrift shop and food pantry project | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Adirondack Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $117,799,803 | $21,594,091 | $12,846,663 | $8,228,115 | 313 | $4,560,530 |
| 2024 | $101,766,694 | $14,349,046 | $9,303,499 | $4,799,433 | 229 | $2,313,925 |
| 2023 | $88,853,239 | $9,291,443 | $7,201,553 | $4,660,371 | 222 | $2,043,284 |
| 2022 | $81,334,603 | $18,009,853 | $7,558,673 | $4,218,582 | 205 | $4,447,052 |
| 2021 | $90,697,900 | $17,625,356 | $6,506,865 | $3,874,748 | 302 | $5,575,403 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated purpose is to maintain endowed and other charitable funds benefiting Adirondack communities, institutions, and residents, including through support for arts and humanities, community and economic development, education, environment, health, historic preservation, libraries, recreation, social services, and youth programs.
Its website organizes its work around five areas: basic needs, educational pathways, economic vitality, arts and culture, and environment. It says it serves nonprofits, schools, communities, and students; its filing also identifies organizations and municipalities as grant recipients.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate this range. The Adirondack Historical Association describes its work as promoting and preserving the history of the Adirondack Park through the Adirondack Museum. Pendragon Theatre says it presents year-round professional theatre and education programs. The Bruce L. Crary Foundation says it provides scholarship aid to area college students. Homestead Development Corporation describes its work as building affordable, energy-efficient housing for essential workers in an individual recipient and North Elba. The Lake George Land Conservancy says it works to permanently preserve the Lake George Basin’s natural, scenic, and recreational resources.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 313 grants totaling $8,228,115. Grants ranged from $5,020 to $425,000, with a median award of $12,500. The largest listed grant was $425,000 to Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts for its building fund. Other notable grants included $250,000 to Adirondack Experience for its current capital campaign; $225,000 to Pendragon Theatre to settle an outstanding mortgage obligation; $200,000 to Cloudspltter Foundation for a bridge loan fund; and $150,000 grants to the Bruce L. Crary Foundation for spring awards and fall scholarships.
Other reported 2025 awards included $125,000 to LPHSA Inc. for working capital, $120,000 and $100,000 to Homestead Development Corporation for the an individual recipient thrift shop and food pantry project, and $100,000 each to Lake George Land Conservancy for a land purchase and Lake Placid Center for the Arts for its capital campaign. The Adirondack Historical Association also reported receiving $250,000 in 2025.
The website describes Generous Acts grants as competitive awards of $2,500–$30,000 for basic needs, educational pathways, and economic vitality. The program seeks applications attentive to underserved populations and disparities, and that demonstrate collaboration and community buy-in. Applicants are directed to review the guidelines and applicant packet and submit through the online portal. The website also lists other opportunities, including grants for invasive-species management, education, food pantries, and urgent community needs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Bill Creighton as chair, David Sand as secretary, and Jamie Baxter as treasurer. Trustees listed are Adam Boudreau, Barry Needleman, Bill Powers, Craig Weatherup, Craig Leggett, David Brunner, and Deb Cleary.
Adirondack Foundation is led by Cali Brooks, President & CEO on filings since 2021; 5 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Cali Brooks
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$133K (2021) → $174K (2025)
Bill Creighton
Chair
Treasurer → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Brunner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Allison
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joan Grabe
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lawson Prince Allen
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lea Paine Highet
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Margot Ernst
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Weatherup
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deb Cleary
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Wolcott
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Colson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Zak Dake
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julia Race
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Reginald Gignoux
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam Boudreau
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barry Needleman
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Powers
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Leggett
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Etienne Boillot
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Ireland III
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
W. Scott McGraw
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lori Bellingham
Vice President Community Impact
On filings since 2024
32 hrs/week
$104K (2024) → $107K (2025)
Matt Donahue
Vice President Philanthropy
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$117K (2024) → $120K (2025)
Stephanie Pianka
CFO
Trustee → CFO, 2025
On filings since 2024
39 hrs/week
$42K (2025)
Brandy Hobson
Interim CFO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$121K (2025)
David Sand
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Baxter
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Jay Ireland (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: David Darrin (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Melissa Eisinger (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Joseph C. Steiniger (2023–2024) — Chair
- Former: Scott McGraw (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Jamie Cecilia (2024) — Former CFO
- Former: Carolyn Sicher (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Holly Wolff (2021–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Nancy Monette (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Reg Gignoux (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Richard Strowger (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Linda Battin (2022–2023) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Matthew Donahue (2022–2023) — Vice President for Philant
- Former: Catherine Brooks (2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Cathy Johnston (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Joe Steiniger (2021–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Rich Kroes (2021–2022) — Chair
- Former: Connie Prickett (2022) — Vice President of Communications & Strategic Ini
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $174K, to Cali Brooks (President & CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Adirondack Foundation
How much does Adirondack Foundation give each year?
Adirondack Foundation gave $8.2M across 313 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $4.8M across 229 grants.
What is Adirondack Foundation's typical grant size?
Adirondack Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $12,500, and its average grant was $26,288, across 313 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Adirondack Foundation that year got $44K on average.
Where does Adirondack Foundation give grants?
Adirondack Foundation gives mostly in New York: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lake Placid, NY (47 grants), Saranac Lake, NY (40 grants), Plattsburgh, NY (23 grants) and Blue Mountain Lake, NY (17 grants).
Does Adirondack Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 26% of Adirondack Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (82 of 313) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "For Support of the Capital Campaign" (4 grants).
Who are Adirondack Foundation's largest grantees?
Adirondack Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (Alca) ($773,837 across 11 grants), Bruce L Crary Foundation Inc ($436,000 across 5 grants) and Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) ($326,203 across 9 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 9 grants to individuals ($149,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 19% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Adirondack Foundation?
Adirondack Foundation reported $117.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $21.6M.
What does Adirondack Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated purpose is to maintain endowed and other charitable funds benefiting Adirondack communities, institutions, and residents, including through support for arts and humanities, community and economic development, education, environment, health, historic preservation, libraries, recreation, social services, and youth programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Adirondack Foundation?
For Generous Acts, review the grant guidelines and applicant packet and submit an application through the online portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Adirondack Foundation's EIN?
Adirondack Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-1535724. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 27, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 31, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 27, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Adirondack Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Adirondack Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/adirondack-foundation-morg_c8586380e2074451aaea3743f857899c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_161535724_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Adirondack Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/adirondack-foundation-morg_c8586380e2074451aaea3743f857899c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Adirondack Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Adirondack Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?