Ahimsa Foundation
The Ahimsa Foundation is a public charity based in South Windham, Maine. Formed in 1982, it supports organizations involved in animal care and protection, as well as environmentally related causes.
Ahimsa Foundation at a glance
In short: Ahimsa Foundation gave $828K across 62 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), top state New York. 11% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $828,276
- -8.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 62
- -7.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $13,359
- -1.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $25,732,005
- +12.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 11% first-time grantees (7 of 62, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (21% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ahimsa Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: Co Msspa PO Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082
Phone: (617) 704-3641
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Ahimsa Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals ($80K). Together the top 10 received $328K.
Grant Size Distribution
335 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 328 grants of 335 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants went to organizations in multiple states. New York accounted for 21% of grant dollars, Massachusetts 17%, Maine 12%, Florida 9%, and California 8%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 62 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ahimsa Foundation open to new grantees?
11%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 7 of 62 grantees (11%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $14K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 84% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−10%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $784K (2020) to $976K (2022). In 2024 it made 62 grants totaling $828K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals Windham, ME | Support for Animals | $80,000 |
| New England Wildlife Center Weymouth, MA | Support for Animals | $60,000 |
| Homecoming Farm Inc Brockton, MA | Support for Animals | $35,000 |
| City Critters Inc New York, NY | Support for Animals | $32,000 |
| Equine Advocates Inc Chatham, NY | Support for Animals | $25,000 |
| Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Kendalia, TX | Support for Animals | $25,000 |
| Elephant Aid International Attapulgus, GA | Support for Animals | $19,000 |
| Equine Rescue Inc Bloomingburg, NY | Support for Animals | $18,000 |
| Horse Protection Association of Florida Micanopy, FL | Support for Animals | $18,000 |
| Ironwood Pig Sanctuary (The Mary C Schanz Foundation) Tucson, AZ | Support for Animals | $16,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ahimsa Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $25,732,005 | $1,040,393 | $1,240,735 | $828,276 | 62 | $1,040,393 |
| 2023 | $22,924,376 | $903,513 | $1,210,046 | $908,000 | 67 | $903,513 |
| 2022 | $20,625,393 | $195,836 | $1,282,410 | $976,000 | 67 | $195,836 |
| 2021 | $26,664,257 | $1,730,760 | $1,220,839 | $920,050 | 63 | $1,639,989 |
| 2020 | $23,779,077 | $2,064,227 | $1,006,984 | $783,500 | 76 | $2,064,227 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is “to support organizations involved in the care and protection of animals and related activities.” Its filing describes support for charities serving animals and environmentally related causes.
Its 2024 grantees include organizations with varied animal-welfare activities. For example, City Critters describes its work as rescuing and placing stray and abandoned animals and promoting spay/neuter services. Equine Advocates describes its work as rescuing and protecting equines, including operating a sanctuary for horses. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation describes its work as rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 62 grants totaling $828,276. Grants ranged from $6,000 to $80,000, with a median award of $10,000. Its largest listed awards included $80,000 to Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, $60,000 to New England Wildlife Center, and $35,000 to Homecoming Farm; each was designated “support for animals.” Other awards included $32,000 to City Critters, $25,000 each to Equine Advocates and Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, and $18,000 each to Equine Rescue and Horse Protection Association of Florida.
The foundation’s filing says that three trustees were appointed by supported organizations: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, City Critters, and New England Wildlife Center. Other trustees are appointed by the delegated representative of the Mitchell family, identified in the filing as the foundation’s original donor.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kate Iturralde as chairman and trustee; Meris Bickford as treasurer and trustee; Carol Airis, Holly Staver, and Katrina Bergman as trustees; John Graham as secretary; and Carolyn Hinkle and Jen Bonnett as executive administrators.
Ahimsa Foundation is led by Kate Iturralde, Chairman & Trustee since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 6 of 8 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kate Iturralde
Chairman & Trustee
Trustee → Chairman & Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Carol Airis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Holly Staver
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Katrina Bergman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Meris Bickford
Treasurer & Trustee
Trustee → Treasurer & Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$500 (2020) → $500 (2024)
Carolyn Hinkle
Executive Administrator
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$53K (2020) → $55K (2024)
John Graham
Secretary
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jen Bonnett
Executive Administrator
New on the 2024 filing
11 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $55K, to Carolyn Hinkle (Executive Administrator). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ahimsa Foundation
How much does Ahimsa Foundation give each year?
Ahimsa Foundation gave $828K across 62 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $908K across 67 grants.
What is Ahimsa Foundation's typical grant size?
Ahimsa Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $13,359, across 62 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ahimsa Foundation that year got $9K on average.
Where does Ahimsa Foundation give grants?
Ahimsa Foundation's top state is New York, with 21% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Massachusetts (17%) and Maine (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (4 grants), Eau Claire, WI (2 grants), Gainesville, FL (2 grants) and Fort Collins, CO (2 grants).
Does Ahimsa Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 62 grants with a stated purpose on Ahimsa Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support for Animals" (62 grants).
Who are Ahimsa Foundation's largest grantees?
Ahimsa Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals ($80,000), New England Wildlife Center ($60,000) and Homecoming Farm Inc ($35,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 21% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Ahimsa Foundation?
Ahimsa Foundation reported $25.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.0M.
What does Ahimsa Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is “to support organizations involved in the care and protection of animals and related activities.” Its filing describes support for charities serving animals and environmentally related causes. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ahimsa Foundation?
Ahimsa Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ahimsarescuefoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Ahimsa Foundation's EIN?
Ahimsa Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-2749858. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Ahimsa Foundation funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ahimsa Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Leslie L Alexander Foundation Inc
Delray Beach, FL
The Leslie L Alexander Foundation supports animal rescue, education, children’s services, and other charitable work. In 2024, grants ranged from $600 to $1 million, with a median of $35,000; giving was concentrated in Florida and Texas, with awards also made elsewhere. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
622
Total Given
$28.4M
The Summerlee Foundation
Dallas, TX
The Summerlee Foundation funds animal protection, with priorities including selected work in the Americas and British Isles, and research, preservation, and promotion of Texas history. Its average grant is $10,000; 2025 grants ranged from $830 to $55,000. It stated in a 2023 filing that it does not accept unsolicited requests; Texas history applicants must first discuss a project with the program director, while animal application opportunities are announced by cycle.
Assets
$85.2M
Grants
195
Total Given
$2.3M
Thornton S Jr and Katrina D
Davis, CA
The foundation funds qualified organizations working in animal protection, land and wildlife conservation, agriculture, natural-land preservation, and opera, symphony, and similar civic activities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $48,000, with a median of $5,000; California organizations are prioritized, though out-of-state applicants may be considered. It accepts online applications during its stated application period, with one application per organization.
Assets
$33.0M
Grants
214
Total Given
$1.1M
Petco Love
San Antonio, TX
Petco Love funds animal-welfare organizations working on adoption, shelter-pet lifesaving, veterinary care, spay/neuter, emergency treatment, and reuniting lost pets with families, with grantmaking nationwide. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,004 to $1,501,620, with a median of $13,370. It accepts applications for some opportunities through its Partner Portal during designated windows; some cycles are invitation-only.
Assets
$25.1M
Grants
784
Total Given
$21.2M
DJ and T Foundation
San Marino, CA
The foundation’s past grants supported animal welfare, especially spaying and neutering domestic animals, with most recent funding going to California and some to Florida. Its two grants in 2024 ranged from $110 to $1,099, but it reported in 2023 that it had distributed all its assets and was winding down. A past filing invited online applications, but this should not be treated as a current invitation to apply.
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$1K
BISSELL Pet Foundation
Grand Rapids, MI
BISSELL Pet Foundation funds U.S. animal welfare nonprofits and local-government entities working to reduce pet homelessness, including through adoption, spay/neuter, microchipping, transport, and crisis response. Its 2024 grants ranged from $157 to $30,000, with a median of $1,503, and its network spans all 50 states. Organizations must be approved Partners for Pets members in good standing for at least six months before applying; an online application is required during the submission window.
Assets
$2.8M
Grants
61
Total Given
$210K
More similar funders
More Funders in Maine
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ahimsa Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ahimsa-foundation-morg_3552f3765bd645ff88d56bc66525e967
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_042749858_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ahimsa Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ahimsa-foundation-morg_3552f3765bd645ff88d56bc66525e967},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 Ahimsa 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.
Ahimsa Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?