Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc
The Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc. is a private foundation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It funds research and development intended to improve health and safety in mining, supporting qualified academic institutions and other not-for-profit organizations.
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc at a glance
In short: Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc gave $1.5M across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $89K), top state Illinois. 0% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,510,213
- -47.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- -34.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $88,836
- -19.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $72,514
- Total assets
- $4,626,090
- -24.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 10, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Illinois (28% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Glenmede Trust Co 1650 Market St 12, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 419-6000
Website: https://alpha-foundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Illinois ($422K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
162 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 61 grants of 162 (38%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants went to recipients in multiple states. The largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were Illinois (28%), Colorado (12%), Kentucky (12%), California (11%) and Missouri (10%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 0 of 10 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. How we count
- 100% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 69% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 697% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $1.5M (2024) to $6.5M (2020). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $1.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago, IL | Mental Health Disorders in US Coal miners: A Collaborative Approach to understand risks and prev... | $245,274 |
| University of Missouri Columbia, MO | Reducing Rib Failure Hazards in Underground Coal Mines by Improvement of the Coal Rib Control Sy... | $149,331 |
| University of Kentucky Research Fou Lexington, KY | Development of a Stability Mapping Platform For Stone Mines | $118,114 |
| University of Illinois Chicago, IL | AFC820-59 - Elucidating the individual and combined toxicity of coal mine dust constituents and their contribution to disease in modern US coal miners | $112,500 |
| Oakland University Rochester, MI | AFC820-22 - Miniaturized and Low Cost Electrochemical Particulate Matter (PM) Sensor for Mine Dust Exposure Assessment | $111,859 |
| University of California San Francisco, CA | AFCTG22r2-157 - Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress among Coal Miners | $109,996 |
| Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO | 2AFC820-54 Lifting the Veil: Fusing RaDAR and Sound to Provide Enhanced Perception in Obscured En... | $92,844 |
| University of Arizona Tucson, AZ | AFCTG22r2-161 A Strong and Ductile High-Performance Pumpable Roof Support | $84,836 |
| Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO | AFC820-52 - Large Scale Testing and Modeling of Supported and Unsupported Pillar Analogs | $72,514 |
| University of Illinois Chicago, IL | Analysis of the spectrum of Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease Through Life and Impact of COVID-19 Pand... | $64,619 |
Ready to take the next step with Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,626,090 | $373,112 | $1,443,182 | $1,510,213 | 17 | $1,843,054 | $93,280 | $264,272 |
| 2023 | $6,116,242 | $714,978 | $1,771,628 | $2,874,082 | 26 | $3,242,408 | $62,776 | $358,379 |
| 2022 | $8,577,912 | $549,977 | $951,886 | $3,399,939 | 38 | $3,781,439 | $308,654 | $512,738 |
| 2021 | $13,657,392 | $734,983 | $1,026,207 | $4,863,622 | 37 | $5,255,757 | $890,603 | $764,406 |
| 2020 | $18,233,853 | $131,399 | $4,706,639 | $6,533,950 | 44 | — | $358,945 | $976,384 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc reported a distributable amount of $264K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to improve mine health and safety by funding research and development projects. Its grant program addresses health and safety interventions; mine escape, rescue and training; safety and health management and training; and injury and disease exposure and risk factors. Stated priorities include dust and toxic substance control, ground control, fire and explosion prevention, monitoring systems and integrated control technologies, machine design and ergonomics, and personal protective equipment.
The Foundation supports projects by qualified academic institutions and other not-for-profit organizations. Its 2024 grants included research on miner mental health, coal-mine dust and disease, mine stability, and safety monitoring technologies. One grantee, the University of California, Irvine Foundation, describes its own mission as raising and managing private funds to support UC Irvine’s teaching, research and public service.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation made 17 grants totaling $1,510,213. Individual grants ranged from $20,738 to $245,274, with a median of $72,514. Among the largest awards were $245,274 to the University of Illinois at Chicago for research on mental health disorders among U.S. coal miners; $149,331 to the University of Missouri for work to reduce underground coal-mine rib failure hazards; and $118,114 to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation for a stone-mine stability mapping platform.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists David H. Wegman, Keith Heasley and Michael Karmis as directors, and Thomas Barczak as executive director.
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc is led by Thomas Barczak, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; all 4 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Thomas Barczak
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$141K (2020) → $86K (2024)
David H. Wegman
Director
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$80K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Keith Heasley
Director
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$80K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Michael Karmis
Director
On filings since 2020
12 hrs/week
$80K (2020) → $80K (2024)
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 $86K, to Thomas Barczak (Executive Dir.). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc
How much does Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc give each year?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc gave $1.5M across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.9M across 26 grants.
What is Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's typical grant size?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's median grant in 2024 was $72,514, and its average grant was $88,836, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc give grants?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's top state is Illinois, with 28% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Colorado (12%) and Kentucky (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (3 grants), Golden, CO (3 grants), Lexington, KY (2 grants) and San Francisco, CA (2 grants).
Does Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's largest grantees?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Illinois ($422,393 across 3 grants), Colorado School of Mines ($186,096 across 3 grants) and University of Kentucky Research Fou ($182,730 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 52% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc reported $4.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $264K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to improve mine health and safety by funding research and development projects. Its grant program addresses health and safety interventions; mine escape, rescue and training; safety and health management and training; and injury and disease exposure and risk factors. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc?
The Foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's EIN?
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-5152759. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 8, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Tulsa Community Foundation
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa Community Foundation supports charitable causes through donor-advised grants and selected funds, including scholarships, emergency assistance, disaster relief, arts and humanities, healthcare, and financial literacy, primarily in the Tulsa metro area and eastern Oklahoma, with some giving elsewhere in the United States. Its 2024 median grant was $18,560; selected field-of-interest funds have application cycles, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,066
Total Given
$158.6M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Columbus Foundation
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Foundation supports a broad range of nonprofit work, including arts, education, health, basic needs, neighborhoods, and capacity building, primarily in central Ohio. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,471, though amounts varied widely. Most grants are directed by donors and aren’t made through an application process, but some specific programs accept applications.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
1,747
Total Given
$242.7M
Grant Thornton Foundation
Chicago, IL
In 2024, the Grant Thornton Foundation funded general support, educational institutions, and disaster relief, awarding 10 grants of $1,575 to $41,450 (median $19,060). It is based in Chicago, with 2024 grants concentrated in California, Arizona, and Florida. The foundation gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$224K
Grants
10
Total Given
$181K
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals funds health care access and services, community health, health education, and related work, with priorities including mental and behavioral health, housing, and income and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grant dollars went to California, with some going elsewhere. In Southern California, it says it does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals and awards grants through competitive processes to pre-identified organizations.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/alpha-foundation-for-the-improvement-of-mine-safety-and-health-inc-morg_7725402791ea454a81513030de66c03c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_455152759_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/alpha-foundation-for-the-improvement-of-mine-safety-and-health-inc-morg_7725402791ea454a81513030de66c03c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc'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.
Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?