Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Founded in 1925, it is the only nonprofit devoted exclusively to the entire Appalachian Trail and its landscape. The organization serves as the principal steward of the 2,200-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, managing approximately 250,000 acres of trail lands. With a membership base of 28,482 and an estimated annual visitor count of three million, the ATC coordinates the efforts of 30 member clubs and over 4,700 volunteers to preserve, manage, and advocate for the natural, scenic, historical, and cultural resources of the trail.
Key facts about Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- EIN
- 52-6046689
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,468,622
- Grants made (2024)
- 8
- Average grant
- $183,578
- Median grant
- $12,150
- Total assets
- $46,326,223
- Primary geography
- Virginia (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026.
Who Appalachian Trail Conservancy funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Appalachian Trail Conservancy's 8 itemized 2024 grants were Virginia (93%). The most frequent recipient cities were Asheville, NC (2 grants). None of its 8 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$46.3M
+41.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.5M
+601.4% YoY
Grant Count
8
+14.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$184K
+513.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Vision: The Appalachian Trail and its landscape are always protected, resilient, and connected for all.
The organization's work focuses on:
- Bolstering the health, resilience, and connectivity of the A.T. and its surrounding natural lands
- Managing the resources and grassroots effort needed to maintain the integrity of the treadway
- Enriching visitor experiences by providing essential knowledge for safe and fulfilling Trail experiences
- Safeguarding the landscape to ensure future generations of visitors, local communities, and wildlife can benefit from it
- Addressing threats to the A.T.'s ecological integrity, scenic beauty, and the cherished Trail experience
- Driving climate resilience and economic vitality in neighboring communities
Grantmaking
The ATC administers grantmaking programs, including the Wild East Action Fund. Recent grant announcements indicate the organization provides grants to nonprofits, with 2025 recipients announced for Western North Carolina nonprofits.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Appalachian Trail spans 2,200 miles and crosses multiple states. The organization has demonstrated recent grantmaking activity in Western North Carolina. The ATC maintains regional operations, including a Mid-Atlantic Region.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 8 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Financial Overview (2024):
- Annual Revenue: $19.4 million
- Annual Expenses: $14.1 million
- Total Assets: $46.3 million
- Total Liabilities: $18.9 million
Staffing: The organization employs approximately 95-115 staff members.
Financial Performance: The ATC maintains a program expense ratio of 77.40%, indicating efficient use of funds. The organization holds a 100% independent board and has received a Four-Star rating reflecting strong accountability and financial health.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $46,326,223 | $32,763,705 | $28,283,816 |
| Revenue | $19,392,213 | $14,574,772 | $11,963,959 |
| Expenses | $14,138,869 | $11,597,302 | $12,032,808 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $1,850,472 | $1,019,093 | $447,633 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
99 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Wild East Action Fund - Community Resilience Grant
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Amount
US $5,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Wild East Action Fund - Conservation Planning Grant
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Amount
US $5,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Wild East Action Fund - Land Protection Grant
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Amount
US $20,000 - US $75,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include The Conservation Fund ($1,337,500), Gatc Doug Haas ($50,499), Potomac Appal Trail Club ($31,005).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| THE CONSERVATION FUND ARLINGTON, VA | PURCHASE ASSISTANCE | $1,337,500 |
| GATC DOUG HAAS ALPHARETTA, GA | 2024 GA TAG GRANT FUNDS | $50,499 |
| POTOMAC APPAL TRAIL CLUB VIENNA, VA | 2024 VA TAG, RIDGERUNNERS AND YOUTH SUMMITS | $31,005 |
| CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB ASHEVILLE, NC | 2024 NC TAG GRANTS | $13,500 |
| KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION MECHANICSBURG, PA | SOUTH MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE | $10,800 |
| SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY ASHEVILLE, NC | 2024 TN TAG | $10,500 |
| NANTAHALA HIKING CLUB FRANKLIN, NC | 2024 NC TAG GRANTS | $7,646 |
| TENNESSEE EASTMAN HIKING CLUB KINGSPORT, TN | 2024 TN TAG GRANTS | $7,172 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key personnel identified include:
- Franklin Tate, Associate Regional Director
- Karen Lutz, Director, Mid-Atlantic Region
- Rachel Lettre, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
- Jeri Ward, Chief Growth Officer
- Edward Guyot, Board Member
- Nathan Rogers, Board Member
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES LATORRE | CHAIR | 6.87 | — |
| KATHERINE ROSS | TREASURER | 6 | — |
| EBONI PRESTON-GODDARD | STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE | 6 | — |
| GREG MERRITT | VICE CHAIR (BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER) | 5 | — |
| NICOLE WOOTEN | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| NATHAN ROGERS | VICE CHAIR (ENDING IN NOVEMBER) | 5 | — |
| GRANT DAVIES | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| YONG LEE | SECRETARY (BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER) | 5 | — |
| RAJINDER SINGH | SECRETARY (ENDING IN NOVEMBER) | 5 | — |
| JOHN KNAPP JR | DIRECTOR | 3.85 | — |
| LISA MANLEY | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| WILLIAM HOLMAN | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| ASHLEY CAMPBELL | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| DURRELL SMITH | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| RENEE ALTON-MAISONET | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| ROGER KLEIN | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| RICH DAILEADER | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| PATRICIA SHANNON | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| GREGORY WINCHESTER | DIRECTOR | 3 | — |
| KAREN CRONIN | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 35 | $91,589 |
| SANDRA MARRA | PRESIDENT & CEO | 35 | $171,175 |
| JERI WARD | CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER | 35 | $178,049 |
| KEVIN METHENY | VP OF REGIONAL & TRAIL OPE | 35 | $150,079 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy announced 2025 Wild East Action Fund recipients and made grant announcements for Western North Carolina nonprofits in December 2025.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Announces 2025 Wild East Action ...The organization held its 2025 annual membership meeting on August 27, during which members voted for ATC Board of Directors.
The ATC maintains an active strategic planning process, with a 2025-2027 Strategic Plan available to the public.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Appalachian Trail Conservancy fund?
**Mission:** The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. **Vision:** The Appalachian Trail and its landscape are always protected, resilient, and connected for all. The organization's work focuses on: • Bolstering the health, resilience, and connectivity of the A.T. and its surrounding natural lands • Managing the resources and grassroots effort needed to maintain the integrity of the treadway • Enriching visitor exp…
How do I apply for a grant from Appalachian Trail Conservancy?
The ATC administers grantmaking programs, including the Wild East Action Fund. Recent grant announcements indicate the organization provides grants to nonprofits, with 2025 recipients announced for Western North Carolina nonprofits. The organization accepts donor-advised fund (DAF) gifts, allowing donors to recommend grants to the ATC on their timeline. Donors can direct gifts to "Where Most Needed" or specify particular programs aligned with their values.
Where does Appalachian Trail Conservancy make grants?
The Appalachian Trail spans 2,200 miles and crosses multiple states. The organization has demonstrated recent grantmaking activity in Western North Carolina. The ATC maintains regional operations, including a Mid-Atlantic Region.
What size grants does Appalachian Trail Conservancy award?
In 2024, Appalachian Trail Conservancy awarded 8 grants totaling $1.5M — an average of about $184K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Appalachian Trail Conservancy's EIN?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6046689. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Appalachian Trail Conservancy's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.