Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a public charity based in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It works to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its landscape, and makes grants to organizations engaged in related conservation and trail work.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy at a glance
In short: Appalachian Trail Conservancy gave $116K across 5 grants in 2025 (avg $23K), mostly in Virginia. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $116,082
- -92.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 5
- -37.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $23,216
- -87.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $13,428
- Total assets
- $54,540,194
- +17.7% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Virginia (56% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Appalachian Trail Conservancy
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Phone: (304) 535-6331
Website: https://appalachiantrail.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
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
Deadline not published
Wild East Action Fund - Conservation Planning Grant
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Amount
US $5,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Wild East Action Fund - Land Protection Grant
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Amount
US $20,000 - US $75,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Appalachian Trail Conservancy funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 5 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Potomac Appal Trail Club ($59K). Together the top 5 received $116K.
Grant Size Distribution
70 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 57 grants of 70 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Conservancy’s work and Wild East Action Fund grants concern the Appalachian Trail and its landscape. The fund’s 2026 cycle covered conservation projects across the Trail landscape from Georgia to Maine. In the Conservancy’s 2025 filing, grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia (56%), Georgia (27%), and North Carolina (17%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 5 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives
- Giving fell 74% from 2022 to 2025. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $116K (2025) to $7.0M (2020). In 2025 it made 5 grants totaling $116K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Potomac Appal Trail Club Vienna, VA | 2025 Va Tag, Ridgerunners | $59,262 |
| Gatc Dacula, GA | 2025 Ga Tag Grants | $31,302 |
| Carolina Mountain Club Asheville, NC | 2025 NC LP Tag Grants | $13,428 |
| Nantahala Hiking Club Franklin, NC | 2025 NC LP Tag Grants | $6,245 |
| Roanoke Appal Trail Club Roanoke, VA | Va License Plate Grant | $5,845 |
Ready to take the next step with Appalachian Trail Conservancy?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,540,194 | $23,507,721 | $16,099,867 | $116,082 | 5 | $1,775,122 |
| 2024 | $46,326,223 | $19,392,213 | $14,138,869 | $1,468,622 | 8 | $1,850,472 |
| 2023 | $32,763,705 | $14,574,772 | $11,597,302 | $209,387 | 7 | $1,019,093 |
| 2022 | $28,283,816 | $11,963,959 | $12,032,808 | $443,563 | 20 | $447,633 |
| 2021 | $31,433,012 | $14,528,575 | $13,775,524 | $4,354,050 | 30 | $1,333,612 |
| 2020 | $28,589,428 | $16,945,098 | $14,386,355 | $7,035,949 | 34 | $434,300 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Its website describes a vision of a Trail and landscape that are protected, resilient, and connected for all.
The Conservancy administers the Wild East Action Fund, a competitive grant program supporting land protection, conservation planning, and community resilience projects in or overlapping the Appalachian Trail landscape. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local, state, or Tribal agencies, and regional conservation partnerships aligned with the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership’s mission and vision.
The Conservancy’s 2025 filing also describes grants to affiliated volunteer organizations involved in Trail maintenance or management of public lands along the Trail. For example, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club describes its own mission as acquiring, maintaining, and protecting the Trail, lands, and related facilities through volunteer efforts, education, and advocacy. Carolina Mountain Club describes its mission as encouraging and supporting hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Conservancy reported five grants totaling $116,082. Grants ranged from $5,845 to $59,262, with a median grant of $13,428. The largest awards were $59,262 to Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for “2025 VA TAG, RIDGERUNNERS,” $31,302 to GATC for “2025 GA TAG GRANTS,” and $13,428 to Carolina Mountain Club for “2025 NC LP TAG GRANTS.” The remaining grants were $6,245 to Nantahala Hiking Club and $5,845 to Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club.
The Wild East Action Fund’s 2026 application window closed on June 26, 2026. The Conservancy’s website said that applications were in review and that recipients were expected to be notified by November 2026. The 2026 cycle offered grants for land protection, conservation planning, and community resilience. Application guidance and criteria are updated for each cycle.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists James Latorre as chair, Katherine Ross as treasurer, Yong Lee as secretary, and Eboni Preston-Goddard and Greg Merritt as stewardship council representatives. It also lists Nicole Wooten, Nathan Rogers, Grant Davies, Rajinder Singh, and Edward Guyot as directors.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy is led by Sandra Marra, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 8 of 28 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Sandra Marra
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$166K (2020) → $230K (2025)
Cinda Waldbuesser
President & CEO
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$21K (2025)
James Latorre
Chair
Treasurer → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
7 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anne Simonelli
Director of Communications
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$122K (2025)
Edward Guyot
Director
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Grant Davies
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nathan G. Rogers
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patricia D. Shannon
Director
Director → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rajinder Singh
Director
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nicole Wooten
Director
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gregory Winchester
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Renee Alston-Maisonet
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roger Klein
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Holman
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Durrell Smith
Director
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rich Daileader
Director
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Rose
Director
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Naman Parekh
Director
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeri B. Ward
Chief Growth Officer
Director → Chief Growth Officer, 2024
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$178K (2024) → $166K (2025)
Kevin Metheny
Vice President of Regional & Trail Ope
Vice President of Regional & Trail Operations → Vice President of Regional & Trail Ope, 2023
On filings since 2022
35 hrs/week
$118K (2022) → $155K (2025)
Karen Cronin
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2024
35 hrs/week
$92K (2024) → $168K (2025)
Daniel Ryan
Vice President for Conservation & Government
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$156K (2025)
Delita Marshland
Associate Vice President Development
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$166K (2025)
Katherine Ross
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Yong Lee
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eboni Preston-Goddard
Stewardship Council Representative
Stewardship Council Representating → Stewardship Council Representative, 2024
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Greg Merritt
Vice Chair & Stewardship Council Representative
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
Vice Chair → Vice Chair & Stewardship Council Representative, 2025
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Manley
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: John Knapp Jr. (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Ashley Campbell (2024) — Director
- Former: Laura Belleville (2020–2023) — Vice President of Conservation & Polic
- Former: Lisa Zaid (2020–2023) — Vice President of Advancement
- Former: Nicole Prorock (2020–2023) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Rita Hennessy (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Anne Merrill (2023) — Associate Vice President of Advancement
- Former: Colin Beasley (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Colleen Peterson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Daniel A. Howe (2020–2022) — Chair & Conservation Committee
- Former: Eboni Preston (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Robert Hutchinson Jr. (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Thomas Gregg (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Ann Heilman Murphy (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Norman P. Findley III (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Ruben A. Rosales (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Shalin Desai (2020–2021) — Vice President of Advancement
- Former: Ambreen Tariq (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $230K, to Sandra Marra (President & CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Appalachian Trail Conservancy
How much does Appalachian Trail Conservancy give each year?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy gave $116K across 5 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.5M across 8 grants.
What is Appalachian Trail Conservancy's typical grant size?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's median grant in 2025 was $13,428, and its average grant was $23,216, across 5 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Appalachian Trail Conservancy give grants?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy gives mostly in Virginia: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Georgia (27%) and North Carolina (17%).
Does Appalachian Trail Conservancy give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 5 grants with a stated purpose on Appalachian Trail Conservancy's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Appalachian Trail Conservancy's largest grantees?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's largest 2025 grantees include Potomac Appal Trail Club ($59,262), Gatc ($31,302) and Carolina Mountain Club ($13,428), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 90% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Appalachian Trail Conservancy?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy reported $54.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $23.5M.
What does Appalachian Trail Conservancy fund?
The Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Its website describes a vision of a Trail and landscape that are protected, resilient, and connected for all. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Appalachian Trail Conservancy?
Appalachian Trail Conservancy has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check appalachiantrail.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
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 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 30, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Appalachian Trail Conservancy's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Nature Conservancy
Arlington, VA
The Nature Conservancy funds conservation work, including land and easement acquisition, research, planning, organizational capacity, and sustainable agriculture, across the United States and internationally. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $31,000, with awards ranging from about $5,000 to $2.1 million; some regional programs offer grants of up to $100,000.
Assets
$10.1B
Grants
671
Total Given
$67.8M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Washington, DC
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation makes competitive grants for science-based projects that conserve or restore fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats; it does not fund advocacy or litigation. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $106,500, and it supports projects across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Applications are competitive and program-specific; whether pre-proposals are required varies by program.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
1,286
Total Given
$464.4M
Fields Pond Foundation Inc
Auburndale, MA
Fields Pond Foundation supports community-based nature and land conservation projects that engage local residents, especially land protection, public access, stewardship, and related education in New England and upper New York State. Grants are typically $5,000–$15,000, with awards ranging from $500 to $25,000; it accepts unsolicited proposals and concept papers at any time.
Assets
$10.1M
Grants
43
Total Given
$528K
Maine Community Foundation Inc
Ellsworth, ME
Maine Community Foundation supports nonprofits and communities in Maine through grants for areas such as community building, arts, land and water, housing, and equity, as well as scholarships. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $17,500, though awards varied widely. The profile describes online applications for competitive grants but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$807.6M
Grants
1,161
Total Given
$57.6M
Land Trust Alliance Inc
Washington, DC
Land Trust Alliance supports land conservation by funding land trusts and related organizations, particularly for capacity building, conservation work, and lasting protection of land. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,230 to $377,600, with a median of $15,500, and were concentrated in New York; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.7M
Grants
122
Total Given
$5.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in West Virginia
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Appalachian Trail Conservancy'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.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy down — hundreds of funders to go?