Blue Sea Philanthropy USA

Public charity · Grantmaker Leesburg, VA EIN: 47-3541807

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA is a public charity based in Leesburg, Virginia. It operates the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event with charitable partners and grants funds to participating charities. The organization reports that it is a subsidiary of Blue Sea Philanthropy Inc., which has the power to appoint a majority of its board.

Key facts about Blue Sea Philanthropy USA

In short: Blue Sea Philanthropy USA gave $874K across 34 grants in 2024 (avg $26K), top state Virginia. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.

EIN
47-3541807
Latest 990 filing
Form 990, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$873,907
Grants made (2024)
34
Average grant
$25,703
Median grant
$18,641
Total assets
$414,273
Primary geography
Virginia (42% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)

Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing

Total Assets

$414K

+99.1% YoY

Annual Giving

$874K

+76.9% YoY

Grant Count

34

+78.9% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$26K

-1.1% YoY

How Blue Sea Philanthropy USA gives

  • 38% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The organization’s stated mission is to improve other registered charities’ efficiency and effectiveness by providing centralized fundraising events and expertise in planning, execution, and administration. Its filing describes Coldest Night of the Year as a yearly event partnering with 501(c)(3) charities. Grants go to partner charities to support existing programs serving people experiencing homelessness, hunger, or other hardships.

Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of organizations supported. Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter says it provides temporary overnight shelter, a daytime warming center, and transitional support. Carbondale Warming Center says it provides a warm, secure sleeping space and outreach toward more permanent solutions. New Journey Community Outreach describes programs including a soup kitchen, food pantry, and clothing center for low- and moderate-income people. River Valley Charities says it raises money for area food shelves and backpack programs for low-income families with children.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2024, Blue Sea Philanthropy USA reported 34 grants totaling $873,907. Grants ranged from $5,044 to $141,977, with a median of $18,640. The largest awards included $141,977 to Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and $95,510 to Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter, both for general funds. Other grants included $51,936 to Miriam’s House Inc., $43,696 to River Valley Charities Inc., and $41,637 to New Journey Community Outreach Inc.

The organization’s filing says partner charities are reviewed to confirm they are 501(c)(3) charities whose missions align with the event. After the event, partners receive grants and must use the funds to serve people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Continuing fundraising partners provide an annual report on how funds were used. The website describes the event as a partnership in which Blue Sea provides event infrastructure and support, while local charities recruit participants, volunteers, and sponsors.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Blue Sea Philanthropy USA?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia (42%), Pennsylvania (13%), Illinois (12%), Wisconsin (8%), and Indiana (5%). Grants also included recipients in other states, including Colorado.

Grant Distribution by State

15states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 34 itemized grants.

Cities

BuffaloCarbondaleCarlisleDanvilleFlintHagerstownJamestownLockportLynchburgMansfieldMinneapolisPortsmouthReadingTrevoseWinchesterBarabooBartlesvilleBattle CreekBedfordClinton

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$250K$500K$750K$1M0 grants2022 19 grants2023 34 grants2024

From 2023 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $494K (2023) to $874K (2024). In 2024 it made 34 grants totaling $874K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc: $142KMicah Ecumenical MinistriesInc$142KWinchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter: $96KWinchester Area TemporaryThermal Shelter$96KMiriams House Inc: $52KMiriams House Inc$52KRiver Valley Charities Inc: $44KRiver Valley Charities Inc$44KNew Journey Community Outreach Inc: $42KNew Journey Community OutreachInc$42KCarbondale Warming Center: $40KCarbondale Warming Center$40KPortsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless Inc: $39KPortsmouth Volunteers for theHomeless Inc$39KPottstown Beacon of Hope: $30KPottstown Beacon of Hope$30KHomewardbound of the Grand Valley: $28KHomewardbound of the GrandValley$28KIllinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter - IV Pads: $25KIllinois Valley Public Actionto Deliver Shelter - IV Pads$25K

The largest 2024 recipient was Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc ($142K). Together the top 10 received $537K.

Grant Size Distribution

53 grants across all recorded years

48<$50K3$50–100K2$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 48 grants of 53 (91%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc Fredericksbrg, VAGeneral Fund$141,977
Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter Winchester, VAGeneral Fund$95,510
Miriams House Inc Lynchburg, VAGeneral Fund$51,936
River Valley Charities Inc Hudson, WIGeneral Fund$43,696
New Journey Community Outreach Inc Reading, PAGeneral Fund$41,637
Carbondale Warming Center Carbondale, ILGeneral Fund$40,451
Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless Inc Portsmouth, VAGeneral Fund$38,922
Pottstown Beacon of Hope Pottstown, PASpecific Program-Pboh Warming Center$29,581
Homewardbound of the Grand Valley Grand JCT, COGeneral Fund$28,138
Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter - IV Pads La Salle, ILGeneral Fund$24,803

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Revenue Expenses Assets Grants
2024 $1,275,139 $1,229,918 $414,273 $873,907 (34 grants)
2023 $670,477 $601,315 $208,078 $493,992 (19 grants)
2022 $141,005 $139,015 $45,011 0 grants reported
Revenue
Expenses
$0$500K$1M$1.5M2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$414,273$208,078$45,011
Revenue$1,275,139$670,477$141,005
Expenses$1,229,918$601,315$139,015

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990-EZ for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 10, 2023)
  2. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
  3. Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
  4. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2022–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Brain Carney as president and board treasurer; Bruce McEvoy as secretary and board chair; Terry Barnes as a board director; and Shelley Donald as assistant treasurer.

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA is led by Brain Carney, President & Board Treasurer on the 2024 filing; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Brain Carney

    President & Board Treasurer

    New on the 2024 filing

    5 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Bruce McEvoy

    Secretary & Board Chair

    Director → Board Chair & Treasurer, 2023

    Board Chair & Treasurer → Secretary & Board Chair, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Terry Barnes

    Board Director

    Director → Board Director, 2024

    On filings since 2022

    2 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Shelley Donald

    Assistant Treasurer

    New on the 2024 filing

    5 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (2)
  • Former: Brian Carney (2022–2023) — President & Secretary
  • Former: Victoria Grant (2022) — Director

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2022–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Contact

Mailing address: 305 Harrison Street Se 3Rd Floor, Leesburg, VA 20175-3729
Phone: (877) 743-3413

Frequently asked questions about Blue Sea Philanthropy USA

How much does Blue Sea Philanthropy USA give each year?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA gave $874K across 34 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $494K across 19 grants.

What is Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's typical grant size?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's median grant in 2024 was $18,641, and its average grant was $25,703, across 34 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Where does Blue Sea Philanthropy USA give grants?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's top state is Virginia, with 42% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (13%) and Illinois (12%).

Does Blue Sea Philanthropy USA give general operating support?

Yes: 91% of Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (31 of 34) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.

Who are Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's largest grantees?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's largest 2024 grantees include Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc ($141,977), Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter ($95,510) and Miriams House Inc ($51,936), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is Blue Sea Philanthropy USA?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA reported $414K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.3M.

What does Blue Sea Philanthropy USA fund?

The organization’s stated mission is to improve other registered charities’ efficiency and effectiveness by providing centralized fundraising events and expertise in planning, execution, and administration. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Blue Sea Philanthropy USA?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.

What is Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's EIN?

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-3541807. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2022–2024.

Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Blue Sea Philanthropy USA by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Blue Sea Philanthropy USA's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Virginia

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc

Buffalo, NY

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo funds racial and ethnic equity, education and economic mobility, environmental stewardship and climate resilience, and regional arts and culture, primarily in Western New York; its donor-directed funds may also support organizations nationally. Its 2026 competitive grants were expected to average $18,000–$20,000, with a maximum of $50,000; the listed application process is closed, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Assets

$944.0M

Grants

562

Total Given

$33.4M

WK Kellogg Foundation

Battle Creek, MI

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds work to help children, families, and communities thrive, including early education, health equity, food systems, family economic well-being, and racial equity. In 2025, its grants ranged from $50 to nearly $5 million, with a median of $100,000; it funds across the United States, with long-term commitments in several states and communities, as well as parts of Mexico and Haiti. It accepts unsolicited proposals online at any time.

Assets

$481.0M

Grants

1,818

Total Given

$303.9M

Sentara Health

Virginia Beach, VA

Sentara Health funds health services and equitable health initiatives, including access to care, medical education, scholarships, skilled careers, and community programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,500 to $45.45 million, with a median award of $22,000, and most funding went to Virginia, with some support elsewhere. Sentara Health Plans accepts applications for qualifying community partnerships in its service area; applications are due by the first of each month.

Assets

$7.2B

Grants

325

Total Given

$63.8M

The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Assets

$218.3M

Grants

1,431

Total Given

$47.9M

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Lansdowne, VA

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation funds education programs that help exceptionally promising students with financial need, including college access, academic enrichment, and support for talented students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6 to $515,000, with a median of $7,702; it funds across the United States, with most grant dollars going to Virginia. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its website for current application instructions and eligibility.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$940.1M

Grants

1,419

Total Given

$25.1M

Donors Trust Inc

Alexandria, VA

Donors Trust supports charities and programs in social welfare, health, the environment, economics, governance, foreign relations, and arts and culture, with a strong emphasis on conservative and libertarian policy and education groups. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though awards ranged from $5,038 to $35 million, and recipients were concentrated in Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York, Texas, and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests; donor-advisors recommend grants through their accounts.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.4B

Grants

919

Total Given

$282.1M

The Community Foundation Inc

Richmond, VA

The Community Foundation funds health and wellness, education, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy, along with other causes through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,795,000, with a median of $25,000; 78% of grant dollars went to Virginia recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$852.4M

Grants

917

Total Given

$61.8M

America's Charities

Chantilly, VA

AMERICA’S CHARITIES routes donor-directed workplace giving to member charities and provides emergency assistance to eligible employees and people affected by disasters; its reported grants are fiscal-agent disbursements, not awards selected through an application process. In 2025 it reported 808 grants totaling $16.4 million, ranging from $5,000 to $515,354 (median $9,664), to recipients across the United States, with the largest shares going to Pennsylvania, California, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Arizona. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$36.2M

Grants

808

Total Given

$16.4M

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Richmond, VA

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation funds eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and human services, education, arts and culture, civic and community development, and the environment within its operating area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $1 million, with a median of $5,000; it accepts unsolicited requests during spring and fall cycles.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$2.3M

Grants

773

Total Given

$16.4M

Foster Foundation

Brookneal, VA

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$18.6M

Grants

686

Total Given

$1.3M

JT-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust

Danville, VA

The J.T.–Minnie Maude Charitable Trust funds tax-exempt organizations and government agencies for a wide range of projects that improve quality of life for residents of Danville and/or Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Its 2025 grants had a median of $2,000 and ranged from $500 to $220,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online application, with an annual August 1 deadline.

Assets

$51.2M

Grants

678

Total Given

$2.3M

More Funders in Virginia

Blue Sea Philanthropy USA down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?