Blue Sea Philanthropy USA
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.
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.
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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
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 34 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
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
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
The most common grant size was under $50K: 48 grants of 53 (91%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc Fredericksbrg, VA | General Fund | $141,977 |
| Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter Winchester, VA | General Fund | $95,510 |
| Miriams House Inc Lynchburg, VA | General Fund | $51,936 |
| River Valley Charities Inc Hudson, WI | General Fund | $43,696 |
| New Journey Community Outreach Inc Reading, PA | General Fund | $41,637 |
| Carbondale Warming Center Carbondale, IL | General Fund | $40,451 |
| Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless Inc Portsmouth, VA | General Fund | $38,922 |
| Pottstown Beacon of Hope Pottstown, PA | Specific Program-Pboh Warming Center | $29,581 |
| Homewardbound of the Grand Valley Grand JCT, CO | General Fund | $28,138 |
| Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter - IV Pads La Salle, IL | General 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 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
- Updated Form 990-EZ for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 10, 2025)
- 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.
Here's the math on researching Blue Sea Philanthropy USA by hand.
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