Delaware Nature Society Inc
Delaware Nature Society connects people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, advocacy, and conservation.
Key facts about Delaware Nature Society Inc
In short: Delaware Nature Society Inc gave $134K across 6 grants in 2024 (avg $22K), mostly in Delaware. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 51-6018321
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $134,000
- Grants made (2024)
- 6
- Average grant
- $22,333
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $51,892,903
- Primary geography
- Delaware (59% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$51.9M
+1.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$134K
+87.5% YoY
Grant Count
6
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$22K
+87.5% YoY
About Delaware Nature Society Inc
Based on IRS filings
Delaware Nature Society Inc is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Hockessin, DE. IRS filing data is available from 2019 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $51.9M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 6 grants totaling $134K. Net investment income was $1.0M.
Focus Areas
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Delaware Nature Society Inc
Ready to take the next step with Delaware Nature Society Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 6 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $30K (2022) to $134K (2024). In 2024 it made 6 grants totaling $134K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Center for the Inland Bays Inc ($59K). Together the top 6 received $134K.
Grant Size Distribution
15 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 14 grants of 15 (93%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Center for the Inland Bays Inc Rehoboth Beach, DE | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $59,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park College Park, MD | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $25,000 |
| University of Delaware Newark, DE | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $20,000 |
| Go Green Lawn Program | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $10,000 |
| Southern NCC Reforestation and Fostering | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $10,000 |
| Sustainable Transportation in Wilmington | Support environmental and open space projects and community resiliency efforts across Delaware and Maryland | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $51,892,903 | $51,147,493 | $48,565,750 |
| Revenue | $4,039,490 | $4,909,855 | $3,637,027 |
| Expenses | $5,185,735 | $4,878,923 | $4,241,037 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,044,442 | $971,646 | $660,497 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 23, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 27, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 4, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Delaware Nature Society Inc is led by Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director on every filing since 2022; 2 of 20 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jennifer Adkins
Executive Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$88K (2022) → $143K (2024)
Tracy Surles
President
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Williams
Director of Business & Finance
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$96K (2022) → $100K (2024)
Dan Barbato
Vice President
Vice President → President, 2023
President → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Greenewalt
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Donnelly
Treasurer
Board Member → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Peck
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Wetherill
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Du Pont
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Nickel
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristen Abessinio
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marcus Henry
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Bard
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dana Monzo
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donna Shumpert
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Ady
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nicholle Taylor
Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Marshall
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Benjamin Testerman
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Gregor
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (21)
- Former: Adele McIntosh (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dawn Rittenhouse (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Eric Brinsfield (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Marian Young (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Suzanne Smith (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Margaretta Frederick (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Rick Stuckey (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ellen Kohler (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Nicki Taylor (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Pam Finkelman (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Roland Wall (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Joanne McGeoch (2021–2022) — Interim Executive Director to
- Former: Anne Harper (2019–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Barbara Greenewalt (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Blair McConnel (2019–2021) — Board Member · Filing note: Through 921
- Former: Jeff Haas (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jj Francis (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mark Carter (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: James Seif (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Sally Feeley (2019) — Secretary
- Former: Steve Allen (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 $143K, to Jennifer Adkins (Exec. Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Delaware Nature Society Inc
How much does Delaware Nature Society Inc give each year?
Delaware Nature Society Inc gave $134K across 6 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $71K across 6 grants.
What is Delaware Nature Society Inc's typical grant size?
Delaware Nature Society Inc's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $22,333, across 6 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Delaware Nature Society Inc give grants?
Delaware Nature Society Inc gives mostly in Delaware: 59% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Maryland (19%).
Does Delaware Nature Society Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 6 grants with a stated purpose on Delaware Nature Society Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Delaware Nature Society Inc's largest grantees?
Delaware Nature Society Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Center for the Inland Bays Inc ($59,000), University of Maryland College Park ($25,000) and University of Delaware ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 78% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Delaware Nature Society Inc?
Delaware Nature Society Inc reported $51.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.0M.
What is Delaware Nature Society Inc?
Delaware Nature Society Inc is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Hockessin, DE. It holds $51.9M in total assets as of 2024.
What is Delaware Nature Society Inc's EIN?
Delaware Nature Society Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 51-6018321. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Here's the math on researching Delaware Nature Society Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Delaware Nature Society Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Delaware Community Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
Delaware Community Foundation supports nonprofits and students addressing community needs in Delaware, including community-impact projects, capital improvements, and scholarships. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $21,500, though awards varied widely. Applicants are directed to apply through the relevant program’s online portal; whether unsolicited requests are accepted is not stated.
Assets
$392.5M
Grants
323
Total Given
$20.4M
Crestlea Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
Crestlea Foundation supports nonprofits working in social services, education, health care, arts and culture, the environment, housing, and civic causes, primarily in Delaware and parts of southeastern Chester County, Pennsylvania. Its typical grant is about $15,000, with recent awards ranging from $4,250 to $50,000. It accepts applications, but organizations must first meet with foundation staff and receive an access code; annual applications are due January 15.
Assets
$21.7M
Grants
65
Total Given
$1.0M
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Washington, DC
The Greater Washington Community Foundation supports nonprofits working across areas such as economic opportunity, education, health, arts, and human services, with an emphasis on equity and economic justice. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it generally funds organizations serving DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and specified Northern Virginia communities; it offers scheduled open competitive grant rounds as well as invite-only opportunities.
Assets
$518.3M
Grants
1,417
Total Given
$116.9M
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
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Cambridge, MA
Harvard’s grantmaking primarily supports research and education, including research awards and sub-awards to universities, hospitals, and research institutes. In 2025, it reported 352 grants ranging from $5,002 to $27.4 million, with a median of $123,018; recipients were concentrated in Massachusetts, which received 64% of grant dollars. The profile does not state whether Harvard accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$79.9B
Grants
352
Total Given
$273.3M
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Inc
McLean, VA
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia funds nonprofits and schools working in areas such as education, youth development, disability services, mental health, the arts, and the environment. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $15,000, and it serves Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and Prince William counties and nearby cities. Applications are submitted through its portal, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$118.7M
Grants
218
Total Given
$7.1M
Youth Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Youth Foundation Inc funds scholarships for U.S. citizens attending accredited U.S. colleges and universities, with awards paid directly to schools; its broader mission also supports youth development through mentorship, arts, sports, and recreation. In 2024, it made 101 grants totaling $565,534, typically around $5,000 (ranging from $975 to $10,000), to recipients across multiple states. It directs applicants to download and complete an online application; unsolicited requests are not specifically addressed.
Assets
$16.0M
Grants
101
Total Given
$566K
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University’s reported grants primarily support research at universities, research organizations, and other institutions. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,125 to $2.21 million, with a median of about $63,000; recipients were concentrated in Pennsylvania, followed by California, Texas, Maryland, and New Jersey, with no stated geographic restriction. Its funding materials describe support for Drexel faculty and staff proposals, and do not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.9B
Grants
120
Total Given
$16.9M
Research Corporation dba Research
Tucson, AZ
Research Corporation supports early-stage basic scientific research, especially in the physical sciences, and academic scientists at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,000, with awards ranging from $74 to $193,142; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$241.5M
Grants
165
Total Given
$8.0M
Russell Sage Foundation
New York, NY
The Russell Sage Foundation funds social science research on social, political, and economic issues affecting the United States, including inequality, race and immigration, work, and behavioral science. Its 2025 grants had a median of $37,500, while Core Research Grants can provide up to $200,000. It describes an application process through program-specific opportunities; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$492.6M
Grants
137
Total Given
$6.4M
American Electric Power Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The American Electric Power Foundation funds education, especially STEM, basic human services, social justice, and environmental protection, primarily for organizations in AEP’s service territory or with broader beneficial impact. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $1,428,570, with a median of $10,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations need an invitation from their local AEP Operating Company.
Assets
$43.6M
Grants
753
Total Given
$23.0M
More Funders in Delaware
Delaware Nature Society Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?