Doug Pensinger Photography Fund
The Doug Pensinger Photography Fund (DPPF) is a private foundation based in Vienna, Virginia. Founded in 2019 in memory of photojournalist Doug Pensinger, it supports emerging and early-career sports photographers through grants, mentorships, and professional development and community-building opportunities.
Key facts about Doug Pensinger Photography Fund
In short: Doug Pensinger Photography Fund gave $54K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $5K), top state Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 83-1480638
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $54,398
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- Average grant
- $4,533
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $3,121,266
- Primary geography
- Texas (18% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- DPPF’s 2025 filing states that it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The website listed March 15 through May 1 for applications.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.1M
+54.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$54K
+262.7% YoY
Grant Count
12
Avg Grant Size
$5K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Doug Pensinger Photography Fund reported a distributable amount of $109K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Doug Pensinger Photography Fund gives
- In 2025 it paid out 112% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
DPPF’s stated mission is to support emerging sports photographers by building a community that develops and advances their skill and vision. Its programs include career-supporting grants, mentorships with professionals, seminars, educational events, webinars, and a biannual Sports Photography Gathering. The fund says it is committed to inclusivity and diversity and to merit-based access at no cost to participants.
DPPF’s website describes its Development Grants as supporting sports photographers whose portfolios show talent and technical skills and whose biographies and essays reflect significant cultural, political, or geographic challenges affecting their career advancement.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, DPPF reported 12 grants totaling $54,398. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $6,898, with a median of $5,000. The largest award was $6,898 to Kent Edwards of Bowie, Maryland, for “Mentorship - Alumni.” Other listed awards included $5,000 each to Camden Hall, Helen McGinnis, Ishika Samant, Christopher Torres, Thien-An Truong, Lorenzo Vasquez, Joe Wakefield, and Isaac Wasserman for career support, and $2,500 each to Ray Bahner, Ella Hall, and Jaiden Tripi for development.
For the 2026 program, the website describes seven $5,000 career-development grants, with up to three recipients also selected for year-long mentorships, and up to three additional $2,500 Development Grants. These program details are separate from the 2025 filing-year grants.
Review Cycle
The website listed March 15 through May 1 for applications. The stated May 1 deadline for the 2026 cycle has passed.
How to Apply
DPPF’s 2025 filing states that it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its website describes a separate annual application process for its photographer programs. Applicants were asked to submit a dated résumé in English, a professional bio of up to 1,500 characters, and a portfolio of 20 sports photographs meeting the stated image-size and date requirements. An optional essay is required to be considered for mentorship or Development Grants. Applicants with more than three years of cumulative paid professional sports photography experience and previous DPPF grant recipients are ineligible. International applicants may apply, except applicants from countries under active U.S. sanctions; the fund also notes that international support must comply with U.S. law.
Ready to take the next step with Doug Pensinger Photography Fund?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The listed 2025 grant recipients were based in multiple states. By share of grant dollars, the largest recipient-state shares were Texas (18%), Maryland (13%), Tennessee (9%), North Carolina (9%), and California (9%). DPPF’s website says its program accepts international applicants, subject to restrictions related to U.S. sanctions and law.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $5K (2021) to $54K (2025). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $54K.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Kent Edwards ($7K). Together the top 10 received $49K.
Grant Size Distribution
12 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 12 grants of 12 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kent Edwards Bowie, MD | Mentorship - Alumni | $6,898 |
| Camden Hall Brentwood, TN | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Helen McGinnis Charlotte, NC | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Ishika Samant College Station, TX | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Christopher Torres Fort Worth, TX | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Thien-an Truong Gilroy, CA | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Lorenzo Vasquez Gainesville, FL | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Joe Wakefield | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Isaac Wasserman Eugene, OR | Career Support | $5,000 |
| Ray Bahner Colorado Springs, CO | Development | $2,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,121,266 | $1,132,586 | $142,557 | $54,398; 12 grants |
| 2024 | $2,017,307 | $62,952 | $203,112 | 0 grants |
| 2023 | $2,068,399 | $502,567 | $83,285 | 0 grants |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,121,266 | $2,017,307 | $2,068,399 |
| Revenue | $1,132,586 | $62,952 | $502,567 |
| Expenses | $142,557 | $203,112 | $83,285 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $121,521 | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $105,510 | $61,681 | $2,308 |
| Distributable Amount | $108,624 | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 17, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 29, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Ezra Shaw and Maureen Cavanagh as directors; Bettyann Heppler as president/director; Kim Pensinger Witman as treasurer/director; and Devan Pensinger as vice president, secretary, and director.
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund is led by Bettyann Heppler, President & Director since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 5 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Bettyann Heppler
President & Director
President → President & Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Devan Pensinger
Vice President, Secretary & Director
Secretary → Vice President & Secretary, 2024
Vice President & Secretary → Vice President, Secretary & Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$2K (2025)
Ezra Shaw
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$1K (2022) → $750 (2025)
Maureen Cavanagh
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$650 (2025)
Kim Pensinger Witman
Treasurer & Director
Vice President & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2024
Treasurer → Treasurer & Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Simon Bruty (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 $2K, to Devan Pensinger (Vice President/Secretary/Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 8318 Colby Street, Vienna, VA 22180
Phone: (703) 403-4644
Website: https://dougpensingerphotographyfund.org
Frequently asked questions about Doug Pensinger Photography Fund
How much does Doug Pensinger Photography Fund give each year?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund gave $54K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it reported $15K in grants paid.
What is Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's typical grant size?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $4,533, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Doug Pensinger Photography Fund give grants?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's top state is Texas, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Maryland (13%) and Tennessee (9%).
Does Doug Pensinger Photography Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Career Support" (8 grants) and "Development" (3 grants).
Who are Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's largest grantees?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's largest 2025 grantees include Kent Edwards ($6,898), Camden Hall ($5,000) and Helen McGinnis ($5,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Doug Pensinger Photography Fund?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund reported $3.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $122K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $109K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Doug Pensinger Photography Fund fund?
DPPF’s stated mission is to support emerging sports photographers by building a community that develops and advances their skill and vision. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Doug Pensinger Photography Fund?
DPPF’s 2025 filing states that it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's EIN?
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1480638. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Doug Pensinger Photography Fund accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Doug Pensinger Photography Fund by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Doug Pensinger Photography Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in Virginia
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assets
$2.3M
Grants
773
Total Given
$16.4M
Foster Foundation
Brookneal, VA
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
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
Charlottesville Area Community Foundation
Charlottesville, VA
The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community organizations working on needs such as housing, food access, health, youth development, arts, environmental stewardship, and equity in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $20,100; the foundation describes application-based grant programs, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$292.3M
Grants
437
Total Given
$27.9M
Fauquier Health Foundation DBA the Path Foundation
Warrenton, VA
The PATH Foundation funds nonprofits and government agencies working to strengthen community health and vitality, with priorities including health access, childhood wellness, mental health, and senior services in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties, Virginia. Its 2025 median grant was $10,000; eligible nonprofits can seek up to $75,000 in unrestricted support through its Flexible Funding program, and applications are submitted through an online portal.
Assets
$302.1M
Grants
369
Total Given
$9.4M
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Norfolk, VA
The Hampton Roads Community Foundation funds nonprofit work across education, culture, the environment, human services, disaster relief, and other areas, primarily to improve life in southeastern Virginia. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,001 to $2,021,700, with a median of $25,000; it offers competitive grant programs, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$524.1M
Grants
329
Total Given
$31.1M
More Funders in Virginia
Doug Pensinger Photography Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?