EcoTrust
EcoTrust is a private non-operating foundation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, classified as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The foundation was established in 1993 and maintains tax-exempt status with unconditional exemption. EcoTrust operates as an independent organization and provides cash grants to charitable organizations across the United States.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$963K
+8.3% YoY
Grant Count
57
+3.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$17K
+4.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
EcoTrust's grantmaking focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services. The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus in available documentation.
Grantmaking
EcoTrust distributes grants to a broad range of charitable organizations. Recent grantmaking activity includes:
Grant Range
**: Approximately $12,506–$16,900 per organization
Average Grant
**: Approximately $12,506–$16,900 per organization
Ready to take the next step with EcoTrust?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
EcoTrust funds projects across multiple U.S. states and cities, with primary focus areas including the District of Columbia, Minnesota, and New York. The foundation also supports organizations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $2,483,775
- Total Revenue: $1,086,666
- Total Expenses: $965,667
- Total Giving: $963,300
- Expense Ratio: 107.4% of total revenue spent on programs
Historical Asset Range: $1,000,000 to $4,999,999
The foundation's most recent income shown on Form 990 falls in the $1,000,000 to $4,999,999 range, with documented income of $1,884,503 in recent filings.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include International Planned Parenthood Federat ($110,000), Planned Parenthood Federation of America ($65,000), MN Center for Environmental Advocacy ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Prairie Bozeman, MT | Unrestricted general operating support | $10,000 |
| Center for Biological Diversity Tucson, AZ | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights New York, NY | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Charity Navigator Harlan, IA | Unrestricted general operating support | $150 |
| Conservation International Boston, MA | Unrestricted general operating support | $20,000 |
| Conservation Minnesota Minneapolis, MN | Unrestricted general operating support | $5,000 |
| DKT International Washington, DC | Unrestricted general operating support | $30,000 |
| Earth Island Institute San Francisco, CA | Transition Earth Program support | $2,500 |
| Earthjustice San Francisco, CA | Unrestricted general operating support | $15,000 |
| Earthworks Washington, DC | Unrestricted general operating support | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Peter W Vaughan: President and primary contact for the organization
- Steven R Kruger: Also listed as contact for the organization
- Catherine Anson: Director (serves without compensation)
- Angus M Vaughan: Director (serves without compensation)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter W Vaughan | President | 10 | — |
| Catherine Anson | Director | 1 | — |
| Angus M Vaughan | Director | 1 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EcoTrust fund?
EcoTrust's grantmaking focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services. The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus in available documentation.
How do I apply for a grant from EcoTrust?
EcoTrust distributes grants to a broad range of charitable organizations. Recent grantmaking activity includes: • **Grant Volume**: The foundation made 54–57 grants in 2024, with total giving of approximately $963,300 • **Average Grant Size**: Approximately $12,506–$16,900 per organization • **Grant Range**: Typical awards range from $150 to $110,000 • **Recent Grants**: Notable 2024 grants include: • Planned Parenthood Federation of America: $65,000 (Unrestricted General Operating Support for …
Where does EcoTrust make grants?
EcoTrust funds projects across multiple U.S. states and cities, with primary focus areas including the District of Columbia, Minnesota, and New York. The foundation also supports organizations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
What size grants does EcoTrust award?
In 2024, EcoTrust awarded 57 grants totaling $963K — an average of about $17K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is EcoTrust's EIN?
EcoTrust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1735062. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in EcoTrust's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Spicola Family Foundation
MINNETONKA, MN
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$410K
Litchfield Student Anglers Club
LITCHFIELD, MN
Assets
$738
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The Geyer Family Foundation
EDINA, MN
Assets
—
Grants
7
Total Given
$35K
Love 4 One Another Charities
CHANHASSEN, MN
Assets
$8.5M
Grants
1
Total Given
$90K
Donald and Luella Zibell Family Foundation
NORTHFIELD, MN
Assets
—
Grants
8
Total Given
$80K
Minnesota Citizens Concerned
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Assets
$745K
Grants
2
Total Given
$942K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with EcoTrust on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching EcoTrust to a real strategy.