Edwards Mother Earth Foundation
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) is a family foundation established in Washington state in 1997. Its website identifies Seattle, Washington, while its IRS filing lists Wilmington, Delaware. The foundation supports work addressing global climate disruption, including agroforestry and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Key facts about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation
In short: Edwards Mother Earth Foundation gave $1.9M across 50 grants in 2024 (avg $38K), top state Virginia. 40% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 91-1789783
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,905,712
- Grants made (2024)
- 50
- Average grant
- $38,114
- Median grant
- $2,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (19 of 47, 2024)
- Total assets
- $30,402,937
- Primary geography
- Virginia (43% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- EMEF does not accept unsolicited applications for grants, but accepts brief inquiries from organizations whose work closely aligns with its priorities. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$30.4M
-2.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+9.8% YoY
Grant Count
50
-32.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$38K
+62.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Edwards Mother Earth Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Edwards Mother Earth Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 19 of 47 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $62K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 55% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 44% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 111% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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
EMEF’s philanthropic mission is “to enhance the sustainable and diverse quality of life by addressing global climate disruption.” Its stated grant program areas include climate change and energy efficiency. The foundation also describes agroforestry as a way to help mitigate or reverse climate change and identifies alley cropping, forest farming, silvopasture, riparian forest buffers, and windbreaks as its five primary agroforestry practices.
Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the range of organizations it has supported. Appalachian Sustainable Development says it educates residents and farmers in southwest Virginia and east Tennessee about organic farming and forest conservation. Rodale Institute describes its work as advancing regenerative organic agriculture through research, education, and outreach. Tilth Alliance says its mission is to build an ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially equitable food system.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, EMEF reported 50 grants totaling $1,905,712. Grant amounts ranged from $50 to $425,394, with a median of $2,250. Among the largest grants were $425,394 to Appalachian Sustainable Development for agroforestry technical assistance; $400,000 to Cornell Cooperative Extension for agroforestry-based chestnut and hazelnut cultivation in New York State; $400,000 to Rodale Institute for Propagate Ventures; and $397,295 to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for a continuation of its agroforestry expansion program.
Review Cycle
was August 27, 2021.
Ready to take the next step with Edwards Mother Earth Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant-dollar distribution was concentrated in Virginia (43%), Pennsylvania (24%), and New York (21%), followed by Washington (5%) and Oregon (4%). The 2024 grants also included recipients in California. EMEF’s 2021 agroforestry solicitation described its goal as expanding adoption of agroforestry in the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2021) to $1.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 50 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Rodale Institute ($450K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
320 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 291 grants of 320 (91%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Sustainable Development Duffield, VA | agroforestry technical assistance for forest farming, alley cropping, and silvopasture | $425,394 |
| Cooperative Extension Association in the State of Ithaca, NY | the adoption of agroforestry-based chestnut and hazelnut cultivation in New York State | $400,000 |
| Rodale Institute Kutztown, PA | Propagate Ventures | $400,000 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universit Blacksburg, VA | Catalyzing the Next Phase of Agroforestry - Building upon Proven Programs to Rapidly Expand Application, Enhance Ecosystem Services, and Advance Regional Justice - Continuation | $397,295 |
| Rodale Institute Kutztown, PA | Pacific Northwest Organic Center - Intercropping and Silvopasturing with Hazelnuts and Sheep | $50,323 |
| Agroforestry Northwest Bothell, WA | Accelerating Agroforestry in the Pacific Northwest | $50,000 |
| Ecotrust Portland, OR | the Indigenous Agroforestry Network | $50,000 |
| Spring of Evolution Inc Acton, CA | West Den Habitat Restoration Project | $24,000 |
| Whiteswan Environmental We Bellingham, WA | Xaxe Tenew Sacred Land Society | $12,000 |
| Tilth Alliance Seattle, WA | Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $30,402,937 | $2,034,005 | $2,697,406 | $1,905,712 |
| 2023 | $31,066,338 | $1,792,357 | $2,486,044 | $1,736,024 |
| 2022 | $31,760,025 | $1,825,440 | $2,388,312 | $1,564,444 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $30,402,937 | $31,066,338 | $31,760,025 |
| Revenue | $2,034,005 | $1,792,357 | $1,825,440 |
| Expenses | $2,697,406 | $2,486,044 | $2,388,312 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,231,806 | $2,009,503 | $2,032,133 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,625,918 | $1,337,009 | $1,281,603 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,011,162 | $2,300,671 | $1,913,953 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Andrew M Bell as president and director, and Kelsey Reinertson as director and secretary. It also lists Megan Allen, Scott Baker, Deborah Bell, Johanna M Bell, Otis Bell, Penelope Bell, Bryce Edwards, and Tawny Keene as directors.
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation is led by Andrew M Bell, President & Director since 2024 (on filings since 2021); all 12 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Andrew M Bell
President & Director
Director & Secretary → Secretary, President & Director, 2023
Secretary, President & Director → President & Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$2K (2021) → $2K (2024)
John Ryan
Director & Treasurer
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$400 (2020) → $2K (2024)
Kelsey Reinertson
Director & Secretary
Director & Secretary → Director, Secretary & Treasurer, 2022
Director, Secretary & Treasurer → Director & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$400 (2020) → $2K (2024)
Penelope Bell
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$1K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Johanna M Bell
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$400 (2022) → $2K (2024)
Sutter Wehmeier
Director & Vice President
Director → Director & Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$400 (2022) → $2K (2024)
Tawny Keene
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$400 (2022) → $4K (2024)
Bryce Edwards
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$600 (2023) → $2K (2024)
Otis Bell
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$1K (2023) → $2K (2024)
Deborah Bell
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$2K (2024)
Megan Allen
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$1K (2024)
Scott Baker
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$600 (2024)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Brian E Rayl (2020–2023) — Director & President
- Former: Eric Rayl (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lauren Bell (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Patricia Ann Guenther (2020–2023) — Director & Vice President
- Former: Tara Reinertson (2020–2022) — Director & President
- Former: Heather Martin (2020–2021) — Dir* & Vp*
- Former: Megan Baker (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 $4K, to Tawny Keene (DIR). 12 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://edwardsmotherearth.org
Frequently asked questions about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation
How much does Edwards Mother Earth Foundation give each year?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation gave $1.9M across 50 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.7M across 74 grants.
What is Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's typical grant size?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,250, and its average grant was $38,114, across 50 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Edwards Mother Earth Foundation that year got $9K on average.
Where does Edwards Mother Earth Foundation give grants?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's top state is Virginia, with 43% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (24%) and New York (21%). The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, OR (8 grants), Seattle, WA (8 grants), Knoxville, TN (4 grants) and Washington, DC (3 grants).
Does Edwards Mother Earth Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 60% of Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (30 of 50) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Charitable Event" (3 grants).
Who are Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's largest grantees?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Rodale Institute ($450,323 across 2 grants), Appalachian Sustainable Development ($425,394) and Cooperative Extension Association in the State of ($400,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 67% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Edwards Mother Earth Foundation?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation reported $30.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Edwards Mother Earth Foundation fund?
EMEF’s philanthropic mission is “to enhance the sustainable and diverse quality of life by addressing global climate disruption.” Its stated grant program areas include climate change and energy efficiency. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Edwards Mother Earth Foundation?
EMEF does not accept unsolicited applications for grants, but accepts brief inquiries from organizations whose work closely aligns with its priorities. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's EIN?
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-1789783. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Edwards Mother Earth Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Edwards Mother Earth Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Delaware
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
American Electric Power Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The American Electric Power Foundation funds STEM education, basic needs such as hunger and housing, social justice, and environmental protection. Its 2025 grants had a median of $10,000, with awards ranging from $500 to about $1.43 million; funding is concentrated in Ohio, with grants also going to states including Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. It accepts applications only from preselected organizations invited through a local AEP Operating Company and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$43.6M
Grants
753
Total Given
$23.0M
Puget Sound Energy Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The Puget Sound Energy Foundation funds nonprofits serving communities where PSE has a service or generation presence, primarily in Washington, across household needs, education and workforce pathways, climate resilience, and community safety. Grants vary widely; in 2024 they ranged from $13 to $100,000, with a $500 median, while its 2026 disaster-focused competitive program offers up to $15,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible local nonprofits can apply through that competitive program.
Assets
$19.6M
Grants
451
Total Given
$1.2M
First Eagle Investments Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$747K
Grants
389
Total Given
$1.2M
Hagerty Drivers Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$193K
Grants
330
Total Given
$192K
McNabb Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The McNabb Foundation’s website describes support for behavioral health and social services in East Tennessee, while its 2024 grants went to organizations with varied missions, mostly in California. Grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
328
Total Given
$358K
Raskob Foundation for Catholic
Wilmington, DE
The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities supports Catholic organizations, ministries, and projects in the United States and its territories and internationally, across areas such as education, health care, and humanitarian aid. Domestic awards are typically $15,000–$35,000; international grants can be up to $200,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but the profile does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$208.0M
Grants
325
Total Given
$6.2M
Delaware Community Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
Delaware Community Foundation funds nonprofits across areas such as health, education, conservation, arts, and youth services, primarily in Delaware, though it also awards grants elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $21,500, and it invites nonprofits to apply for specific grant programs; the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.
Assets
$392.5M
Grants
323
Total Given
$20.4M
WSFS Cares Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The WSFS CARES Foundation funds qualified nonprofits working in community investment, affordable housing, revitalization and economic empowerment, education and leadership, and services for people in need across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000. The filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$12.3M
Grants
323
Total Given
$2.7M
Seattle Foundation
Seattle, WA
Seattle Foundation funds community-led work advancing racial and economic equity in Greater Seattle, including housing, economic opportunity, climate justice, democracy, arts, and organizing; some programs support specific medical or performing-arts needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $60 to $7 million, with a median of $6,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through program-specific applications or letters of inquiry.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
5,379
Total Given
$177.9M
More Funders in Delaware
Edwards Mother Earth Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?