Elmina B Sewall Foundation
The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation is a private foundation based in Freeport, Maine, established in 1982. It supports a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine through grants to nonprofit partners and impact investments.
Key facts about Elmina B Sewall Foundation
In short: Elmina B Sewall Foundation gave $14.4M across 296 grants in 2024 (avg $49K), mostly in Maine. 12% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 01-0387404
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $14,366,501
- Grants made (2024)
- 296
- Average grant
- $48,535
- Median grant
- $30,975
- New grantees (estimate)
- 12% first-time grantees (35 of 296, 2024)
- Total assets
- $164,831,338
- Primary geography
- Maine (89% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- The website’s listed 2026 deadlines are past.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 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
$164.8M
-3.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$14.4M
+7.3% YoY
Grant Count
296
+3.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
+3.7% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Elmina B Sewall Foundation reported a distributable amount of $8.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Elmina B Sewall Foundation open to new grantees?
12%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 35 of 296 grantees (12%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $53K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $35K repeat.
- 84% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 39% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 265% 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
The Foundation’s mission is to support a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine. It says it supports nonprofit partners through its program areas and also deploys impact investments in support of its mission and values.
Its program areas include the Wabanaki program, which supports Wabanaki community priorities through grants and other forms of support, and Nature-Based Education. For that program, the Foundation describes support for systems-level work such as field building, network and movement building, data and evaluation, and advocacy and policy, as well as direct programming grants. The program page lists $1,305,000 in available funding and says multi-year systems grants of up to $200,000 are anticipated; direct programming grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, with multi-year requests considered.
Examples from the Foundation’s 2024 grants illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Sunrise County Economic Council describes its mission as fostering jobs and prosperity in Washington County, Maine. Maine Environmental Education Association says it amplifies efforts to build environmental awareness and action in Maine. The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy describes work toward a just transition to a thriving, regenerative economy, while Our Katahdin describes work in community development, downtown revitalization, and economic development in the Katahdin region.
Grantmaking
The Foundation reported 296 grants totaling $14,366,501 in filing year 2024. Grant amounts ranged from $150 to $580,000, with a median of $30,975. Separately, the Foundation’s filing description states that it approved 274 new grants totaling nearly $34.5 million in 2025 as part of its first five-year grants budget.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $580,000 to Sunrise County Economic Council, $267,000 to Maine Environmental Education Association, $261,200 to United Somali Women of Maine, and $260,000 to Maine Audubon. Each was listed as general operating support. Other large grants included $225,000 to New Learning Journey and $200,000 each to the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy and Outdoor Sport Institute.
The Foundation accepts applications through its online grant system during designated application periods. Its filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Organizations may apply once per calendar year, with some exceptions for fiscal sponsorships and multi-organization collaborations; organizations with active multi-year grants must wait until the current grant term ends before applying for additional funding. Eligible applicants must be able to accept tax-deductible donations under Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, including qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, public agencies working for Maine, and recognized Indian tribal governments and their political subdivisions. The Foundation considers requests for operations, projects, or capital acquisition, but not endowments. For Maine-based nonprofits, it checks whether annual reports are up to date with the Maine Secretary of State.
Review Cycle
The website’s listed 2026 deadlines are past. For the seven named regular grant programs, applications were due February 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern, with decisions expected in early May. The Rapid Response Fund accepted rolling requests beginning January 5, 2026, with requests due by September 1, 2026.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from Elmina B Sewall Foundation
Animal Welfare Grant Program
Elmina B Sewall Foundation
Amount
US $10,000 - US $75,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Food Systems Grant Program
Elmina B Sewall Foundation
Amount
US $10,000 - US $1,000,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Keystone Grant Program
Elmina B Sewall Foundation
Amount
US $10,000 - US $100,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Elmina B Sewall Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation states that it prioritizes charitable work in Maine that aligns with its priorities; it notes that this requirement may be waived for a defined group of Legacy organizations. In filing year 2024, 89% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maine. The remaining reported shares went to Massachusetts (3%), Vermont (2%), California (2%), and New York (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 296 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 $10.3M (2021) to $14.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 296 grants totaling $14.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Sunrise County Economic Council ($580K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,394 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 970 grants of 1,394 (70%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise County Economic Council Machias, ME | General Operating Support | $580,000 |
| Maine Environmental Education Association Brunswick, ME | General Operating Support | $267,000 |
| United Somali Women of Maine Lewiston, ME | General Operating Support | $261,200 |
| Maine Audubon Falmouth, ME | General Operating Support | $260,000 |
| New Learning Journey Waitsfield, VT | General Operating Support | $225,000 |
| Center for An Ecology-Based Economy Norway, ME | General Operating Support | $200,000 |
| Outdoor Sports Institute Inc Caribou, ME | General Operating Support | $200,000 |
| Cooperative Development Institute Northampton, MA | General Operating Support | $185,000 |
| Maine Development Foundation Augusta, ME | General Operating Support | $185,000 |
| Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point Pleasant Point, ME | General Operating Support | $180,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $164,831,338 | $42,549 | $8,139,499 | $14,366,501 | 296 |
| 2023 | $170,578,667 | $5,294,917 | $16,200,018 | $13,386,409 | 286 |
| 2022 | $166,615,697 | -$3,635,299 | $14,123,615 | $12,759,500 | 295 |
The Foundation’s 2024 filing also describes impact investments connected to food systems. It reported purchasing a $1 million stake in Harvesting Good during 2024 and making an additional $750,000 equity investment in Atlantic Sea Farms after its earlier $1 million convertible note converted to equity.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $164,831,338 | $170,578,667 | $166,615,697 |
| Revenue | $42,549 | $5,294,917 | $-3,635,299 |
| Expenses | $8,139,499 | $16,200,018 | $14,123,615 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $21,534,276 | $18,427,704 | $14,789,826 |
| Net Investment Income | $7,886,318 | $3,268,356 | $6,398,390 |
| Distributable Amount | $8,134,686 | $8,017,067 | $8,792,728 |
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 Dr Gabriela Alcalde as Executive Director. Jono Anzalone is listed as a director and as chair beginning in May 2024; Rotha Chan is listed as chair through May 2024. Other listed directors were Autumn Fitch, Leslie Hill, Amara Ifeji, and Dale McCormick. Vendean Vafiades was Treasurer, John Banks was Secretary, and Margaret Sewall Barbour was Member Emeritus.
Elmina B Sewall Foundation is led by Gabriela Alcalde, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 9 of 10 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Gabriela Alcalde
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
36 hrs/week
$174K (2020) → $254K (2024)
Rotha Chan
Chair
Chair → Director, 2022
Director → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$8K (2020) → $4K (2024)
Jono Anzalone
Director & Chair
Director → Director & Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$8K (2022) → $15K (2024)
Dale McCormick
Director
Director → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$300 (2021) → $15K (2024)
Amara Ifeji
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$8K (2022) → $13K (2024)
Autumn Fitch
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$8K (2022) → $15K (2024)
Leslie Hill
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$8K (2022) → $10K (2024)
John Banks
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$11K (2022) → $15K (2024)
Vendean Vafiades
Treasurer
Secretary → Director, 2022
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$8K (2022) → $15K (2024)
Margaret Sewall Barbour
Member Emeritus
Director → Member Emeritus, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Elisabeth Biemann (2020–2023) — Chair
- Former: Gail Dana-Sacco PhD (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Kent W Wommack (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Carol Wishcamper (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: H Roy Partridge Jr. PhD (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: William Curran (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 $254K, to Dr Gabriela Alcalde (Executive Director). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Application contact: Laura Dover
Mailing address: 15 Main Street Suite 230, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone: (207) 373-9206
Email: info@sewallfoundation.org
Website: https://sewallfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about Elmina B Sewall Foundation
How much does Elmina B Sewall Foundation give each year?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation gave $14.4M across 296 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $13.4M across 286 grants.
What is Elmina B Sewall Foundation's typical grant size?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,975, and its average grant was $48,535, across 296 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Elmina B Sewall Foundation that year got $15K on average.
Where does Elmina B Sewall Foundation give grants?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation gives mostly in Maine: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lewiston, ME (44 grants), Portland, ME (39 grants), Augusta, ME (22 grants) and Brunswick, ME (10 grants).
Does Elmina B Sewall Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Elmina B Sewall Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (296 of 296) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Elmina B Sewall Foundation's largest grantees?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Sunrise County Economic Council ($580,000), Maine Environmental Education Association ($267,000) and United Somali Women of Maine ($261,200), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Elmina B Sewall Foundation?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation reported $164.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $21.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $8.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Elmina B Sewall Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to support a culture of equity and interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine. It says it supports nonprofit partners through its program areas and also deploys impact investments in support of its mission and values. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Elmina B Sewall Foundation?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check sewallfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Elmina B Sewall Foundation's EIN?
Elmina B Sewall Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 01-0387404. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Elmina B Sewall Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Elmina B Sewall Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Maine Community Foundation Inc
Ellsworth, ME
Maine Community Foundation supports nonprofits and communities in Maine through grants for areas such as community building, arts, land and water, housing, and equity, as well as scholarships. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $17,500, though awards varied widely. The profile describes online applications for competitive grants but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$807.6M
Grants
1,161
Total Given
$57.6M
Onion Foundation
Auburn, ME
Onion Foundation funds Maine nonprofits working in the arts and environment, including nature learning, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $625,000, with a median of $15,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online grant portal.
Assets
$63.6M
Grants
245
Total Given
$4.4M
John T Gorman Foundation
Portland, ME
The John T. Gorman Foundation funds nonprofits and government-affiliated entities working to improve child and family well-being and meet essential needs, especially for people experiencing poverty in Maine. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $345,000, with a median award of $20,250. It generally does not accept unsolicited proposals; most foundation-initiated grants are by invitation, though organizations may contact the Foundation with an aligned idea.
Assets
$223.5M
Grants
154
Total Given
$7.5M
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Bangor, ME
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation supports arts and culture, economic and workforce development, education, health and wellness, and social and community services, including affordable housing and health care. It focuses on Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts; 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $50,000, with a median of $4,750. It accepts applications through an online portal, with applications reviewed twice a year.
Assets
$7.0M
Grants
156
Total Given
$1.2M
Quimby Family Foundation
Portland, ME
The Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits advancing human well-being through movement and nourishment, especially outdoor experiences, regional plant-based food, and equitable access for under-resourced communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,500 to $45,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an open application process, with two application periods each year.
Assets
$21.5M
Grants
97
Total Given
$1.1M
Sam L Cohen Foundation
Portland, ME
The Sam L. Cohen Foundation funds nonprofits in arts and culture, civic and community work, education, health and human services, and Jewish culture and traditions, with a focus on organizations serving Cumberland and/or York counties in Maine. Its average award is less than $15,000, though 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $275,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a two-step online process, beginning with an inquiry.
Assets
$28.0M
Grants
125
Total Given
$3.3M
Fisher Charitable Foundation
Portland, ME
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations and projects that address community needs or improve quality of life, generally in Maine. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $25,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts mailed applications on set quarterly deadlines; electronic submissions are not accepted.
Assets
$2.5M
Grants
107
Total Given
$546K
Maine Health Access Foundation Inc
Augusta, ME
Maine Health Access Foundation supports nonprofit, government, and educational projects that improve health care access and health equity in Maine, with priorities including rural health, behavioral and oral health, and children’s and older adults’ health. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $25,000, though awards ranged widely; it also offers smaller project grants of up to $5,000 locally or $10,000 statewide.
Assets
$154.4M
Grants
126
Total Given
$5.0M
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
TD Charitable Foundation
Portland, ME
TD Charitable Foundation funds education, human services, housing and eviction prevention, nonprofit training, and community initiatives, with emphasis on inclusion and underserved and low-to-moderate-income communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000; its filing lists a typical award range of $135–$475,000. It focuses primarily on Florida, New Jersey, and New York, and its 2023 filing says applications are available online; applicants must be eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in states with a TD Bank branch.
Assets
$9.1M
Grants
1,003
Total Given
$24.9M
Simple Generosity Foundation
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Simple Generosity Foundation supports nonprofits across varied missions, with an emphasis on smaller organizations, mainly in the United States. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,002 to $271,548, with a median of $6,287. It does not describe an open unsolicited-request process: nonprofits must join its network and be matched to a client giving program to receive donations.
Assets
$2.8M
Grants
339
Total Given
$4.4M
Maine Technology Institute
Portland, ME
MTI funds research, development, and commercialization of innovations in seven technology sectors, supporting Maine-based businesses, nonprofits, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs through grants, loans, equity investments, and services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,040 to $3 million, with a median award of $50,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$22.5M
Grants
194
Total Given
$22.2M
More Funders in Maine
Elmina B Sewall Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?