Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is a Washington, DC-based public charity that works on environmental protection and social and economic justice. The organization says it was founded in 1969; its 2024 filing lists 1974 as its year formed. Its work includes advocacy, research, education, and movement-building in the United States and globally.
Key facts about Friends of the Earth
In short: Friends of the Earth gave $887K across 21 grants in 2025 (avg $42K), mostly in District of Columbia. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 23-7420660
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $887,096
- Grants made (2025)
- 21
- Average grant
- $42,243
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $24,066,652
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (62% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$24.1M
+6.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$887K
+7.9% YoY
Grant Count
21
+5.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$42K
+2.7% YoY
How Friends of the Earth gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). 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
In its 2024 filing, Friends of the Earth states that it seeks to defend the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice. Its described program areas include public outreach and membership; food and technology; economic policy; and oceans and vessels. Activities cited in the filing include educating the public, campaigning on pesticides and food systems, advocating for changes to financial institutions’ practices, and addressing pollution from ships, ports, and oil development.
The 2025 filing describes grants and contributions to specific partners for joint work, including overseas partners and small community organizations with limited capacity. It says these are generally not competitively awarded, and that relationships may be governed by memoranda of understanding or grant agreements, with monitoring through reports or ongoing collaboration. The filing also says Friends of the Earth occasionally makes general donations to close organizational partners.
Examples of supported organizations include Friends of the Earth (Action) Inc., whose stated mission emphasizes environmental education and policy work; Media Matters for America, which says it monitors and corrects conservative misinformation in U.S. media; and A Well-Fed World, which describes itself as a plant-based hunger relief and climate advocacy organization. Other 2025 recipients include Check My Ads Institute, which describes itself as a nonprofit adtech watchdog, and Rebuild Democracy, which says it works to strengthen democracy and advance economic security.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Friends of the Earth reported 21 grants totaling $887,096. Grant amounts ranged from $7,500 to $360,000, with a median of $20,000. The largest listed grant was $360,000 to Friends of the Earth (Action) Inc. for programs consistent with Friends of the Earth’s mission, restricted to activities allowed for a 501(c)(3). Other notable grants included $92,000 to Media Matters for America for work on climate disinformation; $80,000 to A Well-Fed World for its Chilis on Wheels program and Plant Powered Youth Fellowship; and $50,000 each to Action for the Climate Emergency and Check My Ads Institute to support the Climate Action Against Disinformation Coalition.
The filing also lists $42,750 to Rebuild Democracy for “MAHA work,” and grants of $20,000 each to Earth Island Institute for work undertaken by Rise St. James/Rise Louisiana, International Accountability Project for work on Stop Financing Factory Farming, Parents Engaging Parents for civic awareness and proactive communications, and Sussex Health & Environmental Network to fight factory farm gas.
Ready to take the next step with Friends of the Earth?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Friends of the Earth describes work in the United States and globally. In its 2025 grantmaking, 62% of grant dollars went to recipients in DC, 9% to Florida, 6% to Massachusetts, 4% to Delaware, and 3% to California. The listed grants also include recipients in South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $361K (2020) to $887K (2025). In 2025 it made 21 grants totaling $887K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Friends of the Earth (Action) Inc ($360K). Together the top 10 received $760K.
Grant Size Distribution
77 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 56 grants of 77 (73%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of the Earth (Action) Inc Washington, DC | To advance programs consistent with foe's mission (restricted to 501(c)(3) allowed) | $360,000 |
| Media Matters for America Washington, DC | Contribution for Climate Disinformation | $92,000 |
| A Well-Fed World Orlando, FL | Grant for chilis on wheels program, to provide support for plant powered youth fellowship (PPYF). | $80,000 |
| Action for the Climate Emergency Charlestown, MA | Grant to support the climate action against disinformation coalition. | $50,000 |
| Check My ADS Institute Washington, DC | Grant to support the climate action against disinformation coalition. | $50,000 |
| Rebuild Democracy Washington, DC | Contribution for Maha Work | $42,750 |
| Charleston Comm Resto Act Board North Charleston, SC | Contribution for Environmental Justice Communities | $25,000 |
| Earth Island Institute Berkeley, CA | Grant to support earth island institute for work undertaken by rise st. James rise Louisiana. | $20,000 |
| International Accountability Project Brooklyn, NY | Grant to support work on stop financing factory farming (s3f). | $20,000 |
| Parents Engaging Parents Inc Newark, NJ | Contribution for Civic Awareness and Proactive Comm. | $20,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $24,066,652 | $20,396,676 | $18,316,261 | $887,096 across 21 grants |
| 2024 | $22,504,324 | $16,901,495 | $19,167,470 | $822,500 across 20 grants |
| 2023 | $25,134,973 | $16,789,731 | $18,206,483 | $668,000 across 14 grants |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $24,066,652 | $22,504,324 | $25,134,973 |
| Revenue | $20,396,676 | $16,901,495 | $16,789,731 |
| Expenses | $18,316,261 | $19,167,470 | $18,206,483 |
| Net Investment Income | $612,174 | $838,348 | $293,340 |
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 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jeffrey Glueck as chair, Judith Browne Dianis as vice chair, Rae Richman as secretary, and Marc Zionts as treasurer. Board members listed are Katie Eder, Arturo Garcia-Costas, Eva Hernandez, Dawn Knickerbocker, Bethany Maki, and Adi Martinez-Roman.
Friends of the Earth is led by Erich G. Pica, President on every filing since 2022; 7 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Erich G. Pica
President
On filings since 2022
30.9 hrs/week
$169K (2022) → $230K (2025)
Jeffrey Glueck
Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jahnavi Trivedi
Director & Finance
On filings since 2022
35.6 hrs/week
$124K (2022) → $142K (2025)
Lisa Archer
Director, Food & Agriculture Program
Director, Food & Agriculture → Director, Food & Agriculture Program, 2024
On filings since 2022
27.8 hrs/week
$122K (2022) → $109K (2025)
Carrie Mann
Director, Digital Membership & Advocacy
On filings since 2024
28.9 hrs/week
$125K (2024) → $111K (2025)
Jonathan Kellam
Director & Philanthropy
New on the 2025 filing
35.8 hrs/week
$136K (2025)
Julie Dyer
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2022
31.9 hrs/week
$124K (2022) → $166K (2025)
Peter A. Stocker
Vice President of Membership & Development
On filings since 2022
34.5 hrs/week
$138K (2022) → $176K (2025)
Arturo Garcia-Costas
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Paine
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judith Browne Dianis
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marc Zionts
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Soroush Shehabi
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Nemeth
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Eder
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rae Richman
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eva Hernandez
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Metayer Bowen
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruth Miller
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adi Martinez-Roman
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anthony Rogers-Wright
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bethany Maki
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dawn Knickerbocker
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mathy Stanislaus
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (22)
- Former: Chris Pabon (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Harriett Crosby (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Jayni Chase (2020–2024) — Chair
- Former: Michael Herz (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Michelle Montgomery (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Herman Bluestein (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Lauren Baer (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Douglas Norlen (2022–2023) — Director & Economic Policy Program
- Former: Kari Hamerschlag (2022–2023) — Deputy Director, Food & Agriculture
- Former: Chloe Maxmin (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Nancy Metayer (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Archer Lisa (2020–2021) — Director, Food & Agriculture Program
- Former: Cecil Corbin-Mark (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Chan Michelle Wai-Wah (2020–2021) — Vice President of Programs
- Former: Doria Steedman (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Dyer Julie (2020–2021) — Vice President of Administration & Organizational Culture
- Former: Paulsen Elizabeth (2020–2021) — Vice President of Organizing
- Former: Pica Erich G. (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Stocker Peter A. (2020–2021) — Vice President of Membership & Development
- Former: Trivedi Jahnavi (2020–2021) — Director & Finance
- Former: Arlie Schardt (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Dan Gabel (2020) — Board Member
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 $230K, to Erich G Pica (President). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1101 15Th Street Nw 11Th Fl 1100, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 783-7400
Website: https://foe.org
Frequently asked questions about Friends of the Earth
How much does Friends of the Earth give each year?
Friends of the Earth gave $887K across 21 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $823K across 20 grants.
What is Friends of the Earth's typical grant size?
Friends of the Earth's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $42,243, across 21 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Friends of the Earth give grants?
Friends of the Earth gives mostly in District of Columbia: 62% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Florida (9%) and Massachusetts (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (5 grants).
Does Friends of the Earth give general operating support?
Occasionally: 5% of Friends of the Earth's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 21) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Contribution Monthly Full Coalition Meetings" (3 grants) and "Contribution to Fight Factory Farm Gas" (3 grants).
Who are Friends of the Earth's largest grantees?
Friends of the Earth's largest 2025 grantees include Friends of the Earth (Action) Inc ($360,000), Media Matters for America ($92,000) and A Well-Fed World ($80,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 60% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Friends of the Earth?
Friends of the Earth reported $24.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.4M.
What does Friends of the Earth fund?
In its 2024 filing, Friends of the Earth states that it seeks to defend the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice. Its described program areas include public outreach and membership; food and technology; economic policy; and oceans and vessels. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Friends of the Earth?
Friends of the Earth has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check foe.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Friends of the Earth's EIN?
Friends of the Earth's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7420660. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Friends of the Earth by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Friends of the Earth's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in District of Columbia
United States Energy Foundation
San Francisco, CA
United States Energy Foundation funds education, outreach, and analysis advancing clean and equitable energy and climate solutions, including renewable energy, efficiency, clean transportation, buildings, and industry, in the United States. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $21 million, with a median of $135,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals; grant-seekers must be invited.
Assets
$215.7M
Grants
597
Total Given
$166.3M
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
Rockefeller Family Fund Inc
New York, NY
Rockefeller Family Fund supports advocacy and strategic initiatives focused on climate and the environment, democracy, and economic justice for women. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $9.7 million, with a median of $75,000, and went to organizations in multiple states; it does not accept unsolicited requests, though organizations may email staff a brief description of aligned work.
Assets
$216.8M
Grants
203
Total Given
$36.7M
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
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc
Washington, DC
NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
2,666
Total Given
$149.3M
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
AARP
Washington, DC
AARP funds nonprofits and other organizations working on aging-related issues, including caregiving, health, research, education, and community programs. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $15,000, with amounts ranging widely, and it supports work through offices across the states and territories; whether AARP accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.1B
Grants
688
Total Given
$35.8M
Frontstream Global Fund
Washington, DC
FrontStream Global Fund distributes donations raised through workplace giving, corporate philanthropy, and other fundraising activities to donor-designated IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $13,714 and ranged from $5,003 to $358,589. It distributes funds according to donor recommendations; unsolicited requests are not addressed in the information provided.
Assets
$421K
Grants
556
Total Given
$13.4M
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Washington, DC
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supported public radio and television stations, programming, infrastructure, and related services across the United States. Its 2026 grants had a median of $22,300, though awards ranged widely; CPB’s 2025 filing was marked as its final return, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
555
Total Given
$175.8M
The Pew Charitable Trusts
Washington, DC
The Pew Charitable Trusts funds nonpartisan policy research and initiatives, civic participation, and—especially in Philadelphia—arts and culture and services for people in need. Its 2025 grants had a median of $75,000, though amounts varied widely; funding is national, with substantial support in Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The profile does not state whether Pew accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
535
Total Given
$140.6M
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Washington, DC
PhRMA funds organizations and initiatives related to biopharmaceutical research, patient access and affordability, health care policy, and public education, with grants mainly going to U.S. recipients. Its 2024 grants had a median of $20,000, though awards ranged from $5,250 to more than $6.8 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$349.0M
Grants
461
Total Given
$41.4M
More Funders in District of Columbia
Friends of the Earth down — hundreds of funders to go?