George a and Margaret MEE Charitable
The George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Binghamton, New York. It supports projects and programs of qualified nonprofits serving Broome County, New York; Delaware County, New York; Cameron County, Pennsylvania; and occasionally surrounding areas.
Key facts about George a and Margaret MEE Charitable
In short: George a and Margaret MEE Charitable gave $1.1M across 32 grants in 2025 (avg $33K), mostly in New York. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 56-2313198
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,054,007
- Grants made (2025)
- 32
- Average grant
- $32,938
- Median grant
- $16,504
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (16 of 32, 2025)
- Total assets
- $21,198,337
- Primary geography
- New York (75% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Contact the foundation office to review eligibility and discuss the request before submitting an application. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- Applications are due December 31 for the February meeting, March 31 for May, June 30 for August, and September 30 for…
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$21.2M
+6.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
-11.7% YoY
Grant Count
32
+28.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$33K
-31.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, George a and Margaret MEE Charitable reported a distributable amount of $1.3M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is George a and Margaret MEE Charitable open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 16 of 32 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $41K; repeat grants $25K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $18K repeat.
- 28% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−7%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 99% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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
The foundation’s stated mission is to invest in projects and programs of qualified nonprofit organizations that support its designated communities and help address local issues and challenges.
Its guidelines allow consideration of capital projects, well-established programs, start-up funds, and new initiatives. Examples of the kinds of organizations it has supported include Cameron County Ambulance Service, whose stated mission is to provide ambulance service that would otherwise be a local government responsibility; Family Enrichment Network, which plans and implements child development and child services in Broome County; and Endicott Performing Arts Center, which promotes the arts through performances, workshops, concerts, and musical instruction.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 32 grants totaling $1,054,007. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $200,000, with a median of $16,504. Examples include $200,000 to Kopernik Observatory & Science Center for an addition to create an Earth Systems Science Laboratory; $100,000 to Arrowhead Ministries for two new camper cabins; and $89,000 to Cameron County Ambulance Service for capital upgrades to its ambulance facility. Other awards included $50,000 to Emporium Volunteer Fire Department for a fire truck and $35,000 to Walton Theatre Preservation Association for digital lighting.
Review Cycle
. If invited to proceed, applicants submit a one-sided application signed by an officer, along with an IRS determination letter, the most recent audited financial statement and management letter, prior- and current-year operating budgets with year-to-date actuals, a list of board members and officers with affiliations and term dates, written estimates when applicable (two competitive estimates are required), and a project or program budget showing anticipated expenses and income, including whether other funding is pending or secured. Applications and attachments must be sent by regular mail.
How to Apply
begins with contacting its executive director to discuss the request and confirm eligibility. This initial contact must occur at least two weeks before the relevant application deadline. If invited to proceed, applicants submit a one-sided application signed by an officer, along with an IRS determination letter, the most recent audited financial statement and management letter, prior- and current-year operating budgets with year-to-date actuals, a list of board members and officers with affiliations and term dates, written estimates when applicable (two competitive estimates are required), and a project or program budget showing anticipated expenses and income, including whether other funding is pending or secured. Applications and attachments must be sent by regular mail.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from George a and Margaret MEE Charitable
Ready to take the next step with George a and Margaret MEE Charitable?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Broome County and Delaware County in New York and Cameron County in Pennsylvania as its primary service areas, with occasional support for surrounding areas. In 2025, 75% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 25% to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 32 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $968K (2021) to $1.2M (2024). In 2025 it made 32 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Kopernik Observatory & Science Center ($200K). Together the top 10 received $774K.
Grant Size Distribution
148 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 109 grants of 148 (74%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kopernik Observatory & Science Center Vestal, NY | To fund construction of a 1,750 square foot addition to the center for the creation of an earth systems science laboratory. | $200,000 |
| Arrowhead Ministries Inc Johnson City, NY | To fund expansion of camper accommodation with the construction of two new cabins. | $100,000 |
| Handicapped Children's Association of Southern New York Inc Johnson City, NY | To fund cost of plumbing upgrades to the entire facility | $100,000 |
| Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc Emporium, PA | To Fund Capital Upgrades to the Ambulance Facility. | $89,000 |
| Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Emporium, PA | To Fund the Purchase of Fire Truck. | $50,000 |
| Family & Children's Counseling Services Johnson City, NY | To Fund Technology Upgrades. | $50,000 |
| Salvation Army of Binghamton Binghamton, NY | To fund renovations of new property at 86 walnut street, binghamton ny. | $50,000 |
| Village of Hancock Hancock, NY | To fund the purchase of 2025 kme pumper truck. | $50,000 |
| Bender Safety & Training Corporation Weedville, PA | To fund with purchase of durable training equipment, instructional materials and program costs to "launch" emt and advanced emt training during 2026. | $50,000 |
| Walton Theatre Preservation Association Inc Walton, NY | To fund costs of replacing 25 year old analogue lights with modern led digital lighting for the walton theatre. | $35,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $21,198,337 | $2,751,876 | $1,418,004 | $1,054,007 | 32 |
| 2024 | $19,857,640 | $1,950,365 | $1,542,238 | $1,193,049 | 25 |
| 2023 | $19,436,636 | $568,084 | $1,340,481 | $1,041,377 | 29 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $21,198,337 | $19,857,640 | $19,436,636 |
| Revenue | $2,751,876 | $1,950,365 | $568,084 |
| Expenses | $1,418,004 | $1,542,238 | $1,340,481 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,239,235 | $1,379,648 | $1,206,521 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,576,665 | $1,790,235 | $487,368 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,255,059 | $1,227,352 | $1,140,337 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 7, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 11, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 8, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 5, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 22, 2024)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists John T. Rogers as president; Bruce M. Edwards as vice president; Emmanuel A. Argiros as secretary/treasurer; and Gary Boden and Steven D. Johnson as directors. The foundation’s website lists Deborah S. Manley as executive director.
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable is led by John T. Rogers, President on every filing since 2019; all 5 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John T. Rogers
President
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$2K (2022) → $5K (2025)
Gary Boden
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Steven D. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$1K (2022) → $5K (2025)
Bruce M. Edwards
Vice President
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Emmanuel A. Argiros
Secretary & Treasurer
Director → Secretary & Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Dwight R. Ball (2019–2020) — Secretary & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $5K, to John T Rogers (President). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Application contact: Deborah S Manley Administrator The
Mailing address: 80 Exchange St Suite 3, Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 722-0181
Website: https://www.meefoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about George a and Margaret MEE Charitable
How much does George a and Margaret MEE Charitable give each year?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable gave $1.1M across 32 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.2M across 25 grants.
What is George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's typical grant size?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's median grant in 2025 was $16,504, and its average grant was $32,938, across 32 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from George a and Margaret MEE Charitable that year got $41K on average.
Where does George a and Margaret MEE Charitable give grants?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable gives mostly in New York: 75% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Pennsylvania (25%). The most frequent recipient cities were Johnson City, NY (4 grants), Emporium, PA (4 grants), Hancock, NY (3 grants) and Binghamton, NY (3 grants).
Does George a and Margaret MEE Charitable give general operating support?
Occasionally: 3% of George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 32) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's largest grantees?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's largest 2025 grantees include Kopernik Observatory & Science Center ($200,000), Arrowhead Ministries Inc ($100,000) and Handicapped Children's Association of Southern New York Inc ($100,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 38% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is George a and Margaret MEE Charitable?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable reported $21.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does George a and Margaret MEE Charitable fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to invest in projects and programs of qualified nonprofit organizations that support its designated communities and help address local issues and challenges. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from George a and Margaret MEE Charitable?
Contact the foundation office to review eligibility and discuss the request before submitting an application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's EIN?
George a and Margaret MEE Charitable's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2313198. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching George a and Margaret MEE Charitable by hand.
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