George & Miriam Martin Foundation
The George & Miriam Martin Foundation is a private foundation based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1995 by George Martin in honor of his parents, it began by supporting river and watershed conservation in Pennsylvania and later expanded its scope nationally and internationally.
George & Miriam Martin Foundation at a glance
In short: George & Miriam Martin Foundation gave $667K across 29 grants in 2025 (avg $23K), mostly in California. 10% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $667,000
- -70.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 29
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $23,000
- -70.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $4,000
- Total assets
- $4,335,693
- +4.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (3 of 29, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (77% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to George & Miriam Martin Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation is not accepting applications from new organizations. Its filing lists George Martin as the contact, says there is no particular form or required material, and limits awards to charitable river or watershed protection activities.
- Review Cycle
- None listed.
- Deadline
- None listed.
- Contact
Application contact: George Martin
Mailing address: 1047 Jaine Lane, Chester Springs, PA 19425
Phone: (215) 834-7656
Website: https://themartinfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who George & Miriam Martin Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Earthjustice ($500K). Together the top 10 received $616K.
Grant Size Distribution
169 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 162 grants of 169 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website says its work expanded from Pennsylvania to national and international levels. In 2025, 77% of grant dollars went to recipients in California and 12% to recipients in Pennsylvania; Texas and Maine each received 3%, and Oregon received 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 29 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is George & Miriam Martin Foundation open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 29 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $25K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 83% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 70% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 254% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $667K (2025) to $2.3M (2021). In 2025 it made 29 grants totaling $667K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Earthjustice San Francisco, CA | Support Their Work | $500,000 |
| Delaware River Keeper Bristol, PA | Support Their Work | $35,000 |
| Mother Jones Big Sandy, TX | Support Their Work | $20,000 |
| International Rivers Network Oakland, CA | Support Their Work | $15,000 |
| American Whitewater Springfield, OR | Support Their Work | $10,000 |
| Natural Lands Trust Media, PA | Support Their Work | $10,000 |
| Penn Environment Philadelphia, PA | Support Their Work | $9,000 |
| Rivers Without Borders Port Townsend, WA | Support Their Work | $7,000 |
| Ding Darling Wildlife Society Sanibel, FL | Support Their Work | $5,000 |
| Mahoosuc Land Trust Bethel, ME | Support Their Work | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with George & Miriam Martin Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,335,693 | $860,176 | $690,179 | $667,000 | 29 | $667,000 | $859,533 | $262,237 |
| 2024 | $4,165,696 | $1,121,084 | $2,288,334 | $2,256,371 | 29 | $2,256,371 | $1,120,520 | $274,821 |
| 2023 | $5,332,946 | $1,465,335 | $2,202,003 | $2,223,100 | 33 | $2,193,100 | $1,464,965 | $335,727 |
| 2022 | $6,069,614 | $1,350,147 | $2,231,971 | $2,225,824 | 39 | $2,225,824 | $827,160 | $489,765 |
| 2021 | $7,064,078 | $1,221,546 | $2,318,613 | $2,275,000 | 39 | $2,275,000 | $1,210,957 | $562,591 |
| 2020 | $8,161,145 | $2,117,885 | $2,073,359 | $2,057,000 | 33 | — | $2,072,572 | $541,422 |
| 2019 | $8,116,619 | $1,628,736 | $1,747,890 | $1,729,200 | 35 | — | $1,528,164 | $563,303 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, George & Miriam Martin Foundation reported a distributable amount of $262K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s website describes its priorities as river and watershed conservation and environmental litigation addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. It also identifies clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and a healthy future for all as causes it champions.
Its grants include support for organizations working in environmental law, river conservation, and land and water protection. For example, Earthjustice describes its own mission as using law and partnership to protect people’s health, preserve places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. American Whitewater says its mission is to protect and restore whitewater rivers and enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. International Rivers says it protects rivers and defends the rights of communities that depend on them.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $667,000. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $500,000, with a median grant of $4,000. The largest grant was $500,000 to Earthjustice. Other notable 2025 grants included $35,000 to Delaware River Keeper, $20,000 to Mother Jones, $15,000 to International Rivers Network, and $10,000 each to American Whitewater and Natural Lands Trust. The foundation also gave Earthjustice $2,038,871 in 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists George Martin, Glenn Emery, Rebecca Wood, Christy Martin, Maura Shuey, and Lawrence Strange as directors.
George & Miriam Martin Foundation's 2025 filing lists 6 officers; none of the 6 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christy Martin
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
George Martin
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Glenn Emery
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Lawrence Strange
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Maura Shuey
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Rebecca Wood
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Carol Martin Strange (2019–2022) — Director
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.
Frequently asked questions about George & Miriam Martin Foundation
How much does George & Miriam Martin Foundation give each year?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation gave $667K across 29 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2.3M across 29 grants.
What is George & Miriam Martin Foundation's typical grant size?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $4,000, and its average grant was $23,000, across 29 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from George & Miriam Martin Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does George & Miriam Martin Foundation give grants?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation gives mostly in California: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Pennsylvania (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (2 grants), Bristol, PA (2 grants), Philadelphia, PA (2 grants) and Yarmouth, ME (2 grants).
Does George & Miriam Martin Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 29 grants with a stated purpose on George & Miriam Martin Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support Their Work" (28 grants).
Who are George & Miriam Martin Foundation's largest grantees?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Earthjustice ($500,000), Delaware River Keeper ($35,000) and Mother Jones ($20,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 83% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is George & Miriam Martin Foundation?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation reported $4.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $667K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $262K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does George & Miriam Martin Foundation fund?
The foundation’s website describes its priorities as river and watershed conservation and environmental litigation addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. It also identifies clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and a healthy future for all as causes it champions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from George & Miriam Martin Foundation?
The foundation is not accepting applications from new organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is George & Miriam Martin Foundation's EIN?
George & Miriam Martin Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-2828201. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 13, 2020)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 6, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work George & Miriam Martin Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in George & Miriam Martin Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Harder Foundation
Naples, FL
The Harder Foundation funds biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, including salmon habitat, Northern Rockies grizzly bears, public lands, rivers, and nearshore ecosystems, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Its grants typically have a median of $32,500, with 2025 awards ranging from $7,500 to $122,500. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations by invitation.
Assets
$38.9M
Grants
44
Total Given
$1.6M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Davis Conservation Foundation
Yarmouth, ME
The Davis Conservation Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife, habitat, environmental protection, outdoor recreation, and community involvement, with priority for the Northern Forest and Gulf of Maine, then Northern New England. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $17,000 and ranged from $6,000 to $181,000. It accepts applications through its online system and does not require a pre-proposal or letter of inquiry.
Assets
$40.3M
Grants
62
Total Given
$1.5M
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
Tortuga Charitable Foundation
Princeton, NJ
Tortuga Charitable Foundation funds a range of charitable work, including environmental protection and conservation, reproductive health, and other activities, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 and a median of $75,000. It is based in Princeton, New Jersey, and funded organizations across multiple states and Washington, DC, with the largest shares going to New York and DC. The foundation funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$112.1M
Grants
113
Total Given
$8.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). George & Miriam Martin Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/george-and-miriam-martin-foundation-morg_5ee8045b105648168c2aa92dd3616697
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_232828201_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{George \& Miriam Martin Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/george-and-miriam-martin-foundation-morg_5ee8045b105648168c2aa92dd3616697},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from George & Miriam Martin Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
George & Miriam Martin Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?