Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a Seattle-based public charity formed in 2006. It works to help people, animals, and the environment by mobilizing in response to need, with programs that include animal welfare, humanitarian aid, conservation, and disaster response.
Greater Good Charities at a glance
In short: Greater Good Charities gave $123.4M across 357 grants in 2025 (avg $346K), top state California. 36% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $123,432,850
- -55.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 357
- +9.2% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $345,750
- -59.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $37,406
- Total assets
- $24,447,292
- +53.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 36% first-time grantees (129 of 356, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (14% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Greater Good Charities
- Invitation Only
-
The organization says many grants are invitation only. Shelters and rescue groups seeking funding can sign up for its shelter email list to receive notifications when they qualify for grants or other resources. Its website says the application page is updated as opportunities become available. Organizations receiving grants must provide proof of nonprofit status and sign a memorandum of understanding specifying the intended use of funds. They must report how funds were used; future funding may be withheld if funds are not used as specified or documentation is not provided. Site visits may be conducted when possible. Separate applications are available for Rescue Rebuild renovations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 301 Union Street 21308, Seattle, WA 98111
Phone: (520) 441-9067
Website: https://greatergood.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Greater Good Charities funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Michigan Humane Society ($7.4M). Together the top 10 received $49.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,703 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 952 grants of 1,703 (56%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Greater Good Charities describes work supporting communities and partners in the United States and internationally. In 2025, the largest shares of reported grant dollars went to recipients in California (14%), Illinois (10%), Michigan (10%), Texas (9%), and Ohio (7%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 357 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Greater Good Charities open to new grantees?
36%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 129 of 356 grantees (36%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $40K; repeat grants $521K. How we count
Medians: $16K first-time, $63K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $50.1M (2019) to $275.4M (2024). In 2025 it made 357 grants totaling $123.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Humane Society Detroit, MI | Support for Hunger & Poverty, Rescued Animals | $7,375,451 |
| Gateway Pet Guardians East St Louis, IL | Support for Rescued Animals | $7,106,047 |
| Rescue Pack Chicago Palatine, IL | Support for Hunger & Poverty, Rescued Animals | $5,686,801 |
| The Pet Project for Pets Inc Wilton Manors, FL | Support for Rescued Animals | $5,004,893 |
| United Pet Fund Blue Ash, OH | Support for Hunger & Poverty, Rescued Animals | $4,468,704 |
| Shutt'er Down Ranch Farmersville, TX | Support for Rescued Animals | $4,083,323 |
| Cope Preparedness Calabasas, CA | Support for Hunger & Poverty, Rescued Animals | $4,081,799 |
| 4 Paws Animal Rescue Willis, MI | Support for Rescued Animals | $3,998,543 |
| City of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Los Angeles, CA | Support for Rescued Animals | $3,907,604 |
| Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue Chico, CA | Support for Rescued Animals | $3,483,149 |
Ready to take the next step with Greater Good Charities?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $24,447,292 | $173,184,051 | $164,375,082 | $123,432,850 | 357 | $286,807 |
| 2024 | $15,961,581 | $311,909,284 | $310,629,090 | $275,430,540 | 327 | $229,054 |
| 2023 | $15,639,559 | $154,201,628 | $154,241,068 | $130,664,516 | 318 | $152,763 |
| 2022 | $14,072,061 | $117,794,053 | $112,562,423 | $93,628,601 | 337 | $4,600 |
| 2021 | $7,916,385 | $76,960,540 | $78,814,261 | $65,583,784 | 364 | $14,244 |
| 2020 | $9,977,818 | $75,394,111 | $72,917,563 | $60,952,554 | 326 | $60,659 |
| 2019 | $6,608,260 | $62,292,190 | $62,917,228 | $50,123,510 | 327 | $-38,259 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Greater Good Charities’ mission is to help people, animals, and the environment by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good.
Its animal-related support includes food, vaccinations, shelter renovations, enrichment, spay/neuter, education and training, and disaster preparedness and response. Its GOODS program secures, transports, stores, and distributes in-kind donations to approved animal-welfare nonprofits. The organization also describes programs for people, including essential supplies for people experiencing homelessness, and for the planet, including species conservation and habitat work. Its disaster response supports people and pets affected by events such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.
Grantees named in its 2025 filings include animal-welfare organizations. Michigan Humane Society says its mission is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. Gateway Pet Guardians describes its work as providing affordable, accessible pet resources and supporting pet welfare in the East Side Pet District. The Pet Project for Pets says it helps people with life-threatening or severely disabling diseases meet pet-care expenses. United Pet Fund describes itself as a regional resource and support organization for people helping animals in need.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Greater Good Charities reported 357 grants totaling $123,432,850. Grant amounts ranged from $5,015 to $7,375,451, with a median grant of $37,406.
Among the largest reported grants were $7,375,451 to Michigan Humane Society; $7,106,047 to Gateway Pet Guardians; $5,686,801 to Rescue Pack Chicago; $5,004,893 to The Pet Project for Pets; and $4,468,704 to United Pet Fund. Reported purposes included support for rescued animals and, for some grants, hunger and poverty.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Liz Baker as chief executive officer. Listed board members are Jam Stewart, chair; Julie Ryan, vice chair; John Gehrt, treasurer; Julia Christophersen, secretary; Greg Hesterberg; Jackson Galaxy; David Yaskulka; David Samuelson; and Jeff Zuba.
Greater Good Charities is led by Liz Baker, Chief Executive Officer on every filing since 2019; 9 of 18 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Liz Baker
Chief Executive Officer
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$199K (2019) → $303K (2025)
Jam Stewart
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jemimah Okantey
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$128K (2019) → $214K (2025)
Noah Horton
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Marketing Officer → Chief Operating Officer, 2022
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$139K (2019) → $222K (2025)
Stephen Minter
General Counsel
Chief Operations Officer → COO & General Counsel, 2020
COO & General Counsel → General Counsel, 2021
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$124K (2019) → $178K (2025)
Bryna Donnelly
Executive Vice President & Programs
Program Director → Executive Vice President & Programs, 2025
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$117K (2020) → $146K (2025)
Melissa Rubin
Executive Vice President & Fundraising
Chief Strategy Officer → Executive Vice President & Fundraising, 2023
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$126K (2022) → $188K (2025)
Denise St Jean
Executive Vice President & Communications
Vice President Communications → Executive Vice President & Communications, 2023
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$125K (2022) → $153K (2025)
Sara Varsa
Executive Vice President & Programs
Executive Vice President Operations → Executive Vice President & Programs, 2024
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$119K (2022) → $164K (2025)
Nelson Miller
Executive Vice President & Programs
New on the 2025 filing
50 hrs/week
$158K (2025)
David Samuelson
Board Member
Board Vice President → Board Vice Chair, 2020
Board Vice Chair → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Yaskulka
Board Member
Board President → Board Chair, 2020
Board Chair → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Hesterberg
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jackson Galaxy
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Zuba
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Gehrt
Board Treasurer
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julia Christophersen
Board Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Ryan
Board Vice Chair
Board Member → Board Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (17)
- Former: Kimberly Klintworth (2019–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Denise Bingler (2020–2024) — Vice President & Programs
- Former: Amanda Rainey (2023–2024) — Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Former: Sean Cherry (2023–2024) — Vice President & Digital Media
- Former: Emily Kruger (2023) — Chief Philanthropy Officer · Filing note: Thru 423
- Former: Tara Loller (2023) — Vice President, Corp. Partnerships & Major Gifts
- Former: Eve Higgs (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Rosenberg (2019–2022) — Program Director
- Former: Elizabeth Asher (2019–2021) — Program Director
- Former: Janis Rosenthal (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Balaski (2020–2021) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Rowena Koenig (2021) — Program Director
- Former: John Kane (2019–2020) — Program Development Director
- Former: Cynthia Nesser (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Elizabeth Mulligan (2019) — Director of Corporate Sponsorships
- Former: Jennifer Fermon (2019) — Director of Impact
- Former: Tim Kunin (2019) — Board Member
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 $303K, to Liz Baker (Chief Executive Officer). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Greater Good Charities
How much does Greater Good Charities give each year?
Greater Good Charities gave $123.4M across 357 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $275.4M across 327 grants.
What is Greater Good Charities's typical grant size?
Greater Good Charities's median grant in 2025 was $37,406, and its average grant was $345,750, across 357 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Greater Good Charities that year got $40K on average.
Where does Greater Good Charities give grants?
Greater Good Charities's top state is California, with 14% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Illinois (10%) and Michigan (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were New Orleans, LA (5 grants), Los Angeles, CA (4 grants), Tucson, AZ (4 grants) and Las Vegas, NV (4 grants).
Does Greater Good Charities give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 357 grants with a stated purpose on Greater Good Charities's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support for Rescued Animals" (319 grants), "Support for Hunger & Poverty, Rescued Animals" (22 grants) and "Support for Biodiversity & Conservation" (10 grants).
Who are Greater Good Charities's largest grantees?
Greater Good Charities's largest 2025 grantees include Michigan Humane Society ($7,375,451), Gateway Pet Guardians ($7,106,047) and Rescue Pack Chicago ($5,686,801), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Greater Good Charities?
Greater Good Charities reported $24.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $173.2M.
What does Greater Good Charities fund?
Greater Good Charities’ mission is to help people, animals, and the environment by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Greater Good Charities?
The organization says many grants are invitation only. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Greater Good Charities's EIN?
Greater Good Charities's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-4846675. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 16, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 19, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 5, 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)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greater Good Charities's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Greater Good Charities funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/greater-good-charities-morg_09b30db3a1df4add82407fd5e75fec9a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_204846675_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Greater Good Charities funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/greater-good-charities-morg_09b30db3a1df4add82407fd5e75fec9a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Greater Good Charities'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.
Greater Good Charities down — hundreds of funders to go?