Island Foundation Inc
Island Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Marion, Massachusetts, founded in 1979 by W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. and Mary H. Clark. It supports environmental, New Bedford, alternative education, and Womxn & Girls initiatives, with a focus on coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and a significant portion of its resources directed to Southeastern Massachusetts.
Island Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Island Foundation Inc gave $2.1M across 169 grants in 2024 (avg $12K), mostly in Massachusetts. 9% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,079,000
- -17.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 169
- -7.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $12,302
- -10.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $58,105,623
- +5.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (13 of 146, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (66% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Island Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s website describes a two-step process. Applicants should first call or write to discuss a project idea or renewal request and obtain an application form access code. If invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry or full proposal, applicants use the online grants management system. Materials include a cover letter stating the amount sought and summarizing the organization and proposal; a three-to-five-page proposal describing the organization, need, goals, methods, measures of success, and qualifications; project and organizational budgets; a recent financial statement or audit; a board and staff list; and an IRS determination letter. Fiscal-sponsor applicants should include the sponsor’s IRS letter and a letter confirming its willingness to assume fiscal and administrative reporting responsibilities. The foundation does not support requests from individuals, religious organizations, or for-profit organizations.
- Review Cycle
- The filing lists deadlines of March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 for funds to be distributed the following month.
- Deadline
- The filing lists deadlines of March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 for funds to be distributed the following…
- Contact
Application contact: Denise Porche
Mailing address: 589 Mill Street PO Box 1605, Marion, MA 02738
Phone: (508) 748-2809
Website: https://islandfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Island Foundation Inc
IF: Womxn and Girls Grant
Island Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Island Foundation Alternative Education Grants
Island Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Island Foundation New Bedford Grants
Island Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Island Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was New Bedford Whaling Museum ($110K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $532K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
903 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 892 grants of 903 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily supports projects in coastal Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as selected international locations. It has focused a significant portion of its resources on Southeastern Massachusetts, including New Bedford. In 2024, 66% of grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts, 11% to Rhode Island, and 10% to Maine; the filing also lists 3% for New York and 2% for an unidentified state.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 169 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Island Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 146 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $15K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $13K repeat.
- 90% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−17%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 98% 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 (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.1M (2024) to $2.5M (2023). In 2024 it made 169 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Bedford Whaling Museum New Bedford, MA | 11 William Street Expansion | $100,000 |
| YMCA Southcoast Inc New Bedford, MA | New Bedford YMCA Capital Renovation Project | $50,000 |
| New England Aquarium Boston, MA | North atlantic right whale research in U.S. and canadian waters | $40,000 |
| The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design Arundel, ME | Bermuda Scholarship | $40,000 |
| Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA New Bedford, MA | General Support | $30,000 |
| Northstar Learning Centers New Bedford, MA | Northstar Learning Centers Diversion and Assistance Program | $30,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford New Bedford, MA | General Support | $25,000 |
| Centro Comunitario De Trabajadores New Bedford, MA | General Support and Pescando Justicia Campaign | $25,000 |
| Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund Cambridge, MA | Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund - General Support | $25,000 |
| New Bedford Light New Bedford, MA | General Support | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Island Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $58,105,623 | $2,843,042 | $2,848,408 | $2,079,000 | 169 | $2,712,618 | $2,716,822 | $2,781,610 |
| 2023 | $55,360,223 | $2,119,533 | $3,179,035 | $2,524,000 | 183 | $3,058,620 | $2,006,019 | $2,578,139 |
| 2022 | $51,432,889 | $662,908 | $3,117,233 | $2,472,000 | 188 | $2,989,754 | $983,537 | $2,672,269 |
| 2021 | $63,151,787 | $4,104,206 | $3,204,435 | $2,499,000 | 188 | $3,085,531 | $3,994,433 | $3,014,501 |
| 2020 | $59,942,393 | $34,015 | $3,109,067 | $2,440,000 | 175 | — | $765,346 | $2,902,343 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Island Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s four grantmaking categories are Environment, New Bedford, Alternative Education, and Womxn & Girls. Its environmental priorities include marine and coastal conservation, North Atlantic right whale research, coastal waterbird habitat, coastal land preservation, climate change and regional planning, sustainable agriculture and community-based fisheries, and environmental justice.
In New Bedford, the foundation supports progressive social change and efforts to combat discrimination, as well as youth programs, community development, arts and culture, and basic needs. Its stated areas of interest include youth educational attainment and career preparation, food insecurity, immigrant assistance, and civic engagement. Its Womxn & Girls program is described as addressing inequality through community-driven initiatives related to healthcare, economic security, and political representation, with an emphasis on womxn and girls of color.
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. It may fund groups outside those areas when their programs relate to its priorities, and may consider organizations without nonprofit status that use a fiscal sponsor. It accepts general operating and project-focused requests and occasionally makes multiyear commitments to organizations it has supported for many years.
Examples of grantees’ work include the New England Aquarium’s marine conservation, research, education, and advocacy; Northstar Learning Centers’ work with young people facing poverty and other adversity; and the North American Marine Alliance’s efforts to build healthy fisheries and fishing communities. These are descriptions of the grantees’ missions.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 169 grants totaling $2,079,000. Grant amounts ranged from $240 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000. Among the largest awards were $100,000 to the New Bedford Whaling Museum for its 11 William Street expansion; $50,000 to YMCA Southcoast for a New Bedford YMCA capital renovation; and $40,000 to the New England Aquarium for North Atlantic right whale research in U.S. and Canadian waters. The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design received $40,000 for a Bermuda scholarship. Other awards included $30,000 each to Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA and Northstar Learning Centers, and $25,000 each to several organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, New Bedford Light, and North American Marine Alliance.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Hannah Nesbeda as president, Katherine Clark as vice president, Alan Tupper as treasurer, and Eleanor Evans as clerk. Denise Porche is listed as assistant clerk and executive director. Directors listed on the filing are Kim Clark, Stephen Clark, William Clark, David Clark, and Amanda Kressly.
The foundation’s website identifies Denise Porché as executive director, Rayana Grace as senior program officer for New Bedford and Women and Girls, Nicholas Machado as program officer for Environment and Education, and Michele Emery as financial-administrative assistant. It identifies Hannah Clark Nesbeda as president of the board.
Island Foundation Inc is led by Denise Porche, Assistant Clerk & Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 27 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Denise Porche
Assistant Clerk & Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$133K (2020) → $153K (2024)
Hannah Nesbeda
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Moore
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Clark
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Watson
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hannah Moore
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Helen Tupper
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jo-Ann Watson
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kim Clark
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Moore
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Oliver Moore
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Moore
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Clark
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Clark
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jackson Matthews
Director
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Kressly
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caroline Kressly
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Tupper
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Kressly
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter Nesbeda
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Thomas Moore
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Wa Clark III
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Danielle Moore
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Grace Beltran
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Clark
Vice President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eleanor Evans
Clerk
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alan Tupper
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Jackielyn Matthews (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Charles Fayerweather (2020) — Clerk
- Former: Emily Jackson Matthews (2020) — 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 $153K, to Denise Porche (Asst Clerk/Exec Director).
Frequently asked questions about Island Foundation Inc
How much does Island Foundation Inc give each year?
Island Foundation Inc gave $2.1M across 169 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.5M across 183 grants.
What is Island Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Island Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $12,302, across 169 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Island Foundation Inc that year got $8K on average.
Where does Island Foundation Inc give grants?
Island Foundation Inc gives mostly in Massachusetts: 66% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Rhode Island (11%) and Maine (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were New Bedford, MA (43 grants), Providence, RI (15 grants), Boston, MA (10 grants) and New York, NY (6 grants).
Does Island Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 41% of Island Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (70 of 169) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Island Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Island Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include New Bedford Whaling Museum ($110,000 across 2 grants), YMCA Southcoast Inc ($70,750 across 3 grants) and New England Aquarium ($60,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 12% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Island Foundation Inc?
Island Foundation Inc reported $58.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.8M (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 Island Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s four grantmaking categories are Environment, New Bedford, Alternative Education, and Womxn & Girls. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Island Foundation Inc?
The foundation’s website describes a two-step process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Island Foundation Inc's EIN?
Island Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-2670567. 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Island Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/island-foundation-inc-morg_ee75d736d03248109c223a550a9714ce
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_042670567_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Island Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/island-foundation-inc-morg_ee75d736d03248109c223a550a9714ce},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Island Foundation Inc'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.
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