National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is a public charity based in Washington, DC, that supports environmental education and community-based environmental work across the United States. Its grant programs connect people with learning and public lands through hands-on environmental action, including projects in education, conservation, stewardship, and access to nature.
Key facts about National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
In short: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc gave $956K across 45 grants in 2025 (avg $21K), top state Texas. 84% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 54-1557043
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $955,511
- Grants made (2025)
- 45
- Average grant
- $21,234
- Median grant
- $13,172
- New grantees (estimate)
- 84% first-time grantees (38 of 45, 2025)
- Total assets
- $858,500
- Primary geography
- Texas (12% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- Submit proposals through NEEF’s online application system when a relevant program is available, and review that program’s eligibility criteria and guidelines. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 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 · View filing
Total Assets
$859K
-63.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$956K
+10.9% YoY
Grant Count
45
+12.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
-1.4% YoY
Is National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
84%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 38 of 45 grantees (84%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $22K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $14K first-time, $13K repeat.
- 7% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+8%). Method
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
NEEF’s mission is to make the environment more accessible, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives. Its stated purpose is to cultivate an environmentally conscious and responsible public.
NEEF describes its grantmaking as supporting environmental education and youth engagement, community service and stewardship, conservation and biodiversity, access to nature and outdoor experiences, and projects that connect learning, well-being, and the environment. Its program work also includes hands-on, place-based STEM education and efforts to engage people in visiting, improving, and stewarding public lands.
Its 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Monarch Joint Venture describes its mission as protecting monarchs and their migration through habitat conservation, education, and science. Tennessee State Parks Conservancy says it supports education, health, and access programs for Tennessee’s natural areas and parks. Trinity Park Conservancy describes its work as advancing public spaces and access to nature in Dallas, while Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta says its mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, NEEF reported 45 grants totaling $955,511. The itemized grants ranged from $5,200 to $91,000, with a median grant of $13,172. The largest listed awards included $91,000 to the University of Southern Indiana for a Community Impact Project; $75,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a Biodiversity Conservation Grant; $67,722 to Monarch Joint Venture for a Biodiversity Conservation Grant; and $67,600 to Tennessee State Parks Conservancy for a Community Impact Project.
Other listed awards included $65,000 to Josephine Torres Cultural and Community Center, $57,000 to Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, and $30,750 to The Nature Conservancy. NEEF’s impact page separately reports $925,072 in total grant funds awarded in 2025.
NEEF describes its grantmaking as primarily competitive, with applications submitted through its online system. Deadlines, eligibility, and guidelines vary by program. The website says NEEF does not accept unsolicited requests. Listed opportunities include a public-lands mobility and accessibility program offering up to $20,000 per grantee, a biodiversity program for pollinator habitat projects on public lands, and Greening STEM grants tied to specified communities and partners.
How to Apply
Submit proposals through NEEF’s online application system when a relevant program is available, and review that program’s eligibility criteria and guidelines. NEEF does not accept unsolicited requests.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
Biodiversity Conservation Grant
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands Grant
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
Amount
Up to US $20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Greening STEM Grants
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NEEF describes its grant programs as operating across the United States. Its 2025 filing shows grant dollars distributed among recipients in many states; the largest reported state shares were Texas (12%), Minnesota (10%), Indiana (10%), Tennessee (9%), and California (9%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 45 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 $294K (2019) to $959K (2023). In 2025 it made 45 grants totaling $956K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Southern Indiana ($91K). Together the top 10 received $547K.
Grant Size Distribution
206 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 189 grants of 206 (92%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN | Community Impact Project | $91,000 |
| Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Madison, WI | Biodiversity Conservation Grant | $75,000 |
| Monarch Joint Venture Saint Paul, MN | Biodiversity Conservation Grant | $67,722 |
| Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Nashville, TN | Community Impact Project | $67,600 |
| Josephine Torres Cultural and Community Center Dallas, TX | Community Impact Project | $65,000 |
| Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains Calabasas, CA | Biodiversity Conservation Grant | $57,000 |
| Land Trust of North Alabama Huntsville, AL | Community Impact Project | $38,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy Arlington, VA | Community Impact Project | $30,750 |
| Army Natural Resources Program Oahu Schofield Barracks, HI | Dod Legacy Award | $29,561 |
| Little Tallahatchie Riverway Conservancy New Albany, MS | Community Impact Project | $25,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $858,500 | $3,382,131 | $4,720,981 | $955,511 (45 grants) |
| 2024 | $2,366,882 | $4,518,618 | $4,771,235 | $861,704 (40 grants) |
| 2023 | $2,169,788 | $3,787,260 | $4,212,715 | $958,641 (51 grants) |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $858,500 | $2,366,882 | $2,169,788 |
| Revenue | $3,382,131 | $4,518,618 | $3,787,260 |
| Expenses | $4,720,981 | $4,771,235 | $4,212,715 |
| Net Investment Income | $19,237 | $24,532 | $26,759 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 17, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 8, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 22, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 7, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jennifer Love as board chair from March 2025, following Kevin Butt, who served as board chair through March 2025. Other listed officers and directors are Stephen Sikra, board vice chair; Marc Washington, board treasurer; and board members Kim Moore Bailey, Sally Cole, Arturo Garcia-Costas, Arielle King, Katie Hogge, and Lori McFarling.
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc is led by Sara Espinoza, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2019); 5 of 18 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Sara Espinoza
President & CEO
Vice President & Programs → President, CEO & From, 2023
President, CEO & From → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$146K (2019) → $237K (2025)
Kevin Butt
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair → Board Vice President, 2020
Board Vice President → Board Chair, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Love
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Vice Chair, 2022
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Skalmusky
Vice President, Marketing & Comms
Vice President, Marketing & Communications → Vice President, Marketing & Content, 2023
Vice President, Marketing & Content → Vice President, Marketing & Comms, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$103K (2019) → $128K (2025)
Deborah Lucci
Vice President & Development
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$109K (2021) → $135K (2025)
Jada Lewis
Vice President & Programs
Vice President, Programs & From → Vice President & Programs, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$127K (2025)
Morgan Vacanti
Vice President, Finance & Administrator
Vice President, Finance, Administrator & From → Vice President, Finance & Administrator, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$100K (2024) → $140K (2025)
Katie Hogge
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori McFarling
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Sikra
Board Vice Chair
Board Member → Board Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Arturo Garcia-Costas
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Omar Mitchell
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sally Cole
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Arielle King
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chandra Taylor-Sawyer
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Whyte
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Moore Bailey
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marc Washington
Board Treasurer
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Patrick Deavy (2022–2024) — Vice President & Organizational Development
- Former: Steve Sikra (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Victoria Collins-Hughes (2023–2024) — Vice President, Hr & Culture
- Former: Katharine Emerson (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Meri-Margaret Doudes (2019–2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Nancy Smith (2019–2023) — Vice President, Finance & Administrator
- Former: Todd Greenwood (2019–2023) — Board Treasurer
- Former: Jeniffer Harper-Taylor (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Robert Bullard (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Arturo Garica-Costas (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Carlos Alcazar (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Megan Reilly Cayten (2019–2021) — Board Chair
- Former: Don Mattingly (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Shannon Schuyler (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Wonya Lucas (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: George Basile (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Harper-Taylor (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Kaite Hogge (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Robert Garcia (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 $237K, to Sara Espinoza (President and CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 4301 Connecticut Avenue Nw 401, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 833-2933
Website: https://neefusa.org
Frequently asked questions about National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc
How much does National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc give each year?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc gave $956K across 45 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $862K across 40 grants.
What is National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $13,172, and its average grant was $21,234, across 45 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc that year got $22K on average.
Where does National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc give grants?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's top state is Texas, with 12% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Minnesota (10%) and Indiana (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Dallas, TX (2 grants), Saint Paul, MN (2 grants), Huntsville, AL (2 grants) and Lancaster, PA (2 grants).
Does National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 45 grants with a stated purpose on National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Dod Legacy Award" (17 grants), "Community Impact Project" (7 grants) and "PPG Greening STEM Grant" (5 grants).
Who are National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include University of Southern Indiana ($91,000), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ($75,000) and Monarch Joint Venture ($67,722), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc reported $859K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.4M.
What does National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc fund?
NEEF’s mission is to make the environment more accessible, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives. Its stated purpose is to cultivate an environmentally conscious and responsible public. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc?
Submit proposals through NEEF’s online application system when a relevant program is available, and review that program’s eligibility criteria and guidelines. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's EIN?
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 54-1557043. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in District of Columbia
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
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds social services, education, the arts, environmental work, and initiatives addressing housing, homelessness, community resilience, and community power, with a strong focus on Marin County as well as grants elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, though awards ranged from $5,050 to $10 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; its nonprofit profile form is not a grant application.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
National Park Foundation
Washington, DC
The National Park Foundation funds projects and NPS partners working on national park infrastructure, conservation, recreation, innovation, visitor access, and related capacity-building; its grants support parks and partners across the United States. Giving varies widely: its 2025 median grant was about $78,000, while awards ranged from $5,700 to over $21 million; some programs specify awards of $25,000–$100,000 or up to $40,000. It does not accept general unsolicited requests: its application system is open only to NPS units and existing NPS partners, and program-specific opportunities use their stated processes.
Assets
$579.1M
Grants
286
Total Given
$82.0M
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
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 and community initiatives across areas including education, health, human services, arts, economic development, and workforce development, with a focus on equity and economic justice. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $9.1 million, with a median of $20,000; it centers its work on DC, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and Northern Virginia. It accepts applications through scheduled competitive grant rounds and some solicited, invite-only opportunities; donor-recommended grants are not open to applicants.
Assets
$518.3M
Grants
1,417
Total Given
$116.9M
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 evidence-based work in public policy, research, health, communities, civic life, and conservation, with a particular commitment to Philadelphia and grants across the United States and internationally. Its 2025 median grant was $75,000, though awards ranged widely; applications are invited through specific opportunities, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
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
National Children's Alliance Inc
Washington, DC
National Children’s Alliance funds Children’s Advocacy Centers, multidisciplinary teams, and state chapters to establish, expand, and strengthen services for child abuse victims, including training and support for underserved communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,037 to $579,951, with a median of $25,468, and support reaches organizations nationwide. Applications are offered through NCA Engage when opportunities are available; equipment and technology applications are currently accepted on a rolling basis.
Assets
$17.2M
Grants
458
Total Given
$24.4M
More Funders in District of Columbia
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?