National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is a public charity based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the official nonprofit partner of an individual recipient Sanctuaries. It supports conservation, science, education, and community stewardship connected to national marine sanctuaries and the watersheds linked to them.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at a glance
In short: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation gave $5.6M across 61 grants in 2024 (avg $92K), top state Florida. 56% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $5,641,465
- -19.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 61
- -4.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $92,483
- -15.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $40,000
- Total assets
- $15,457,372
- +61.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 56% first-time grantees (34 of 61, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Florida (21% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The RFP lists an extended application deadline of **January 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time**.
- Deadline
- The RFP lists an extended application deadline of January 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: 8455 Colesville Road 1275, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 608-3040
Website: https://marinesanctuary.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who National Marine Sanctuary Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Mote Marine Laboratory ($719K). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
236 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 151 grants of 236 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation supports work across the National Marine Sanctuary System and connected watersheds. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were Florida (21%), Pennsylvania (15%), Hawaii (9%), Mississippi (9%), and Texas (6%). Reported awards also supported work in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Maine, Louisiana, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and other locations.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 61 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is National Marine Sanctuary Foundation open to new grantees?
56%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 34 of 61 grantees (56%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $35K; repeat grants $165K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $131K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $1.9M (2020) to $7.0M (2023). In 2024 it made 61 grants totaling $5.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota, FL | Restoration and monitoring of edr and mission iconic reefs - long term wave attenuation and hydro amd restoring and protecting us marine habitats | $719,437 |
| Mississippi Aquarium Gulfport, MS | Deep Water Octocorals and Exhibit | $507,498 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA | Connectivity of mesophotic and deep-sea coral populations in the northeastern gulf of mexico | $440,544 |
| University of the Virgin Islands St Thomas, VI | Scale usvi coral restoration using selective-breeding and assisted evolution technologies | $275,125 |
| Temple University Philadelphia, PA | Mdbc deep sea community characterization and mdbc coral propagation: 3d printing coral structures | $274,005 |
| The Florida Aquarium Inc Tampa, FL | Ex-situ production of elkhorn coral long-spined sea urchins for mission: iconic reefs | $264,000 |
| Gulf of Maine Research Institute Portland, ME | Marine Resources Education Program | $242,752 |
| Audubon Nature Institute New Orleans, LA | Mesophotic Coral Exhibit Installation and Interpretation | $232,000 |
| Moody Gardens Galveston, TX | Gulf mesophotic and deep benthic communities technical diving operations and coordination | $200,000 |
| University of Guam Marine Laboratory | Supporting and Expanding Coral Restoration in Guam, Micronesia | $185,494 |
Ready to take the next step with National Marine Sanctuary Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $15,457,372 | $35,981,845 | $35,060,994 | $5,641,465 | 61 | $300,674 |
| 2023 | $9,575,940 | $21,628,080 | $22,721,562 | $7,026,303 | 64 | $39,907 |
| 2022 | $10,308,887 | $15,953,554 | $16,683,505 | $4,232,195 | 47 | $428,687 |
| 2021 | $12,239,682 | $12,012,761 | $11,675,017 | $1,919,392 | 31 | $136,473 |
| 2020 | $8,637,411 | $9,463,566 | $10,159,893 | $1,901,338 | 33 | $70,485 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to work with communities to conserve and expand U.S. protected waters for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, while safeguarding species and their habitats and preserving maritime resources. Its work includes conservation and restoration, science and technology, education and outreach, marine debris removal, and community engagement.
Its Sanctuary Community Fund supports community partners’ stewardship of sanctuaries and the development of ideas that protect the ocean and Great Lakes. The Foundation’s 2025–26 funding opportunity focuses on communities developing public community resources for Chumash Heritage, Lake Ontario, and Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuaries.
The 2024 grants included support for a range of organizations. For example, Mote Marine Laboratory describes its mission as advancing marine and environmental sciences through research, education, and public outreach; the Gulf of Maine Research Institute says it develops and delivers collaborative solutions to ocean challenges; and the Florida Aquarium says its mission centers on saving marine wildlife through conservation, education, and community programs.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 61 grants totaling $5,641,465. Grants ranged from $5,657 to $719,437, with a median of $40,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $719,437 to Mote Marine Laboratory for restoration and monitoring of reefs; $507,498 to Mississippi Aquarium for deep-water octocorals and an exhibit; $440,544 to Lehigh University for research on mesophotic and deep-sea coral populations; $275,125 to the University of the Virgin Islands for coral restoration; and $274,005 to Temple University for deep-sea community characterization and coral propagation. Other large awards included $264,000 to The Florida Aquarium, $242,752 to Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and $232,000 to Audubon Nature Institute.
The Sanctuary Community Fund RFP offers awards of $10,000–$100,000. The 2025–26 round specifies projects in communities connected to Chumash Heritage, Lake Ontario, and Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuaries, with an implementation period of March 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Projects should span 6–11 months.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Laura Zagar and Dawn Rodney as co-chairs; Elizabeth Crego as treasurer; and Mark McDade as secretary. Directors listed were Susanna Krondacki, Martin Peters, Barbara Birdsey, John Rudolf, Heather Ludermann, and Justin Dunnavant.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is led by Joel Johnson, President & CEO From since 2024 (on filings since 2023); 9 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joel Johnson
President & CEO From
President & CEO → President & CEO From, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$116K (2023) → $278K (2024)
Ginaia Kelly
Mb Chapter Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$104K (2021) → $111K (2024)
Barbara Birdsey
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Heather Ludermann
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Rudolf
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jose Astorqui
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin Dunnavant
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Martin Peters
Director
Director → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Franklin
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chairmand Timothy Greene
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jodie Ng
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nikki Buffa
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susanna Krondacki
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Frey
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allison Alexander
Vice President of Program
Vice President → Vice President of Program Operations, 2021
Vice President of Program Operations → Vice President of Program, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$103K (2020) → $161K (2024)
Matthew McIntosh
Visual Information Special
Visual Information Specialist → Visual Information Special, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $109K (2024)
Veronica Ali
CFO
Vice President of Finance → CFO, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$112K (2021) → $203K (2024)
Shannon Colbert
Vice President of External
Vice President of External Affairs → Vice President of External, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$111K (2022) → $144K (2024)
Britta Culbertson
Tasaa Manager
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$100K (2024)
Lindsey Reeves
Senior Scientist
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$104K (2024)
Margaret Knudson
Vice President of Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$163K (2024)
Dawn Rodney
Co-Chair
Director → Co-Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Zagar
Co-Chair
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Co-Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark McDade
Secretary
Secretary, Co-Chair & From → Ch-Chair, 2023
Ch-Chair → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Crego
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Carol King (2020–2023) — Chief of Staff
- Former: Dane Nichols (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Gary Demasi (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lynn Scarlett (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Larry Mercuileff (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Jodiw Ng (2023) — Director
- Former: Susanna Kondracki (2023) — Ch-Chair
- Former: Andy Winer (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: James Hnat (2020–2022) — Chairman
- Former: Julian Myers (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Kristen Sarri (2020–2022) — President & CEO
- Former: Susie Kondracki (2020–2022) — Treasurer, Co-Chair & From
- Former: B. Holt Thrasher (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Toby Moffett (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Anna Chavez (2020) — Director
- Former: Don Baur (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Larry Merculieff (2020) — Director
- Former: Linda Toscano (2020) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Steve Gaines (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 $278K, to Joel Johnson (President & CEO (From 07/2). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
How much does National Marine Sanctuary Foundation give each year?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation gave $5.6M across 61 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $7.0M across 64 grants.
What is National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's typical grant size?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $40,000, and its average grant was $92,483, across 61 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation that year got $35K on average.
Where does National Marine Sanctuary Foundation give grants?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's top state is Florida, with 21% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Pennsylvania (15%) and Hawaii (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Honolulu, HI (4 grants), Galveston, TX (3 grants), Tavernier, FL (2 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does National Marine Sanctuary Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 61) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's largest grantees?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Mote Marine Laboratory ($719,437), Mississippi Aquarium ($507,498) and Lehigh University ($440,544), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is National Marine Sanctuary Foundation?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation reported $15.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $36.0M.
What does National Marine Sanctuary Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to work with communities to conserve and expand U.S. protected waters for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes, while safeguarding species and their habitats and preserving maritime resources. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from National Marine Sanctuary Foundation?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check marinesanctuary.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's EIN?
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3370994. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 19, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work National Marine Sanctuary Foundation funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). National Marine Sanctuary Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/national-marine-sanctuary-foundation-morg_1438c18748554de48d26e055550eeb18
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_943370994_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{National Marine Sanctuary Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/national-marine-sanctuary-foundation-morg_1438c18748554de48d26e055550eeb18},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. 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 National Marine Sanctuary 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.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?