Nature Sacred
Nature Sacred is a private foundation based in Annapolis, Maryland. Its mission is to support the creation of public green spaces that offer sanctuary, reflection, solace, peace, and well-being.
Nature Sacred at a glance
In short: Nature Sacred gave $171K across 46 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in Maryland. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $171,230
- +63.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 46
- +39.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $3,722
- +17.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,250
- Total assets
- $24,918,380
- +157.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Maryland (71% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Nature Sacred
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. In January 2023, Nature Sacred announced that round one of its Enrichment & Enhancement Grants was open and directed applicants to the Grants Request section of its Gateway for information and applications.
- Contact
Mailing address: 105 Annapolis Street Suite D, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 268-1376
Website: https://www.naturesacred.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Nature Sacred funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Friends of Patterson Park ($17K). Together the top 10 received $111K.
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 119 grants of 120 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 71% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maryland, 18% to Alabama, 7% to New York, 3% to Tennessee, and 2% to the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 46 itemized grants.
Cities
How Nature Sacred gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 $13K (2020) to $171K (2024). In 2024 it made 46 grants totaling $171K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of Patterson Park Baltimore, MD | General Support | $16,500 |
| Backyard Basecamp Inc Baltimore, MD | General Support | $15,500 |
| Friends of Kirby Lane Park Baltimore, MD | General Support | $15,500 |
| Brooklyn Greenway Initiative Brooklyn, NY | General Support | $11,000 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL | General Support | $10,000 |
| Intersection of Change Baltimore, MD | General Support | $9,730 |
| Marian House Inc Baltimore, MD | General Support | $8,500 |
| Village Learning Place Baltimore, MD | General Support | $8,500 |
| Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama Anniston, AL | General Support | $8,000 |
| Gedco Baltimore, MD | General Support | $7,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Nature Sacred?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $24,918,380 | $17,324,992 | $2,531,985 | $171,230 | 46 | $2,349,112 | $920,352 |
| 2023 | $9,686,062 | $1,772,267 | $2,169,256 | $104,760 | 33 | $1,954,191 | $152,657 |
| 2022 | $9,186,107 | $1,658,857 | $1,713,593 | $70,695 | 22 | $1,474,922 | $107,644 |
| 2021 | $10,597,874 | $2,689,034 | $1,259,677 | $108,950 | 15 | $1,159,708 | $1,111,506 |
| 2020 | $8,522,355 | $2,707,851 | $940,309 | $12,850 | 4 | — | $107,365 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Nature Sacred’s stated mission is to provide opportunities for a deeper human experience by inspiring and supporting the creation of public green spaces that offer a temporary place of sanctuary, encourage reflection, provide solace, and foster peace and well-being. Its vision is for every urban community in the United States to offer people nearby nature spaces for daily, intentional experiences.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of community work. Backyard Basecamp says its mission is to engage communities of color in Baltimore in nature connection, urban agriculture, self-reliance, and sustainability. Filbert Street Garden describes work in accessible recreation, education, urban wildlife, food insecurity, environmental justice, and vocational opportunities. Marian House says it provides housing and support services in a healing community for women and their children. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not descriptions of Nature Sacred’s own programs.
Grantmaking
In 2024, Nature Sacred reported 46 grants totaling $171,230. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $16,500, with a median of $1,250. Its largest listed grants included $16,500 to Friends of Patterson Park and $15,500 each to Backyard Basecamp and Friends of Kirby Lane Park, all for general support. Other notable grants were $11,000 to Brooklyn Greenway Initiative and $10,000 to Jacksonville State University, also for general support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing listed Pascal Mittermaier as Board Chair; Katharine E. Stoner as Vice Chair; Dick Blackburn as Treasurer; and Fred Smith as Secretary. Directors listed were Nichole Battle, Mike Bogan, the Honorable Mary K. Bush, Eddie Dunn, Jon Eisner, and Amanda Farrand.
Nature Sacred is led by Alden Stoner, Chief Executive Officer since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Alden Stoner
Chief Executive Officer
CEO → Chief Executive Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$150K (2020) → $164K (2024)
Pascal Mittermaier
Board Chair
Director → Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Marshall
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nichole Battle
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Glen Stewart
Director
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Emily Moore
Director
On filings since 2023
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Farrand
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eddie Dunn
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jon Eisner
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Bogan
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Hankin
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
The Honorable Mary K. Bush
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erin Robertson
Chief Programs Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$93K (2020) → $120K (2024)
Dick Blackburn
Treasurer
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2021
Director & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Smith
Secretary
Director → Director & Secretary, 2022
Director & Secretary → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katharine E. Stoner
Vice Chair
Vice Chairman → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: Edward Dunn (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Michael D. Hankin (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Thomas H. Stoner (2020–2023) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Scott Brickman (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Elizabeth Kinney (2023) — Director
- Former: Ami Aronson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Paul Monteiro (2022) — Director
- Former: Chuck Foster (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Megan Cooke (2021) — Director of Development & Secretary
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 $164K, to Alden Stoner (Chief Executive Officer). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Nature Sacred
How much does Nature Sacred give each year?
Nature Sacred gave $171K across 46 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $105K across 33 grants.
What is Nature Sacred's typical grant size?
Nature Sacred's median grant in 2024 was $1,250, and its average grant was $3,722, across 46 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Nature Sacred give grants?
Nature Sacred gives mostly in Maryland: 71% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Alabama (18%) and New York (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Baltimore, MD (23 grants), Annapolis, MD (5 grants) and Millersville, MD (2 grants).
Does Nature Sacred give general operating support?
Yes: 98% of Nature Sacred's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (45 of 46) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Nature Sacred's largest grantees?
Nature Sacred's largest 2024 grantees include Friends of Patterson Park ($16,500), Backyard Basecamp Inc ($15,500) and Friends of Kirby Lane Park ($15,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 28% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Nature Sacred?
Nature Sacred reported $24.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $17.3M.
What does Nature Sacred fund?
Nature Sacred’s stated mission is to provide opportunities for a deeper human experience by inspiring and supporting the creation of public green spaces that offer a temporary place of sanctuary, encourage reflection, provide solace, and foster peace and well-being. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Nature Sacred?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Nature Sacred's EIN?
Nature Sacred's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1263576. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Nature Sacred accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Nature Sacred funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Nature Sacred's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Baltimore Community Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Community Foundation supports schools, neighborhoods, and community projects, including work on kindergarten readiness, student well-being, neighborhood vitality, and arts and culture. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $19,800, with amounts varying widely, and its strategic school and neighborhood grants focus on Baltimore City and Baltimore County. It invites applications through its online portal for specified grant programs.
Assets
$314.3M
Grants
604
Total Given
$29.3M
France-Merrick Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Foundation funds one-time, project-based work in civic and culture, community and economic development, conservation, education, health and human services, and historic preservation, mainly in greater Baltimore and elsewhere in Maryland. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $305,000, with a median of $22,370. It accepts unsolicited requests through a rolling letter-of-inquiry process; proposals are by invitation.
Assets
$192.7M
Grants
184
Total Given
$10.1M
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Abell Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Abell Foundation funds nonprofits, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects addressing health, education, community development, workforce, justice and addiction, the environment, and arts, as well as Baltimore-focused research and catalytic business investments. Its giving is focused on Baltimore City, with a typical grant of about $20,000 (2024 median; awards ranged from $188 to $300,000). It accepts applications: requests of $10,000 or less are reviewed on a rolling basis, while larger requests go through five annual board meetings.
Assets
$296.4M
Grants
391
Total Given
$13.4M
T Rowe Price Foundation
Baltimore, MD
The T. Rowe Price Foundation supports financial well-being and thriving communities, including financial education, youth development, arts and culture, and community leaders and institutions. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5.5 million; it focuses on Baltimore, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, and New York, with grants also reported in Delaware. It reviews unsolicited requests through an inquiry process, but most grants are by invitation and there is no open application process.
Assets
$93.3M
Grants
249
Total Given
$11.7M
Community Foundation of Anne Arundel CO
Annapolis, MD
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County funds nonprofits working in areas such as education, human services, health, arts, economic development, and the environment, with a focus on needs in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Its 2025 itemized grants ranged from $5,000 to $878,686, with a median of about $19,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$48.6M
Grants
151
Total Given
$7.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Nature Sacred funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/nature-sacred-morg_7a1f9fb40e4548dc884515574b4d4ddd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_421263576_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Nature Sacred funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/nature-sacred-morg_7a1f9fb40e4548dc884515574b4d4ddd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 Nature Sacred'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.
Nature Sacred down — hundreds of funders to go?