Nature Sacred
Nature Sacred is a private operating foundation based in Annapolis, Maryland (EIN 42-1263576), established in 1986. The organization operates a national network of urban green spaces called "Sacred Places"—small, accessible public sanctuaries designed to reduce stress, improve health, and strengthen communities. As of 2024, Nature Sacred has created 100 Sacred Places and maintains collaborations with 200 community organizations.
Key facts about Nature Sacred
- EIN
- 42-1263576
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $171,230
- Grants made (2024)
- 46
- Average grant
- $3,722
- Median grant
- $1,250
- Primary geography
- Maryland (71% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who Nature Sacred funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Nature Sacred's 46 itemized 2024 grants were Maryland (71%), 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). 98% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
How Nature Sacred gives
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Nature Sacred
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Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$171K
+63.4% YoY
Grant Count
46
+39.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$4K
+17.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To provide the opportunity 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 engender peace and well-being.
Vision: Every urban community in the U.S. will provide people with opportunities for intimate, intentional daily doses of nearby urban nature through a system of nature spaces.
Nature Sacred's work addresses urban health disparities, noting that approximately 80% of Americans live in cities where residents face elevated risks of infectious disease, non-communicable disease, and violence. The organization emphasizes that nature access is a right and focuses on creating modest, meaningful, and welcoming green spaces within walking distance of the communities they serve. The foundation supports Sacred Places in diverse settings including healthcare institutions, school campuses, correctional facilities, and community centers.
Grantmaking
Nature Sacred made 46 grants in fiscal year 2024, with a median grant size of $1,250. Historically, the foundation has awarded 131 grants totaling $1,854,344, with individual grants ranging from $250 to $445,929 and a median award of $2,700 across all years.
Grant Range
of $1,250. Historically, the foundation has awarded 131 grants totaling $1,854,344, with individual grants ranging from $250 to $445,929 and a median award of $2,700 across all years.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation concentrates its funding in Maryland, with 69% of grants awarded within the state. Within Maryland, funding concentrates in Baltimore (69%), Annapolis (12%), and Millersville (4%). The foundation also distributes funding across 10 additional states, reflecting a balance between regional focus and broader geographic diversity.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 46 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Revenue: $17,324,992
- Total Expenses: $2,531,985
- Net Income: $14,793,007
- Total Assets: $24,918,380
Revenue Composition (2024):
- Contributions Received: $16,402,687 (94.7%)
- Sales of Assets: $454,732 (2.6%)
- Dividends: $168,333 (1.0%)
- Interest Revenue: $132,363 (0.8%)
- Other Income: $166,877 (1.0%)
Expense Composition (2024):
- Charitable Disbursements: $2,349,112 (92.8%)
- Compensation of Officers: $283,278 (11.2%)
The organization has experienced an 84% decline in grant funding over the past eight years, suggesting a shifting foundation strategy.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Friends of Patterson Park ($16,500), Backyard Basecamp Inc ($15,500), Friends of Kirby Lane Park ($15,500).
| 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 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Alden Stoner serves as Chief Executive Officer with compensation of $163,604 (as of most recent filing).
The organization was co-founded by Tom and Kitty Stoner, who moved to the Washington/Baltimore area from rural Iowa approximately three decades ago. Tom Stoner made a $10 million bequest to the organization's Endowment Account, announced in the 2024 Annual Report, to ensure long-term sustainability of the mission.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Mittermaier | Board Chair | 2 | — |
| Katharine E Stoner | Vice Chair | 5 | — |
| Dick Blackburn | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Fred Smith | Secretary | 0.1 | — |
| Nichole Battle | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Mike Bogan | Director | 0.1 | — |
| The Honorable Mary K Bush | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Eddie Dunn | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Jon Eisner | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Amanda Farrand | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Mike Hankin | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Lauren Marshall | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Emily Moore | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Glen Stewart | Director | 0.1 | — |
| Alden Stoner | Chief Executive Officer | 40 | $163,604 |
| Erin Robertson | Chief Programs Officer | 40 | $119,674 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The 2024 Annual Report marked the first full year of operations following the death of co-founder Tom Stoner. The organization announced Tom's $10 million bequest to the Endowment Account, described as transformational and intended to foster accelerated progress toward the mission.
Nature Sacred reports engaging approximately 10,000 annual visitors in programming and capturing 5 million gallons of stormwater annually across its Sacred Places network. The organization is embarking on a five-year strategic plan focused on gathering, championing, promoting, and activating the interweaving of people and nature to improve well-being.
The foundation has received grants from major funders including The Chicago Community Trust ($250,000 in 2024) and National Philanthropic Trust ($450,500 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2025).
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nature Sacred fund?
**Mission:** To provide the opportunity 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 engender peace and well-being. **Vision:** Every urban community in the U.S. will provide people with opportunities for intimate, intentional daily doses of nearby urban nature through a system of nature spaces. Nature Sacred's work addresses urban health disparities, noting that…
How do I apply for a grant from Nature Sacred?
Nature Sacred made 46 grants in fiscal year 2024, with a median grant size of $1,250. Historically, the foundation has awarded 131 grants totaling $1,854,344, with individual grants ranging from $250 to $445,929 and a median award of $2,700 across all years. Recent 2024 grantees include Friends of Patterson Park ($16,500), Backyard Basecamp ($15,500), and Friends of Kirby Lane Park ($15,500). The foundation reports that 57% of 2024 recipients were new grantees, indicating active recruitment of …
Where does Nature Sacred make grants?
The foundation concentrates its funding in Maryland, with 69% of grants awarded within the state. Within Maryland, funding concentrates in Baltimore (69%), Annapolis (12%), and Millersville (4%). The foundation also distributes funding across 10 additional states, reflecting a balance between regional focus and broader geographic diversity.
What size grants does Nature Sacred award?
In 2024, Nature Sacred awarded 46 grants totaling $171K — an average of about $4K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.