Naturebridge
NatureBridge is a public charity based in Sausalito, California. It connects young people with hands-on environmental science education in national parks through immersive programs, and provides need-based scholarships to help schools and students participate.
Naturebridge at a glance
In short: Naturebridge gave $832K across 84 grants in 2025 (avg $10K), mostly in California. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $832,310
- +33.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 84
- +25.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $9,908
- +6.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $8,371
- Total assets
- $20,990,532
- +7.7% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- California (69% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Naturebridge
- How to Apply
-
The scholarship information is for schools and students seeking to attend NatureBridge programs.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1033 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: (415) 992-4700
Website: https://naturebridge.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Naturebridge funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Woods Project Group ($44K). Together the top 10 received $160K.
Organizations only. It also paid 41 individual scholarships ($408,238), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
247 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 244 grants of 247 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NatureBridge operates programs in an individual recipient and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California, an individual recipient in Washington, and an individual recipient in Virginia. In 2025, 69% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in California, 17% to recipients in DC, 5% each to recipients in Washington and Texas, and 4% to recipients in Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 84 itemized grants.
Cities
How Naturebridge gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $127K (2021) to $26.0M (2022). In 2025 it made 84 grants totaling $832K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Woods Project Group Houston, TX | Student Scholarship | $44,367 |
| 23 individual scholarships Recipients not named | — | $294,422 |
| Calistoga Elementary School Calistoga, CA | Student Scholarship | $14,477 |
| Schurr High School Montebello, CA | Student Scholarship | $14,377 |
| Two Rivers PCS - Young Elementary Washington, DC | Student Scholarship | $13,680 |
| WSU Gear up - Early Outreach Program Richland, WA | Student Scholarship | $12,903 |
| Mariposa and El Portal Elementary Schools (McUsd) Mariposa, CA | Student Scholarship | $12,690 |
| Mission Preparatory School San Francisco, CA | Student Scholarship | $12,671 |
| Two Rivers PCS - Fourth Street Elementary Washington, DC | Student Scholarship | $11,880 |
| Miner Elementary School Washington, DC | Student Scholarship | $11,630 |
Ready to take the next step with Naturebridge?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
NatureBridge describes its financial model as combining earned revenue with contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. It says contributions support student access, outdoor education, leadership development, and the field of environmental education. The 2024 filing states that the organization has 13 endowment funds, some of whose income is restricted to specified purposes.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $20,990,532 | $22,346,456 | $20,969,540 | $832,310 | 84 | $553,298 |
| 2024 | $19,497,755 | $20,194,199 | $18,436,797 | $622,374 | 67 | $381,281 |
| 2023 | $16,903,388 | $15,595,938 | $17,581,075 | $2,362,680 | 76 | $248,967 |
| 2022 | $18,256,123 | $11,430,799 | $36,511,631 | $26,027,925 | 19 | $99,047 |
| 2021 | $43,943,887 | $7,780,069 | $5,802,900 | $127,400 | 1 | $81,575 |
| 2020 | $45,206,184 | $15,639,255 | $15,153,725 | $565,857 | 50 | $-107,466 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
NatureBridge’s mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Its school and group programs offer multi-day outdoor learning experiences customized to schools’ academic needs and aligned with state and national science standards. The organization also offers summer programs, retreats and conferences, and leadership and educator programs.
NatureBridge says its scholarship fund provides need-based support to students and schools that lack resources to participate. Its website reports that in the 2024–25 school year it awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships to schools representing 35% of participants. Scholarship eligibility for schools is based on the share of students eligible for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.
The 2025 filing lists grants for student scholarships. Among supported organizations, The Woods Project describes its mission as creating wilderness experiences for Houston high school students who otherwise would not have access to them. John F. Kennedy Middle School describes its mission as providing expeditionary opportunities and teaching respect for the natural environment. Two Rivers Public Charter School says it aims to nurture students as active participants in their education and as responsible, compassionate members of society.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, NatureBridge reported 84 grants totaling $832,310. Grant amounts ranged from $5,100 to $44,367, with a median of $8,371. The listed grant purposes were student scholarships.
The largest reported grants included $44,367 to The Woods Project Group in Houston, Texas; $24,990 to Graham Middle School in Mountain View, California; $23,955 to an individual recipient Middle School in Carmichael, California; and $19,814 to an individual recipient High School–Gardena. Other listed recipients included an individual recipient in Washington, DC, which received $19,480, and Two Rivers Public Charter School, which received grants of $13,680 and $11,880.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Liz Valentine as chair of the board, Ananda Baron as vice chair, Shane Tackett as treasurer, Linda Fisher as secretary, and Vera Michalchik as vice chair for education. It also lists Anne W. Baxter, Auny Abegglen, and Brad O’Brien as directors. Susan Boren King is listed as chair through May 10, 2025, and Autumn Saxton-Ross as a director through May 9, 2025.
Naturebridge is led by Phillip Kilbridge, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 9 of 38 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Phillip Kilbridge
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$264K (2020) → $293K (2025)
Liz Valentine
Chair of the Board
Director → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair of the Board, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan Boren King
Chair of the Board
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Mutlow
Senior Projects Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$103K (2023) → $109K (2025)
Jennifer Kidder
Campus Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$103K (2024) → $106K (2025)
Pa Houa Lee
Campus Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$101K (2024) → $103K (2025)
Lesley Davidson
Hr Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$104K (2025)
Brad O'Brien
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carroll C. Yandell
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Koehler
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin T. Newman
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Raoul Goff
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sophia Danenberg
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas C. Kiernan
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Walter Sive
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Autumn Saxton-Ross
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vivienne Long
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anne W. Baxter
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Joseph
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ghessycka Bennett
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Auny Abegglen
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Garrett Kephart
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Geoff Given
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Glynnis Breen
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Krista Campbell
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dan Cummings
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Bonner Techel
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Monte S. Meyers
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Penelope Lie
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Coleman
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Craig Rich
Chief Development Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$135K (2020) → $154K (2025)
Judy Lin
COO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$163K (2020) → $184K (2025)
Julie Krebs
Controller
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $120K (2025)
Leslie Smith
CFO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$125K (2024) → $163K (2025)
Ananda Baron
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Fisher
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vera Michalchik
Vice Chair for Education
Vice Chair → Vice Chair for Education, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shane Tackett
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Robert J. Holmes (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Angela Chen (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Colin Le Duc (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Dan Abrams (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Ian Yolles (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Kimberly McMorrow (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Mitchell Holmer (2020–2023) — CFO
- Former: Michael Pereira (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Ben Steele (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lisa Holmes (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Nicole Sheehan (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Allan J. Prager (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: James Hamill (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Stephen Streufert (2020–2021) — Vice President of Education
- Former: Susan Boren (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Barbara Semedo (2020) — Director
- Former: Fred Brill (2020) — Regional Director
- Former: Kristina Rylands (2020) — Regional Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $293K, to Phillip Kilbridge (President & CEO). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Naturebridge
How much does Naturebridge give each year?
Naturebridge gave $832K across 84 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $622K across 67 grants.
What is Naturebridge's typical grant size?
Naturebridge's median grant in 2025 was $8,371, and its average grant was $9,908, across 84 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Naturebridge give grants?
Naturebridge gives mostly in California: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were District of Columbia (17%) and Washington (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (8 grants), San Francisco, CA (4 grants), Sacramento, CA (3 grants) and Mariposa, CA (2 grants).
Does Naturebridge give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 84 grants with a stated purpose on Naturebridge's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Student Scholarship" (84 grants).
Who are Naturebridge's largest grantees?
Naturebridge's largest 2025 grantees include The Woods Project Group ($44,367), Calistoga Elementary School ($14,477) and Schurr High School ($14,377), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 41 individual scholarships ($408,238), which are not listed by name. Together they received 9% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Naturebridge?
Naturebridge reported $21.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $22.3M.
What does Naturebridge fund?
NatureBridge’s mission is to connect young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Naturebridge?
The scholarship information is for schools and students seeking to attend NatureBridge programs. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Naturebridge's EIN?
Naturebridge's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-2145930. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 2, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 11, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Naturebridge's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Naturebridge funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/naturebridge-morg_6df4312f48ce49bcb1e8ac3353e6a067
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_942145930_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Naturebridge funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/naturebridge-morg_6df4312f48ce49bcb1e8ac3353e6a067},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Naturebridge'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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