Nora Roberts Foundation
The Nora Roberts Foundation is a private foundation based in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Created by Nora Roberts in 2001, it supports literacy as its highest priority, along with organizations focused on the arts, children, social justice, and the environment.
Nora Roberts Foundation at a glance
In short: Nora Roberts Foundation gave $7.5M across 466 grants in 2025 (avg $16K), mostly in Maryland. 19% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $7,481,605
- -0.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 466
- -21.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $16,055
- +27.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $118,641,682
- +12.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (86 of 443, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (50% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Nora Roberts Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s 2025 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website also describes an application process: organizations may apply once per calendar year, after registering through its online portal, and must click submit for the application to be received. The filing lists an online application and identifies Kathryn Pong as the contact for applications. The website says a budget is required for requests of $10,000 or more and that no other documents are required; optional materials may include annual reports or programming information. The website also says applicants must meet its eligibility requirements, including having a board-adopted nondiscrimination statement.
- Review Cycle
- The website’s listed calendar gives registration deadlines of November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15, followed by application deadlines of November 30, February 28 or 29, May 31, and August 31. As of October 2, 2026, the August dates have passed; the calendar does not specify years for its dates. The website describes these dates as guidelines subject to change.
- Deadline
- The website’s listed calendar gives registration deadlines of November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15,…
- Contact
Application contact: Kathryn Pong
Mailing address: 7003 Glenn Dale Rd 465, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
Phone: (609) 274-6834
Email: reply@norarobertsfoundation.org
Website: https://norarobertsfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Nora Roberts Foundation
Who Nora Roberts Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Proliteracy Worldwide ($800K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $3.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
2,844 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,734 grants of 2,844 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it grants nationwide, with most grants going to local counties. Its FAQ defines local as Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Washington counties in Maryland; Franklin and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania; Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties in Virginia; Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties in West Virginia; and Washington, DC.
In 2025, Maryland received 50% of grant dollars, New York 15%, Washington, DC 13%, Pennsylvania 9%, and West Virginia 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 466 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Nora Roberts Foundation open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 86 of 443 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $18K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 64% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 177% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 126% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.7M (2022) to $7.7M (2021). In 2025 it made 466 grants totaling $7.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Proliteracy Worldwide Syracuse, NY | Operations | $750,000 |
| Buttonwood Institute Waynsboro, PA | Operations | $500,000 |
| Holy Cross Health Foundation Silver Spring, MD | Operations | $500,000 |
| Luminis Health Doctor's Community Medical Center Foundation Lanham, MD | Operations | $303,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Washington County Hagerstown, MD | Operations | $250,000 |
| Moveius Contemporary Ballet Inc Washington, DC | Operations | $250,000 |
| San Mar Children's Home Boonsboro, MD | Operations | $250,000 |
| Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Hagerstown, MD | Operations | $250,000 |
| Amica Center for Immigrant Rights Washington, DC | Operations | $200,000 |
| Friends of NCTC All Over the Map Shepherdstown, WV | Operations | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Nora Roberts Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $118,641,682 | $22,929,756 | $9,684,064 | $7,481,605 | 466 | $8,106,632 | $13,257,526 | $6,414,075 |
| 2024 | $105,395,990 | $17,083,031 | $9,372,933 | $7,485,421 | 592 | $8,018,787 | $7,819,793 | $5,811,300 |
| 2023 | $97,685,892 | $11,412,977 | $7,859,355 | $6,042,162 | 631 | $6,632,166 | $4,807,029 | $5,152,283 |
| 2022 | $94,132,270 | $6,799,028 | $3,324,525 | $2,704,755 | 181 | $2,873,915 | $890,889 | $2,029,723 |
| 2021 | $83,204,623 | $13,120,451 | $9,013,057 | $7,738,820 | 974 | — | $6,765,107 | $5,006,425 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Nora Roberts Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.4M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says it considers literacy a human right and makes support for literacy organizations its highest priority. It also supports organizations focused on the arts, children, social justice, and the environment.
Its applicant guidance says eligible organizations must be U.S. nonprofits with active 501(c)(3) status and a valid EIN, and that proposals should focus on one or more of its stated areas. It also requires a board-adopted nondiscrimination statement. The foundation describes its preferred work as inclusive, directly benefiting the public and people in need, and accessible through free, affordable, or need-based programming.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work represented among its grantees. ProLiteracy Worldwide describes its mission as developing and promoting adult literacy learning, content, and programs. Moveius Contemporary Ballet describes its work as using dance to support cultural and social transformation and expand access to performing arts. San Mar Children’s Home says it provides family, community, and mental-health services for at-risk children. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 466 grants totaling $7,481,605. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $750,000, with a median of $5,000. The foundation’s FAQ gives average grants of $5,000 for local groups and $3,000 for non-local groups, and recommends that first-time applicants ask for $3,000–$5,000, though requests below $3,000 are also possible.
Notable 2025 grants included $750,000 to ProLiteracy Worldwide, $500,000 each to Buttonwood Institute and Holy Cross Health Foundation, $303,000 to Luminis Health Doctor’s Community Medical Center Foundation, and $250,000 each to Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Moveius Contemporary Ballet, San Mar Children’s Home, and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Eleanor Wilder as president, Bruce Wilder as vice president, Kathryn Pong as secretary, and Jason M Aufdem-Brinke as treasurer.
Nora Roberts Foundation is led by Eleanor Wilder, President on every filing since 2021; 2 of 4 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Eleanor Wilder
President
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason M. Aufdem-Brinke
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
$149K (2021) → $245K (2025)
Kathryn Pong
Secretary
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
$114K (2021) → $206K (2025)
Bruce Wilder
Vice President
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $245K, to Jason M Aufdem-Brinke (Treasurer). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Nora Roberts Foundation
How much does Nora Roberts Foundation give each year?
Nora Roberts Foundation gave $7.5M across 466 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $7.5M across 592 grants.
What is Nora Roberts Foundation's typical grant size?
Nora Roberts Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $16,055, across 466 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Nora Roberts Foundation that year got $11K on average.
Where does Nora Roberts Foundation give grants?
Nora Roberts Foundation gives mostly in Maryland: 50% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (15%) and District of Columbia (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (67 grants), Hagerstown, MD (38 grants), Baltimore, MD (31 grants) and Frederick, MD (18 grants).
Does Nora Roberts Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 466 grants with a stated purpose on Nora Roberts Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Operations" (466 grants).
Who are Nora Roberts Foundation's largest grantees?
Nora Roberts Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Proliteracy Worldwide ($800,000 across 2 grants), Buttonwood Institute ($510,000 across 2 grants) and Holy Cross Health Foundation ($506,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Nora Roberts Foundation?
Nora Roberts Foundation reported $118.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $8.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Nora Roberts Foundation fund?
The foundation says it considers literacy a human right and makes support for literacy organizations its highest priority. It also supports organizations focused on the arts, children, social justice, and the environment. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Nora Roberts Foundation?
The foundation’s 2025 filing 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 Nora Roberts Foundation's EIN?
Nora Roberts Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-2189081. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does Nora Roberts Foundation 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 October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Nora Roberts Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Gannett Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Gannett Foundation’s 2025 grants supported a range of organizations, with listed awards generally between $1,500 and $2,500, though the available figures do not establish a typical grant size or geographic focus. The foundation has wound down: its 2026 filing reports no grants or assets, and no current application process or acceptance of unsolicited requests is stated.
Assets
—
Grants
32
Total Given
$65K
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Nora Roberts Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/nora-roberts-foundation-morg_a1a62e5a2a8742d59a44f70339f3444d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_522189081_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Nora Roberts Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/nora-roberts-foundation-morg_a1a62e5a2a8742d59a44f70339f3444d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 Nora Roberts 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.
Nora Roberts Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?