Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation
Through a series of integrated programs, oref 1) supports and conducts scientific research and exploration of the earth's oceans with a world class research and exploration ship and package of equipment, enabling such scientific research and exploration and 2) creates and distributes media and other documentation highlighting that scientific research and discovery to promote public awareness, engagement and protection of the oceans and the diverse communities they support. Oref may carry out its social welfare purposes directly or in conjunction with other organizations, entities or partners.
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation at a glance
In short: Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation reported $2.6M in grants paid in 2024 (a total; its filing lists no individual grants). Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Grants paid (2024)
- $2,592,290 — reported as a total on the IRS filing, without an itemized list
- Total assets
- $180,479,783
- -5.7% vs 2023
- Revenue (2024)
- $33,475,838
- +7.8% vs 2023
- Net investment income (2024)
- $1,661,406
- +10.8% vs 2023
- Expenses (2024)
- $44,330,644
- +15.8% vs 2023
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
1 grant across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $1–5M range: 1 grant of 1 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $500K (2022) to $2.6M (2024). In 2024 it reported $2.6M in grants paid, as a total without an itemized list.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA | To Support General Operations. | $1,000,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $180,479,783 | $33,475,838 | $44,330,644 | $2,592,290 | Total only | $1,661,406 |
| 2023 | $191,404,347 | $31,057,090 | $38,267,548 | — | — | $1,500,112 |
| 2022 | $198,595,941 | $31,428,615 | $35,625,551 | $500,000 | Total only | $598,489 |
| 2021 | $202,911,238 | $27,525,774 | $30,574,112 | — | — | $4,773 |
| 2020 | $205,858,853 | $14,102,035 | $20,218,484 | $1,000,000 | 1 | $346,805 |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
About Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation
Based on IRS filings
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation is a public charity focused on Science & Technology, based in Westport, CT. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $180.5M in total assets. In 2024, it reported $2.6M in grants paid as a total on its IRS filing, without an itemized list. Net investment income was $1.7M.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation is led by Janine Racanelli, Director Executive Officio & President since 2022 (on filings since 2020); none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Janine Racanelli
Director Executive Officio & President
Director & President → Director Executive Officio & President, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Dalio
Director, Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Dalio
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gretchen Wagner
Assistant Secretary
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Erika Jarvis (2020–2021) — Social Media Manager
- Former: Martha Leighton (2020–2021) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Marissa Perl (2021) — Production Coordinator
- Former: Devon Dalio (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.
Frequently asked questions about Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation
How much does Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation give each year?
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation reported $2.6M in grants paid in 2024 on its 2024 IRS Form 990, as a total without an itemized list of grants.
How large is Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation?
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation reported $180.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $33.5M.
What is Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation?
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation is a public charity focused on Science & Technology, based in Westport, CT. It holds $180.5M in total assets as of 2024.
Where does Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation operate?
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation has awarded grants in Massachusetts.
What is Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation's EIN?
Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-0757695. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation funds
Science & Technology Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Oceanographic Research & Exploration Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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