Pennsylvania Certified Organic
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is a public charity based in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania. It is a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors, and handlers of organic products in the contiguous United States. Its work includes certification, advocacy, and technical support, and its 2024 filing reports grants to organizations engaged in organic activity.
Pennsylvania Certified Organic at a glance
In short: Pennsylvania Certified Organic gave $1.6M across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $56K), top state New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,564,460
- +45.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- +47.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $55,874
- -1.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $29,257
- Total assets
- $2,149,695
- +47.8% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (20% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Pennsylvania Certified Organic
- Contact
Mailing address: 106 School St Suite 201, Spring Mills, PA 16875
Phone: (814) 422-0251
Website: https://paorganic.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Pennsylvania Certified Organic funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Nofa - New York ($235K). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
47 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 25 grants of 47 (53%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
PCO says it can certify operations in the contiguous United States. Its 2024 grants went to organizations in multiple states; the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York (20%), Vermont (13%), Massachusetts (10%), Maine (9%), and New Hampshire (9%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Pennsylvania Certified Organic gives
- 61% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 2023 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2023) to $1.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nofa - New York Binghampton, NY | Organic Activity | $234,958 |
| Nofa - Mass Florence, MA | Organic Activity | $154,101 |
| Nofa - VT Richmond, VT | Organic Activity | $143,838 |
| Nofa - NH Concord, NH | Organic Activity | $133,688 |
| Black Farmers Index Lafayette, LA | Organic Activity | $118,740 |
| Mofga Certification Services LLC Unity, ME | Organic Activity | $103,722 |
| West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition Charleston, WV | Organic Activity | $87,589 |
| Virginia Association for Biological Woolwine, VA | Organic Activity | $80,658 |
| Nofa - NJ Lambertville, NJ | Organic Activity | $79,673 |
| Nofa - CT New Haven, CT | Organic Activity | $61,587 |
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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 | $2,149,695 | $8,232,274 | $7,990,907 | $1,564,460 | 28 | $13,090 |
| 2023 | $1,454,194 | $6,128,345 | $6,408,526 | $1,077,526 | 19 | $21,427 |
| 2022 | $1,510,879 | $4,293,176 | $4,217,176 | — | — | $7,264 |
| 2021 | $1,487,363 | $4,239,851 | $3,815,912 | — | — | $2,839 |
| 2020 | $1,429,848 | $3,549,349 | $3,458,541 | — | — | $-58,034 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
PCO’s mission is “to uphold and advance organic principles and practices through certification, advocacy, and technical support.” Its stated vision is a world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness, and care.
The 2024 filing describes its certification program as inspection and certification of growers, processors, and handlers of products labeled organic, to protect the integrity of those products. Its listed 2024 grants were designated for “organic activity.” Examples of supported organizations include the Virginia Association for Biological Farming, whose mission is to support, advocate for, and educate about sustainable and organic farming and gardening in Virginia; Glynwood Center, which says it cultivates just and resilient regional food systems; and Grow Pittsburgh, whose mission is to demonstrate, teach, and promote responsible urban food production.
Grantmaking
In 2024, PCO reported 28 grants totaling $1,564,460. Grant amounts ranged from $5,353 to $234,958, with a median of $29,256. The largest listed awards included $234,958 to NOFA–New York, $154,101 to NOFA–Massachusetts, $143,838 to NOFA–Vermont, and $133,688 to NOFA–New Hampshire. Other notable grants included $118,740 to Black Farmers Index, $103,722 to MOFGA Certification Services LLC, and $54,824 to The Rodale Institute.
PCO also provides information about the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). This is reimbursement to eligible certified organic producers and handlers for a portion of their own certification costs, rather than a grant program for outside organizations. For the 2023 program year, the stated reimbursement was up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at $750 per certification scope. Eligible applicants had to be certified under the National Organic Program and have paid certification fees during that program year; suspended or revoked certifications were ineligible. PCO’s guidance says it does not accept or process OCCSP applications: applicants submit their own applications through a local Farm Service Agency office or a participating state agency. The listed deadline for the 2023 program-year opportunity was October 31, 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Joe Miller as president, Bill Kitsch as treasurer, and Katherine DiMatteo as secretary. It also lists Betty Harper, Denele Hughson, Lisa De Lima, and Gwendolyn Wyard as board members.
Pennsylvania Certified Organic is led by Joe Miller, President on every filing since 2021; 4 of 12 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joe Miller
President
On filings since 2021
0.8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diana Underwood
Director of Oper
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$101K (2023) → $117K (2024)
Lisa Durand
Topp Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$110K (2024)
Diana Kobus
Executive Di
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$63K (2020) → $155K (2024)
Katherine Dimatteo
Secretary
Interim Executive Director → Vice President, 2021
Vice President → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.8 hrs/week
$63K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Sarah Rose Brown
Certificatio
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$125K (2024)
Betty Harper
Board Member
Managing Board → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denele Hughson
Board Member
Managing Board → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joe Dickson
Vice President
Board Member → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2022
0.8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa De Lima
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bill Kitsch
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
0.8 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gwendolyn Wyard
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (12)
- Former: William Kitsch (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Kristy Borrelli (2020–2021) — Managing Board
- Former: Mike Spangler (2020–2021) — Managing Board
- Former: Bob Eberly (2021) — Managing Board
- Former: Dave Hartman (2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Andrew Smyre (2020) — Vice President
- Former: Beth Gugino (2020) — Managing Board
- Former: Luke Howard (2020) — Managing Board
- Former: Ronald Hoover (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Ross Duffield (2020) — Managing Board
- Former: Ted Lebow (2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Tina Ellor (2020) — President
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 $155K, to Diana Kobus (Executive Di). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania Certified Organic
How much does Pennsylvania Certified Organic give each year?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic gave $1.6M across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.1M across 19 grants.
What is Pennsylvania Certified Organic's typical grant size?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic's median grant in 2024 was $29,257, and its average grant was $55,874, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Pennsylvania Certified Organic give grants?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic's top state is New York, with 20% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Vermont (13%) and Massachusetts (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Charleston, WV (2 grants).
Does Pennsylvania Certified Organic give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on Pennsylvania Certified Organic's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Organic Activity" (28 grants).
Who are Pennsylvania Certified Organic's largest grantees?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic's largest 2024 grantees include Nofa - New York ($234,958), Nofa - Mass ($154,101) and Nofa - VT ($143,838), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Pennsylvania Certified Organic?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic reported $2.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.2M.
What does Pennsylvania Certified Organic fund?
PCO’s mission is “to uphold and advance organic principles and practices through certification, advocacy, and technical support.” Its stated vision is a world where agriculture systems prioritize health, ecological balance, fairness, and care. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Pennsylvania Certified Organic?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check paorganic.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Pennsylvania Certified Organic's EIN?
Pennsylvania Certified Organic's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-2885447. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 24, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Pennsylvania Certified Organic's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
Harrisburg, PA
Pasa supports sustainable agriculture and equitable food systems, including farmer education, research, technical assistance, and local food-system work. Its 2025 grants ranged from $22,200 to $153,433, with a median of $100,788, and went to organizations across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.0M
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Total Given
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University of Delaware
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The University of Delaware supports instruction, research, and public service, and its 2023 grants went to educational, medical, and research organizations. It made 177 grants totaling $45.2 million that year, averaging about $255,000 per grant, with recipients in Delaware and elsewhere; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
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$4.8B
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0
Total Given
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Farm Aid Inc
Cambridge, MA
Farm Aid supports U.S. nonprofits strengthening family farms through local food systems, farmer resources and crisis assistance, and advocacy for fair farm policies. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $35,000, with a median of $10,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$10.3M
Grants
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Total Given
$1.4M
IBM International Foundation
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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
UNFI Foundation
Providence, RI
UNFI Foundation supports nonprofits advancing sustainable, equitable food systems, including climate-smart agriculture, food access and equity, and local food economies. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $35,000, with a median of $10,000, for organizations serving communities in the United States or Canada. It does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations must be nominated by a UNFI associate and may then be invited to apply.
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
20
Total Given
$213K
Earth Island Institute Inc
Berkeley, CA
Earth Island Institute supports environmental initiatives, including activist projects and organizations working on climate, agriculture, community development, and environmental accountability. In 2025, grants ranged from $6,650 to $202,500, with a median of $10,000, and went to organizations in multiple states; it accepts applications for project sponsorship, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$44.5M
Grants
44
Total Given
$1.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Pennsylvania Certified Organic funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/pennsylvania-certified-organic-morg_277034d42bee4ec4a3e0c10b4b2b1d7e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_232885447_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Pennsylvania Certified Organic funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/pennsylvania-certified-organic-morg_277034d42bee4ec4a3e0c10b4b2b1d7e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 Pennsylvania Certified Organic'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.
Pennsylvania Certified Organic down — hundreds of funders to go?