Protein Foundation
The Protein Foundation is a private foundation based in Yarmouth, Maine, established in 1981 and tax-exempt since October 1981. It operates as a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Gospel-centered ministries through grantmaking and strategic philanthropy. The foundation's unique approach combines business ownership with ministry funding, directing profits from privately held businesses toward supporting organizations that address both spiritual and physical needs in their communities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.5M
+14.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.0M
-16.9% YoY
Grant Count
33
-23.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$32K
+8.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: To glorify God by following Him as He leads in the acquisition, operation, and disposition of businesses for the purpose of providing funds to ministries which feed people spiritually with a special emphasis on those that also feed physically and by teaching the word of God as witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Core Focus: The foundation strengthens ministries that care for the whole person—body, mind, and soul. It prioritizes Gospel-centered ministries that demonstrate:
- Spiritual formation and practical care
- Trusted leadership embedded in communities
- Humility, integrity, and commitment to long-term transformation
- Service reflecting Christ's love
The foundation employs a relational and prayerful approach to grantmaking, emphasizing listening, trust-building, and walking alongside ministry partners rather than simply funding programs.
Grantmaking
Typical awards range from $2,000 to $60,000.
Grant Range
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on:
- Northern New England
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending December 2024:
- Total Assets: $1,526,439
- Total Revenue: $1,406,982
- Total Expenses: $1,214,054
- Net Income: $192,928
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Contributions Received: $1,360,000 (96.7% of total revenue)
Staffing: The foundation operates with 1 employee.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,526,439 | $1,333,511 | $642,352 |
| Revenue | $1,406,982 | $2,146,380 | — |
| Expenses | $1,214,054 | $1,455,221 | $1,458,015 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,214,054 | $1,455,221 | $1,458,015 |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
208 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Root Cellar ($60,000), Hagars Sisters ($60,000), Straight Ahead Ministries ($55,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Project Ministries Dorchester, MA | Community services for needy | $4,500 |
| City Ministries Charlotte, NC | Ministry to orphans and Street children | $30,000 |
| Elevate New England LOWELL, MA | Tutor and mentor youth in low income areas | $40,000 |
| His Mansion Deering, NH | Rehab for tramatized Children | $50,000 |
| Hope Haitian Ministries Boothbay, ME | Ministry to immigrant Children | $30,000 |
| Isaiah 61 Cafe Laconia, NH | Ministry to indigent persons | $25,000 |
| Light of Life Ministries Manchester, NH | Ministry to women exiting sex trafficing activities | $10,000 |
| Mt Olives Community Center Hyde Park, MA | aiding immigrant families | $30,000 |
| New Hope Womens Shelter Solon, ME | Shelter homeless needy women | $30,000 |
| Northeast Community Church Norwalk, CT | Ministry to needy children | $30,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Matthew Owen, Executive Director Matthew has served as Managing Director of The Protein Foundation since 2012. Prior to joining the foundation, he pastored churches in Vermont, The Philippines, and Seattle, Washington. He resides with his family in Yarmouth, Maine. His approach emphasizes building collegial, working relationships with ministries to ensure grants support both spiritual formation and tangible impact.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephan Lanfer | Director | 0.15 | — |
| Roger Clement | Director | 10 | — |
| Whit Gallagher | Director | 16 | — |
| Frank Starvel | Director | 10 | — |
| Dan Walker | Director | 10 | — |
| Walter Baker | Trustee | 10 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Protein Foundation fund?
**Mission Statement:** To glorify God by following Him as He leads in the acquisition, operation, and disposition of businesses for the purpose of providing funds to ministries which feed people spiritually with a special emphasis on those that also feed physically and by teaching the word of God as witnesses for Jesus Christ. **Core Focus:** The foundation strengthens ministries that care for the whole person—body, mind, and soul. It prioritizes Gospel-centered ministries that demonstrate: • S…
How do I apply for a grant from Protein Foundation?
**Grant Sizes:** Typical awards range from $2,000 to $60,000. **Total Giving:** $1,042,000 in grants (based on most recent filing) **Approach:** The foundation's grantmaking philosophy centers on relationship-building and discernment. Rather than a transactional process, the foundation seeks to understand each ministry's work deeply before determining how best to support it. This relational model reflects the foundation's belief that generosity should mirror how God gives—steadily, relationally…
Where does Protein Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on: • Northern New England • Bridgeport, Connecticut • Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
What size grants does Protein Foundation award?
In 2024, Protein Foundation awarded 33 grants totaling $1.0M — an average of about $32K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Protein Foundation's EIN?
Protein Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 06-1046591. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Protein Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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