Resources Legacy Fund
Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) is a public charity based in Sacramento, California, formed in 1998. It builds alliances and supports environmental work through strategic grantmaking, fiscal sponsorship, and campaign design and implementation.
Resources Legacy Fund at a glance
In short: Resources Legacy Fund gave $43.9M across 325 grants in 2024 (avg $135K), top state California. 28% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $43,863,903
- +23.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 325
- +16.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $134,966
- +5.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $60,000
- Total assets
- $151,915,040
- -13.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (91 of 325, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (38% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Resources Legacy Fund
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
RLF does not accept unsolicited requests. It says it generally reaches out to potential new grantees and partners, but welcomes a conversation with potential partners whose work aligns with its programs.
- Contact
Mailing address: 400 Capitol Mall 2150, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 442-5057
Website: https://resourceslegacyfund.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 Resources Legacy Fund
Who Resources Legacy Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund ($1.4M). Together the top 10 received $9.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,320 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 628 grants of 1,320 (48%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
RLF describes its work as rooted in California, with initiatives across Western North America and beyond. Its 2024 grants were distributed across multiple states: California received 38% of grant dollars, Washington, DC 18%, New York 7%, Texas 5%, and Pennsylvania 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 325 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Resources Legacy Fund open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 91 of 325 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $99K; repeat grants $149K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $75K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $25.6M (2020) to $44.5M (2022). In 2024 it made 325 grants totaling $43.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund Washington, DC | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $1,397,152 |
| Environmental Integrity Project Washington, DC | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $1,325,000 |
| Center for International Environmental Law Inc Washington, DC | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $1,050,000 |
| Earthworks Washington, DC | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $1,000,000 |
| Air Alliance Houston Houston, TX | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $952,800 |
| Trout Unlimited Inc Arlington, VA | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $759,747 |
| Clean Air Council Philadelphia, PA | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $750,000 |
| Taxpayers for Common Sense Washington, DC | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $658,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund Inc New York, NY | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $633,000 |
| Earthjustice San Francisco, CA | Land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice | $625,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Resources Legacy Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $151,915,040 | $79,596,936 | $99,548,571 | $43,863,903 | 325 | $10,402,648 |
| 2023 | $174,728,294 | $131,040,478 | $85,936,667 | $35,648,250 | 279 | $6,828,952 |
| 2022 | $121,669,997 | $88,915,279 | $90,017,805 | $44,534,840 | 278 | $-353,291 |
| 2021 | $131,343,495 | $84,084,998 | $63,195,737 | $27,550,576 | 222 | $3,012,331 |
| 2020 | $108,829,932 | $37,185,698 | $52,971,056 | $25,617,014 | 216 | $3,970,222 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
RLF’s stated mission is to “build alliances that advance bold solutions to secure a just and resilient world for people and nature.” Its conservation work focuses on protecting and restoring ecologically and culturally significant lands and waters. Its climate work includes nature-based solutions and community resilience to wildfire, floods, drought, and extreme heat; its community-based environmental work supports advocates and leaders addressing environmental threats, public health, and access to nature.
RLF also fiscally sponsors projects and organizations, providing administrative and compliance support. Its website describes strategic grantmaking as collaborative work with funders to advance aligned goals. Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work: Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund says its mission is to use cultural expression to empower communities “first and worst impacted by injustice”; Environmental Integrity Project describes its work as research and public education on environmental protection and natural resources; and Air Alliance Houston says it works to reduce regional air pollution and protect public health and environmental integrity.
Grantmaking
In 2024, RLF reported 325 grants totaling $43,863,903. Grant amounts ranged from $5,819 to $1,397,152, with a median of $60,000. The largest awards included $1,397,152 to Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund, $1,325,000 to Environmental Integrity Project, $1,050,000 to Center for International Environmental Law, and $1,000,000 to Earthworks. The listed purposes for these grants were land or marine conservation, climate change, and/or environmental equity and justice.
Other large 2024 grants included $952,800 to Air Alliance Houston, $759,747 to Trout Unlimited, and $750,000 to Clean Air Council. Trout Unlimited describes its mission as conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and watersheds; Clean Air Council says it works to protect the right to a healthy environment in the Mid-Atlantic region.
RLF says it generally reaches out to potential new grantees and partners to develop and implement program strategies, while welcoming opportunities to hear new ideas and meet potential partners. Before awarding a grant to a U.S.-based organization, RLF requires documentation establishing and describing the applicant’s legal status, purpose, and mission. After an award, monitoring may include periodic reports on activities, progress, outcomes, and expenditures; check-in calls or meetings; and field visits for significant projects. Grants must be used exclusively for charitable purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Avi Garbow as director and president through October 2024, and Matthew Armsby as secretary and vice president to the interim president, effective October 2024. Barton Thompson Jr. is listed as board chair and Jeanne Sedgwick as board vice chair. Other directors listed are Lise Aangeenbrug, Steve Gaines, Chet P. Hewitt, Patsy Ishiyama, Katharine L. Jacobs, and Brett Johnson.
Resources Legacy Fund is led by Avi Garbow See Sch O., Director & President on every filing since 2022; 13 of 27 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Avi Garbow See Sch O.
Director & President
On filings since 2022
36 hrs/week
$459K (2022) → $600K (2024)
Barton Thompson Jr.
Board Chair
Director & Board Chair → Board Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Anne Maher
Director & Western Energy Project
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$221K (2021) → $275K (2024)
Kaitlin Gaffney
Director of Conservation
Director, Ocean, Coast & Fisheries → Director of Conservation, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$203K (2021) → $232K (2024)
Lisbeth Jakobsen
Director of Fiscal Sponsorship
Director & Fiscal Sponsorships → Director of Fiscal Sponsorship, 2024
On filings since 2022
33 hrs/week
$222K (2022) → $190K (2024)
Amy Kenney
Director & Nat'l Ocean Prot. Coal.
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$233K (2024)
Brandi Jenkins
Director & Beyond Petrochemicals
New on the 2024 filing
37 hrs/week
$237K (2024)
Kate Wright
Director & Climate Mayors
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$230K (2024)
Charlene Kabcenell
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katharine L. Jacobs
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lise Aangeenbrug
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martha Kongsgaard
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patsy Ishiyama
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randall Martinez
Director
Director & Chair of Audit Committee → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Gaines
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chet P. Hewitt
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Washburn
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brett Johnson
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gina McCarthy
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luseni Pieh
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael D. Scott
Vice President - Programs
Director, International Conservation & Public Land → Director, Intl Conservation & Pub. Lands, 2023
Director, Intl Conservation & Pub. Lands → Vice President - Programs, 2024
On filings since 2020
39 hrs/week
$208K (2020) → $278K (2024)
Helena Choi See Sch O.
Vice President & Chief of Staff
Vice President → Vice President & Chief of Staff, 2024
On filings since 2022
36 hrs/week
$250K (2022) → $272K (2024)
Rosina Bugarin See Sch O.
Treasurer & CFO
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer → Treasurer & CFO, 2024
On filings since 2022
32 hrs/week
$251K (2022) → $241K (2024)
Allen May
Chief Dev'l Officer
New on the 2024 filing
36 hrs/week
$206K (2024)
Matthew Armsby See Sch O.
Secretary & Vice President to Int. President
New on the 2024 filing
35 hrs/week
$266K (2024)
Veronica Eady
Vice President of Equity & Justice
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$297K (2024)
Jeanne Sedgwick
Board Vice Chair
Director & Board Vice Chair → Board Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Julia Turrini (2020–2023) — Director, Lands, Rivers & Communities
- Former: Mark Wan (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Matthew Armsby (2020–2023) — Secretary & Vice President
- Former: Michael Mantell (2020–2023) — Former Officer
- Former: Ned Barnholt (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Craig McNamara (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Julie Martin (2020–2022) — Vice President
- Former: Lori Lodes (2022) — Director & Climate Power Education Fund
- Former: Helena Choi (2020–2021) — Vice President
- Former: Rosina Bugarin (2020–2021) — Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Steven Kallick (2021) — Director, International Conservation & Human Right
- Former: Jamie Hart (2020) — Director & Coalition to Expand Contraception Access
- Former: Merswind Reyer (2020) — Counsel
- Former: Seth Frotman (2020) — Director & Student Borrower
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 $600K, to AVI Garbow See Sch O (Director and Pres. (End 10/24)). 13 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Resources Legacy Fund
How much does Resources Legacy Fund give each year?
Resources Legacy Fund gave $43.9M across 325 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $35.6M across 279 grants.
What is Resources Legacy Fund's typical grant size?
Resources Legacy Fund's median grant in 2024 was $60,000, and its average grant was $134,966, across 325 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Resources Legacy Fund that year got $99K on average.
Where does Resources Legacy Fund give grants?
Resources Legacy Fund's top state is California, with 38% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were District of Columbia (18%) and New York (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (23 grants), Oakland, CA (17 grants), Los Angeles, CA (16 grants) and San Francisco, CA (12 grants).
Does Resources Legacy Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 325 grants with a stated purpose on Resources Legacy Fund's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Resources Legacy Fund's largest grantees?
Resources Legacy Fund's largest 2024 grantees include Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund ($1,397,152), Environmental Integrity Project ($1,325,000) and Center for International Environmental Law Inc ($1,050,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 9% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Resources Legacy Fund?
Resources Legacy Fund reported $151.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $79.6M.
What does Resources Legacy Fund fund?
RLF’s stated mission is to “build alliances that advance bold solutions to secure a just and resilient world for people and nature.” Its conservation work focuses on protecting and restoring ecologically and culturally significant lands and waters. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Resources Legacy Fund?
RLF does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Resources Legacy Fund's EIN?
Resources Legacy Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4703838. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Resources Legacy Fund accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 16, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Resources Legacy Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Patagoniaorg
Ventura, CA
PATAGONIAORG funds environmental organizations and projects addressing root causes of environmental problems, including place-based protection, environmental campaigns, and broader inclusion in the movement. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $5,174,555, with a median of $15,000, and funding was concentrated in Virginia and California, with grants also reported in Oregon and Colorado. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
425
Total Given
$13.2M
The Schmidt Family Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Schmidt Family Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, human welfare, community health, and community development, with recent grants also supporting ocean stewardship, climate and energy, human rights, Indigenous land stewardship, civic engagement, youth, and food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $130,000, with amounts ranging from $400 to $8 million; grant dollars went mainly to organizations in California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia. It describes an online application process and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations; deadlines and application details are online.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
695
Total Given
$185.4M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Gordon E and Betty I Moore Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation funds scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area, with grants ranging from $50 to $20 million and a 2024 median award of $200,000. Its stated geographic focus includes the Bay Area, and its grants also support work in other U.S. locations and internationally. It funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests or grant proposals.
Assets
$11.5B
Grants
920
Total Given
$403.0M
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Resources Legacy Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/resources-legacy-fund-morg_d2b7381564ae45e2a1bf6e2f2cbbeb53
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_954703838_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Resources Legacy Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/resources-legacy-fund-morg_d2b7381564ae45e2a1bf6e2f2cbbeb53},
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 Resources Legacy Fund'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.
Resources Legacy Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?