The Rivian Foundation is a private non-operating foundation established in 2023 as the philanthropic arm of electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Based in Irvine, California, the foundation was created to address the climate crisis and protect planetary biodiversity. The foundation was established through Rivian's commitment to dedicate 1% of its company equity to independent philanthropic efforts in conjunction with the company's initial public offering.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$662.4M
+2571.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.4M
Grant Count
42
Avg Grant Size
$151K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Rivian Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Rivian Foundation's mission is to support builders of a thriving future, advancing solutions that improve lives today and ensure a healthy planet for generations to come. The foundation works to safeguard a healthy planet so future generations can experience a world rich in abundance, wonder, and adventure.
The foundation operates across two primary strategic pillars:
Safeguarding a Healthy Planet
- Local stewardship of healthy lands and waters: Supporting efforts to strengthen the capacity of frontline stewards working to safeguard and rejuvenate healthy ecosystems in the United States
- Access to nature: Supporting initiatives that enable more communities to experience the benefits and healing power of nature firsthand
- Natural climate solutions: Supporting nature-based climate initiatives, especially those that also advance biodiversity and community well-being
Advancing a Better Energy Future for All
- Clean energy solutions for people and planet: Supporting efforts in the U.S. to advance more reliable, affordable, and clean energy solutions in ways that expand opportunities for more communities while protecting ecosystems
- Getting transition minerals right: Supporting work to advance responsible mining and mineral extraction approaches that balance the needs of climate, conservation, and communities
Grantmaking
The Rivian Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with no public open application process, request for proposals, or grant portal. Program staff proactively identify and approach organizations whose work aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities.
How to Apply
, request for proposals, or grant portal. Program staff proactively identify and approach organizations whose work aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities.
Ready to take the next step with Rivian Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds work in the United States, with particular emphasis on California landscapes and ecosystems. A limited number of grants support organizations operating outside the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (2024):
- Total Assets: $662 million
- Annual Revenue: $87.6 million
- Annual Expenses: $9.86 million
- Net Income: $77.76 million
- Total Liabilities: $3.28 million
Assets & Revenue (2023):
- Total Assets: $24.8 million
- Annual Revenue: $25 million
- Annual Expenses: $188,119
- Net Assets: $24.8 million
The foundation's endowment is structured around Rivian's equity contribution, meaning its grantmaking capacity is tied to the company's valuation. The hypothetical value of the 1% equity pledge has fluctuated significantly since the IPO, declining from approximately $643 million at post-IPO highs to $98 million at lower valuations.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $662,408,632 | $24,797,657 | — |
| Revenue | $87,615,284 | $24,985,776 | — |
| Expenses | $9,859,671 | $188,119 | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,505,687 | $123,250 | — |
| Net Investment Income | $1,086,676 | $798,907 | — |
| Distributable Amount | $2,029,547 | $743,972 | — |
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
42 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include The Nature Conservancy ($1,500,000), National Philanthropic Trust ($500,000), Grid Alternatives ($300,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALLIANCE FOR TRIBAL CLEAN ENERGY WASHINGTON, DC | TO SUPPORT CAPACITY-BUILDING EFFORTS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES TO INITIATE CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS | $250,000 |
| BILLION OYSTER PROJECT NEW YORK, NY | TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO RESTORE 1 BILLION OYSTERS TO NEW YORK HARBOR BY 2035 | $50,000 |
| CALWILD OAKLAND, CA | TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO PROTECT CALIFORNIA'S WATERSHEDS AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES | $50,000 |
| CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION DURANGO, CO | TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-LED EFFORTS TO PROTECT US PUBLIC LANDS | $200,000 |
| CUMBERLAND RIVER COMPACT INC NASHVILLE, TN | TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION EFFORTS AROUND THE CUMBERLAND RIVER BASIN | $50,000 |
| DUWAMISH RIVER COMMUNITY COALITION SEATTLE, WA | TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-LED CONSERVATION AROUND SEATTLE | $70,000 |
| ECOLOGY ACTION CENTER NORMAL, IL | TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES | $30,000 |
| FORCE BLUE INC MT PLEASANT, SC | TO SUPPORT VETERAN MARINE CONSERVATION MISSIONS IN THE UNITED STATES | $100,000 |
| FRIENDS OF THE OWYHEE ONTARIO, OR | TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE OWYHEE REGION | $30,000 |
| GEORGIA CONSERVANCY INC ATLANTA, GA | TO SUPPORT LAND AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION EFFORTS ACROSS GEORGIA | $70,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Anisa Costa serves as President of the Rivian Foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROSE MARCARIO | CHAIR/TRUSTEE | 1.4 | — |
| ANISA COSTA | PRESIDENT/TRUSTEE | 15 | — |
| JAMIE CHUNG | SECRETARY | 0.4 | — |
| CLAIRE MCDONOUGH | TREASURER | 0.15 | — |
| EDWARD M NORTON | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ROBERT SCARINGE | TRUSTEE | 0.06 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In September 2024, the Rivian Foundation launched a public website detailing its first cohort of 41 grantees receiving just over $10 million in collective funding. This announcement came three years after Rivian's initial IPO pledge to dedicate 1% of company equity to the foundation.
Rivian reveals first $10M in grants for long-promised Rivian Foundation |The foundation's inaugural grantmaking demonstrates a strategic focus on organizations working in land preservation, conservation, agriculture, indigenous and urban communities, and renewable energy sectors. The announcement provided the first public clarity on the foundation's priorities and grantmaking approach after a period of limited public information about its operations and strategy.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rivian Foundation fund?
The Rivian Foundation's mission is to support builders of a thriving future, advancing solutions that improve lives today and ensure a healthy planet for generations to come. The foundation works to safeguard a healthy planet so future generations can experience a world rich in abundance, wonder, and adventure. The foundation operates across two primary strategic pillars: **Safeguarding a Healthy Planet** • Local stewardship of healthy lands and waters: Supporting efforts to strengthen the capa…
How do I apply for a grant from Rivian Foundation?
The Rivian Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with no public open application process, request for proposals, or grant portal. Program staff proactively identify and approach organizations whose work aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities. **Recent Grant Activity:** In September 2024, the foundation announced its first $10 million in grants distributed to 41 grantees. The largest single grant of $2 million was awarded to The Nature Conservancy in August 2024 to help fost…
Where does Rivian Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds work in the United States, with particular emphasis on California landscapes and ecosystems. A limited number of grants support organizations operating outside the United States.
What size grants does Rivian Foundation award?
In 2024, Rivian Foundation awarded 42 grants totaling $6.4M — an average of about $151K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Rivian Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Rivian Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.0M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Rivian Foundation's EIN?
Rivian Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-3878063. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rivian 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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