Rugged Elegance Foundation
Rugged Elegance Foundation is a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. Its work centers on climate, equity, health, and peace, including support for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women leaders and its own retreats and speaker events.
Rugged Elegance Foundation at a glance
In short: Rugged Elegance Foundation gave $291K across 18 grants in 2024 (avg $16K), mostly in California. 56% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $291,494
- +21.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 18
- -21.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $16,194
- +54.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $7,500
- Total assets
- $8,153,711
- -8.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 56% first-time grantees (10 of 18, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (53% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Rugged Elegance Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://ruggedelegance.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Rugged Elegance Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Mlife ($55K). Together the top 10 received $273K.
Grant Size Distribution
121 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 102 grants of 121 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant dollars were distributed primarily to organizations in California (53%), followed by New York (15%), New Hampshire (9%), Maryland (9%), and Oregon (9%). Listed 2024 recipients also included an organization in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Rugged Elegance Foundation open to new grantees?
56%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 18 grantees (56%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $24K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $23K repeat.
- 33% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 59% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 114% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $241K (2023) to $712K (2021). In 2024 it made 18 grants totaling $291K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mlife San Francisco, CA | General & Unrestricted | $55,000 |
| She-Can Global Inc Mill Valley, CA | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Unity San Francisco San Francisco, CA | General & Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Grassroot Soccer Inc Hanover, NH | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Roots Africa Inc College Park, MD | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Volunteers of America Inc Portland, OR | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| The Philanthropy Workshop Inc New York, NY | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Barnard College New York, NY | General & Unrestricted (See General Explanation Attachment) | $17,694 |
| Love Light and Melody a Not for Profit Corporation Brevard, NC | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Myriad USA Inc New York, NY | To Support Trans Rescue | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Rugged Elegance Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8,153,711 | $85,939 | $819,464 | $291,494 | 18 | $685,796 | $147,696 | $599,156 |
| 2023 | $8,884,911 | $300,229 | $638,668 | $240,800 | 23 | $502,505 | $165,227 | $556,948 |
| 2022 | $9,222,350 | $217,119 | $743,070 | $314,420 | 17 | $582,440 | $440,838 | $551,768 |
| 2021 | $9,748,301 | $3,851,880 | $1,095,094 | $711,804 | 30 | $987,897 | $4,073,361 | $475,931 |
| 2020 | $6,985,764 | $149,266 | $648,332 | $433,434 | 33 | — | $87,187 | $425,628 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Rugged Elegance Foundation reported a distributable amount of $599K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says it seeks to promote healthy, adventuresome, soulful living and to reduce suffering, increase joy, and create greater harmony. Its work is guided by UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health and well-being), 5 (gender equality), 10 (reduced inequality), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace and inclusive societies). The foundation says it supports BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women leaders working as climate champions, health pioneers, paradigm-shifters, and “P.E.A.C.E. creators.”
Its 2024 filing describes “HAS MAGIC” retreats as no-cost educational programs focused on climate, racial and gender equity, health, and peace. It also reports a Discovery speaker series focused on mental health and education. The foundation’s website describes “Day to Breathe” and “Weekend to Breathe” retreats for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women leaders.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grantees. MLife describes its mission as promoting spirituality and the intersection of arts, education, faith, and technology. SHE-CAN describes work addressing gendered impacts of global challenges and advancing women’s participation in decision-making. ROOTS Africa says it connects U.S. academic institutions and experts with African farming communities to address hunger and poverty. Grassroot Soccer describes itself as an adolescent health organization using soccer to provide young people with health information, services, and mentorship. These are the organizations’ own descriptions of their work.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 18 grants totaling $291,494. Grants ranged from $200 to $55,000, with a median of $7,500. Notable awards included $55,000 to MLife, $50,000 to SHE-CAN Global, $40,000 to Unity San Francisco, $25,000 each to Grassroot Soccer, ROOTS Africa, and Volunteers of America, and $20,000 to The Philanthropy Workshop.
The foundation reported 23 grants totaling $240,800 in 2023 and 17 grants totaling $314,420 in 2022.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jennifer Carolyn King as president, director, secretary, and treasurer. Hayley Isabella King Fredel, Timothy Fredel, Jessie King Fredel, and Nik King Fredel are listed as directors and vice presidents. The foundation’s website identifies Timothy Charles Fredel and Jennifer Carolyn King as its founders.
Rugged Elegance Foundation is led by Jennifer Carolyn King, President, Director, Secretary & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; 1 of 5 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jennifer Carolyn King
President, Director, Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$88K (2020) → $88K (2024)
Jessie King Fredel
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nik King Fredel
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Timothy Fredel
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
25 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hayley Isabella King Fredel
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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 $88K, to Jennifer Carolyn King (Pres, Dir, Sec, Treas).
Frequently asked questions about Rugged Elegance Foundation
How much does Rugged Elegance Foundation give each year?
Rugged Elegance Foundation gave $291K across 18 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $241K across 23 grants.
What is Rugged Elegance Foundation's typical grant size?
Rugged Elegance Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $7,500, and its average grant was $16,194, across 18 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Rugged Elegance Foundation that year got $10K on average.
Where does Rugged Elegance Foundation give grants?
Rugged Elegance Foundation gives mostly in California: 53% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (15%) and New Hampshire (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (4 grants), New York, NY (3 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does Rugged Elegance Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 89% of Rugged Elegance Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 18) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Rugged Elegance Foundation's largest grantees?
Rugged Elegance Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Mlife ($55,000), She-Can Global Inc ($50,000) and Unity San Francisco ($40,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Rugged Elegance Foundation?
Rugged Elegance Foundation reported $8.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $686K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $599K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Rugged Elegance Foundation fund?
The foundation says it seeks to promote healthy, adventuresome, soulful living and to reduce suffering, increase joy, and create greater harmony. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Rugged Elegance Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Rugged Elegance Foundation's EIN?
Rugged Elegance Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-2321009. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Rugged Elegance Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rugged Elegance Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
The Rockefeller Foundation
New York, NY
The Rockefeller Foundation funds initiatives in energy access, sustainable food systems, health, climate, economic opportunity, and finance in the United States and around the world. In 2024, it made 381 grants, with a median grant of about $171,000, though awards ranged widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$6.4B
Grants
381
Total Given
$233.2M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
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
Pledgeling Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Pledgeling Foundation regrants donor-directed contributions to a wide range of eligible U.S. public charities and vetted international charities, with no stated issue-area focus. Its 2024 grants had a median of $12,301 and ranged from $5,001 to $1.6 million; funding goes worldwide, with the largest share in California. It processes grants based on donor recommendations, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.3M
Grants
918
Total Given
$31.6M
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Los Altos, CA
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation funds charitable organizations working on just societies, healthy families and communities, and a healthy natural world, including climate solutions, ocean conservation, and science. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, and half of grant dollars went to California recipients. It accepts unsolicited requests, but less than 1% of its grants come from them.
Assets
$8.5B
Grants
1,029
Total Given
$350.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Delaware
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Rugged Elegance Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/rugged-elegance-foundation-morg_2dffaa28a1d44a47b78d71543c37175d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_462321009_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Rugged Elegance Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/rugged-elegance-foundation-morg_2dffaa28a1d44a47b78d71543c37175d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Rugged Elegance Foundation'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.
Rugged Elegance Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?