Rugged Elegance Foundation
Rugged Elegance Foundation is a private family foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware, established in 2013. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting leaders and organizations working at the intersection of climate action, equity, health, and peace.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$291K
+21.1% YoY
Grant Count
18
-21.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
+54.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation was created with the belief that "healthy, adventuresome, soulful living is the bedrock on which individuals and society will be able to intelligently and soulfully navigate the turning point of history in which we are living."
The foundation's core focus areas include:
- Climate Action - Supporting climate champions and environmental solutions
- Racial and Gender Equity - Promoting equality and empowering marginalized communities
- Health and Well-being - Advancing physical and mental health initiatives
- Peace and Conflict Resolution - Supporting peace-building efforts
The foundation's work is guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on SDGs 3 (health and well-being), 5 (gender equality), 10 (reducing inequality), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace and justice).
The foundation prioritizes supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women leaders who are "climate champions, health pioneers, paradigm-shifters, and P.E.A.C.E. creators."
Grantmaking
Arts and Culture, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Faith-Based, Health and Well-being, Human Rights, and Youth Development
Grant Range
approximately $10,000
Average Grant
approximately $10,000
Ready to take the next step with Rugged Elegance Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports organizations across multiple U.S. states and cities, including:
Top funding locations:
- New York, NY (5 grants)
- Los Angeles, CA (3 grants)
- San Francisco, CA (2 grants)
- Santa Barbara, CA (2 grants)
- Hanover, NH (2 grants)
- Mesa, AZ, Mill Valley, CA, Washington, DC, Cambridge, MA, and College Park, MD (1 grant each)
Additional states supported include California, New York, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and others.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (2023):
- Total assets: $8.88 million
- Annual revenue: $300,229
- Annual expenses: $638,668
- Total liabilities: $0
Grant Distribution:
- Total grants awarded (2023): $241,000
- Total grants awarded (previous year data): $273,800
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| 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
121 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Mlife ($55,000), She-can Global Inc ($50,000), Unity San Francisco ($40,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ABOVE BOARD ALL HANDS ON DECK INC KENNEBUNKPORT, ME | General & Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| BARNARD COLLEGE NEW YORK, NY | General & Unrestricted (See General Explanation Attachment) | $17,694 |
| BATTERY FOUNDATION SAN FRANCISCO, CA | General & Unrestricted | $4,000 |
| CAMPAIGN FOR THE FAIR SENTENCING OF YOUTH WASHINGTON, DC | General & Unrestricted | $3,200 |
| CITY EMBRACE COUNSELING CENTER INC SAN FRANCISCO, CA | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| GRAMEEN FOUNDATION USA WASHINGTON, DC | General & Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| GRASSROOT SOCCER INC HANOVER, NH | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| LOVE LIGHT AND MELODY A NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION BREVARD, NC | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| MLIFE SAN FRANCISCO, CA | General & Unrestricted | $55,000 |
| MYRIAD USA INC NEW YORK, NY | To Support Trans Rescue | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Founders & Leadership:
- Jennifer Carolyn King - President, Director, Secretary, and Treasurer (compensation: $88,000)
- Timothy Charles Fredel - Co-founder and key leadership role
Board Members/Directors (unpaid positions):
- Hayley Isabella King Fredel
- Timothy Fredel
- Jessie King Fredel
- Nik King Fredel
The founders are described as long-time entrepreneurs with backgrounds in business ventures.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayley Isabella King Fredel | Dir, VP | 1 | — |
| Timothy Fredel | Dir, VP | 25 | — |
| Jennifer Carolyn King | Pres, Dir, Sec, Treas | 40 | $88,000 |
| Jessie King Fredel | Dir, VP | 1 | — |
| Nik King Fredel | Dir, VP | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been active in collaborative initiatives and community engagement:
Partnered with Unity San Francisco and MLIFE Foundation to commemorate Pride Month with a special event
We honor the complexity of every person's story - MLIFE FoundationLaunched a joint initiative with MLIFE Foundation to advance Black empowerment, described as "Breaking Barriers on Both Sides of the Atlantic"
We honor the complexity of every person's story - MLIFE Foundation**Retreat Programs:**
The foundation operates two signature retreat experiences for leaders:
**The Retreat: SF** - A day-long "Day to Breathe" experience hosted in San Francisco (hosted over 100 leaders in 2021)
**The Retreat: ME** - A "Weekend to Breathe" retreat in Maine where hand-picked leaders collaborate with the founders
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rugged Elegance Foundation fund?
The foundation was created with the belief that "healthy, adventuresome, soulful living is the bedrock on which individuals and society will be able to intelligently and soulfully navigate the turning point of history in which we are living." The foundation's core focus areas include: • **Climate Action** - Supporting climate champions and environmental solutions • **Racial and Gender Equity** - Promoting equality and empowering marginalized communities • **Health and Well-being** - Advancing p…
How do I apply for a grant from Rugged Elegance Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Total grants awarded in 2023: 23 grants totaling approximately $241,000 • Average grant size: approximately $10,000 • Typical grant range: $200–$60,000 **Grant Focus Areas:** Arts and Culture, Disaster Relief, Environmental, Faith-Based, Health and Well-being, Human Rights, and Youth Development **Programs:** The foundation operates "HAS MAGIC" Retreats, an educational program provided at no cost focusing on climate, racial and gender equity, health, and peace (2023 expens…
Where does Rugged Elegance Foundation make grants?
The foundation supports organizations across multiple U.S. states and cities, including: **Top funding locations:** • New York, NY (5 grants) • Los Angeles, CA (3 grants) • San Francisco, CA (2 grants) • Santa Barbara, CA (2 grants) • Hanover, NH (2 grants) • Mesa, AZ, Mill Valley, CA, Washington, DC, Cambridge, MA, and College Park, MD (1 grant each) Additional states supported include California, New York, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and others.
What size grants does Rugged Elegance Foundation award?
In 2024, Rugged Elegance Foundation awarded 18 grants totaling $291K — an average of about $16K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rugged Elegance Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Ttee Trustees of Univ of Mass - Art 5
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$380K
Grants
1
Total Given
$14K
The Jonsson Foundation
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$784K
Grants
3
Total Given
$15K
The Cucci Family Foundation
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$579K
Grants
4
Total Given
$45K
Westly Foundation
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$4.1M
Grants
55
Total Given
$1.2M
Scott and Jessica McClintock Foundation
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$8.9M
Grants
22
Total Given
$392K
The John C Griswold Family Foundation
WILMINGTON, DE
Assets
$13.4M
Grants
68
Total Given
$534K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Rugged Elegance Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Rugged Elegance Foundation to a real strategy.