Silverlining
Silverlining is dedicated to ensuring that society has the information and capabilities needed to ensure a safe and secure atmosphere. We support open research, science-based policy and broad stakeholder engagement to advance understanding and protection of the atmosphere in a world with emerging interventions in weather and climate. Our work focuses on advancing rigorous, independent science and evidence-based decision-making to promote public safety, economic prosperity and national security.
Silverlining at a glance
In short: Silverlining gave $566K across 2 grants in 2024 (avg $283K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $565,976
- +31.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 2
- -33.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $282,988
- +96.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $282,988
- Total assets
- $2,557,023
- +59.6% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (71% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who Silverlining funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Research Foundation for SUNY University at Albany ($400K). Together the top 2 received $566K.
Grant Size Distribution
17 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 10 grants of 17 (59%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
Cities
How Silverlining gives
- Giving grew 38% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $368K (2022) to $1.3M (2020). In 2024 it made 2 grants totaling $566K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Research Foundation for SUNY University at Albany Albany, NY | R&d: lead the near-field modeling effort for the star program | $400,000 |
| University of Central Florida Orlando, FL | R&d: characterization of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) on the propulsion emissions | $165,976 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,557,023 | $6,670,628 | $6,497,308 | $565,976 | 2 | $384,200 |
| 2023 | $1,602,386 | $3,678,261 | $3,514,661 | $431,342 | 3 | $629,880 |
| 2022 | $1,454,413 | $2,764,182 | $2,977,137 | $367,991 | 5 | $1,024 |
| 2021 | $2,068,443 | $2,757,589 | $1,949,013 | $410,000 | 3 | $-34,170 |
| 2020 | $916,693 | $2,241,536 | $2,197,413 | $1,281,905 | 4 | — |
About Silverlining
Based on IRS filings
Silverlining is a public charity focused on Science & Technology, based in Washington, DC. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $2.6M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 2 grants totaling $566K. Net investment income was $384K.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Silverlining is led by Kelly Wanser, President & Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 5 of 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kelly Wanser
President & Executive Director
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$228K (2020) → $240K (2024)
Nicolas Esguerra
Director of International Strategy
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$150K (2023) → $160K (2024)
Carla Holtze
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Baird
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alexandra Reeves
Science Communications Analyst
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$117K (2024)
Daniel Bowen
Platform Engineer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$249K (2024)
Jean Francois Lamarque
Chief Climate Scientist
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$452K (2024)
Former officers (3)
- Former: Alex Wong (2020–2023) — Research Director
- Former: Cassandra Forrester (2023) — Operations Manager
- Former: Clay Dumas (2021–2022) — Board Member
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 $452K, to Jean Francois Lamarque (Chief Climate Scientist). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Silverlining
How much does Silverlining give each year?
Silverlining gave $566K across 2 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $431K across 3 grants.
How large is Silverlining?
Silverlining reported $2.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.7M.
What is Silverlining?
Silverlining is a public charity focused on Science & Technology, based in Washington, DC. It holds $2.6M in total assets as of 2024.
Where does Silverlining operate?
Silverlining has awarded grants in California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Washington.
What is Silverlining's EIN?
Silverlining's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 37-1908884. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
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 November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Silverlining funds
Science & Technology Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Silverlining's focus areas in our free grants database
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