The American Chestnut Foundation
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a public charity based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 1983, it supports research and restoration efforts aimed at returning the American chestnut to its native range.
The American Chestnut Foundation at a glance
In short: The American Chestnut Foundation gave $336K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $34K), top state Pennsylvania. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $335,652
- +107.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- +66.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $33,565
- +24.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,108
- Total assets
- $10,700,404
- +7.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (3 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (32% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The American Chestnut Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The website’s small-grants page listed a 2026 proposal submission cycle, but that cycle closed on September 28, 2026. The separate External Grants page says the program is currently paused. The 2026 call specifies submission as a single PDF.
- Review Cycle
- September 28, 2026, for the 2026 cycle; this deadline has passed. The listed review date was October 16, 2026.
- Deadline
- September 28, 2026, for the 2026 cycle; this deadline has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: 50 N Merrimon Ave Ste 115, Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828) 281-0047
Website: https://tacf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The American Chestnut Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Pennsylvania State University Research Accounting ($83K). Together the top 10 received $336K.
Grant Size Distribution
36 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 24 grants of 36 (67%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states. The largest reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were Pennsylvania (32%), Georgia (24%), Virginia (19%), South Carolina (10%), and Maine (6%). The 2025 grantee list also includes recipients in Alabama and Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The American Chestnut Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 10 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $42K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $34K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $162K (2024) to $566K (2020). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $336K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University Research Accounting University Park, PA | Research/Salary Supp | $83,254 |
| Univ of Georgia Research Foundation Athens, GA | Research | $81,058 |
| Virginia Polytechnic University Blacksburg, VA | Research | $57,999 |
| Clemson University Clemson, SC | Research | $33,502 |
| Pa Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation University Park, PA | Orchard Manager | $25,000 |
| Hudsonalpha Institute for Biotechnology Huntsville, AL | Research | $15,216 |
| Massachusetts Chapter of Tacf Charlemont, MA | Research | $13,000 |
| Maine Chapter of Tacf Bangor, ME | Research | $11,000 |
| University of New England Biddeford, ME | Research | $10,000 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute Office of Sponsored Programs Blacksburg, VA | Research | $5,623 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10,700,404 | $3,881,634 | $3,892,850 | $335,652 | 10 | $437,309 |
| 2024 | $9,943,661 | $3,367,085 | $3,683,761 | $161,737 | 6 | $207,850 |
| 2023 | $9,203,547 | $3,707,009 | $3,418,320 | $363,364 | 5 | $-29,622 |
| 2022 | $8,303,421 | $2,958,588 | $2,869,965 | $557,628 | 7 | $66,836 |
| 2021 | $8,708,682 | $3,733,256 | $2,388,877 | $501,512 | 8 | $123,299 |
| 2020 | $6,713,833 | $2,763,779 | $2,693,808 | $565,908 | 10 | $156,675 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
TACF’s stated mission is “to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.” Its 2024 filing describes continued research integrating breeding, bio-control, and biotechnology, alongside scientific collaboration and ecological restoration.
The foundation’s small-grants materials describe support for targeted research on disease resistance and restoration techniques. Eligible applicants include university and nonprofit researchers, TACF chapter scientists, and qualified private-sector partners. Its materials identify priority topics including host–pathogen interactions, comparisons of hybrid and wild-type chestnuts, and methods for vegetative propagation.
Among the 2025 grantees, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology received $15,216. HudsonAlpha describes its mission as using biotechnology research tools to better understand causes of disease and help develop treatments. The University of New England received $10,000; it describes its mission as preparing students to thrive and improve the health of people, communities, and the planet.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, TACF reported 10 grants totaling $335,652. The grants ranged from $5,623 to $83,254, with a median of $20,108. Its website describes the external small-grants program as ordinarily not funding projects above $10,000, with exceptions for priority research areas.
The largest reported 2025 grants included $83,254 to Pennsylvania State University for research and salary support; $81,058 to the University of Georgia Research Foundation for research; $57,999 to Virginia Polytechnic University for research; and $33,502 to Clemson University for research. TACF also reported $25,000 to the Pennsylvania Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation for an orchard manager.
The program materials specify reimbursement-based payments, no overhead or indirect costs, and no faculty salary payments, though student salaries are allowed. Matching funds are strongly encouraged. Applicants must be in good standing with TACF, and university proposals must have been reviewed and approved by the university’s sponsored-projects office. Required reporting includes a six-month progress report, two reports at the end of the grant period, and final financial and narrative reports due within 90 days of completion. Awardees are also encouraged to present findings to TACF’s Science and Technology Committee.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Dr. Elizabeth Kramer as chair; Dr. John Scrivani as vice chair; James Searing as secretary/treasurer; Anna Sproul-Latimer as promotion/outreach officer; and Dr. Dennis Liu as science/technology officer. Directors listed were Betty Allison, Stephen Black, Rebecca Carter, Dr. Martin Cipollini, and William J. Cude III.
The American Chestnut Foundation is led by William C. Pitt PhD, President & CEO Thr since 2025 (on filings since 2024); 2 of 19 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
William C. Pitt PhD
President & CEO Thr
President → President & CEO Thr, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$79K (2024) → $218K (2025)
Bruce Levine
Interim CEO
Chapters Com → Director, 2024
Director → Interim CEO, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Goergen
President
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Kramer
Chair
Director → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Tormoehlen
Director Thr
Treasurer → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Director Thr, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Delmer
Director
Director → Science, 2022
Science → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeanne Romero-Severson
Director
Director → Director Thr, 2023
Director Thr → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William J. Cude III
Director
Secretary → Chair, 2022
Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Betty Allison
Director
Director → Promotion Ch, 2022
Promotion Ch → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Novelli
Director
Director → Government C, 2023
Government C → Director, 2024
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Carter
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Martin Cipollini
Director
On filings since 2024
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jack Swatt
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Black
Director
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shaomin Li
Controller T
Controller → Controller T, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$53K (2024) → $73K (2025)
Dennis Liu
Science & Tech
Director → Science & Tech, 2025
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Scrivani
Vice Chair
Restoration → Director, 2024
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anna Sproul-Latimer
Promo & Outrea
Director → Promo & Outrea, 2025
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Searing
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (21)
- Former: Jim Searing (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Lewis Lobdell (2020–2024) — Director to
- Former: Lisa Thomson (2020–2024) — President & CEO to
- Former: Paul Wingenfeld (2020–2024) — CFO to
- Former: Mandy Cromwell (2021–2024) — Director to
- Former: Bradford G. Stanback (2020–2023) — Director Thr
- Former: Hill Craddock (2020–2023) — Ex-Offic Thr
- Former: Brian C. McCarthy (2020–2022) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Bruce Wakeland (2020–2022) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Carolyn Howes Keiffer (2020–2022) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Donald C. Willeke (2020–2022) — Legal Counsel
- Former: Kim Steiner (2020–2022) — Senior Science A
- Former: Michael D. Doochin (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Steve Barilovits III (2020–2022) — Director Thr
- Former: Allen Nichols (2020–2021) — Director Thr
- Former: Gregory Miller (2020–2021) — Director Thr
- Former: John H. Wenderoth (2020–2021) — Director Thr
- Former: Z. Cartter Patten (2020–2021) — Director Thr
- Former: Catherine D. Mayes (2020) — Outreach Thr
- Former: Heather Nelson (2020) — Controller T
- Former: Yurij Bihun (2020) — Director Thr
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $218K, to William C Pitt PHD (Pres/CEO THR). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The American Chestnut Foundation
How much does The American Chestnut Foundation give each year?
The American Chestnut Foundation gave $336K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $162K across 6 grants.
What is The American Chestnut Foundation's typical grant size?
The American Chestnut Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $20,108, and its average grant was $33,565, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The American Chestnut Foundation that year got $13K on average.
Where does The American Chestnut Foundation give grants?
The American Chestnut Foundation's top state is Pennsylvania, with 32% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Georgia (24%) and Virginia (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were University Park, PA (2 grants) and Blacksburg, VA (2 grants).
Does The American Chestnut Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on The American Chestnut Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research" (8 grants).
Who are The American Chestnut Foundation's largest grantees?
The American Chestnut Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Pennsylvania State University Research Accounting ($83,254), Univ of Georgia Research Foundation ($81,058) and Virginia Polytechnic University ($57,999), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 66% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The American Chestnut Foundation?
The American Chestnut Foundation reported $10.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.9M.
What does The American Chestnut Foundation fund?
TACF’s stated mission is “to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.” Its 2024 filing describes continued research integrating breeding, bio-control, and biotechnology, alongside scientific collaboration and ecological restoration. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The American Chestnut Foundation?
The website’s small-grants page listed a 2026 proposal submission cycle, but that cycle closed on September 28, 2026. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The American Chestnut Foundation's EIN?
The American Chestnut Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1483019. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
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 January 21, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 11, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 8, 2026)
Live grants for the work The American Chestnut Foundation funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
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Browse active grant opportunities in The American Chestnut Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The American Chestnut Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-american-chestnut-foundation-morg_b9dcb342802f4110a76e27dc02a59966
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_411483019_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The American Chestnut Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-american-chestnut-foundation-morg_b9dcb342802f4110a76e27dc02a59966},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. 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 The American Chestnut 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.
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