The Betsy and Jesse Fink
The Betsy and Jesse Fink is a private foundation based in Fairfield, Connecticut. In 2024, it reported grants to organizations working in areas including sustainable communities, food systems, resilient habitats and biodiversity, as well as support for documentary film projects.
Key facts about The Betsy and Jesse Fink
In short: The Betsy and Jesse Fink gave $1.7M across 30 grants in 2024 (avg $56K), top state New York. 17% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 13-7219308
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,678,988
- Grants made (2024)
- 30
- Average grant
- $55,966
- Median grant
- $17,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (4 of 23, 2024; small sample)
- Total assets
- $14,719,128
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- 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. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$14.7M
-0.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
-0.6% YoY
Grant Count
30
-26.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$56K
+35.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Betsy and Jesse Fink reported a distributable amount of $619K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Betsy and Jesse Fink open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 23 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $87K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $18K repeat.
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−2%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 320% 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Grant purposes in 2024 identify support for sustainable communities, sustainable food systems, food-waste work, and resilient habitats and biodiversity. The filing also describes support for documentary films about the Mississippi River and the global trade of looted antiques.
The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the kinds of organizations supported. The ESF College Foundation says it helps SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry advance education, research and public service. ReFED describes its work as catalyzing evidence-based action to stop food waste. Earthjustice describes itself as an environmental law organization working to protect people’s health, places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. The Denver Film Society says it develops opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film and cultivates film as an art form.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 30 grants totaling $1,678,988. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $250,000, with a median of $17,500.
Among the largest reported grants were $250,000 to Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc. as a charitable distribution to fund its donor-advised fund, and $250,000 to Denver Film Society for a grant to Exposure Labs for *Braiding Sweetgrass*. ESF College Foundation received grants of $125,000 and $100,000 for sustainable-communities purposes, including a pollinator ecologist position and program, career development, and support for its Center for Native Peoples and Robin Kimmerer. ReFED received two grants of $100,000, for a multi-year gift and food-waste AI and technology. Earthjustice received $100,000 for a grant described as the first of three annual grants for land, wildlife and oceans. Other reported grants included $50,000 and $47,500 to BiodiversityWorks for Martha’s Vineyard Atlas of Life expenses.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The Betsy and Jesse Fink?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, grant dollars were distributed among recipients in New York (35%), Indiana (29%), Colorado (16%), Massachusetts (8%) and California (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 30 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $918K (2020) to $1.7M (2021). In 2024 it made 30 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc ($480K across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
156 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 108 grants of 156 (69%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc Indianapolis, IN | Charitable Distribution to Fund Renaissance Charitable Foundation DAF | $250,000 |
| Denver Film Society Denver, CO | Grant area: 501c entity for funding to denver film society (grant to exposure labs for film braiding sweetgrass) | $250,000 |
| Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc Indianapolis, IN | Charitable Distribution to Fund Renaissance Charitable Foundation DAF | $230,000 |
| ESF College Foundation Syracuse, NY | Grant area: sustainable communities (restoration sci. Cntr pollinator ecologist position, program) | $125,000 |
| Refed Inc Long Island City, NY | Grant Area: Sustainable Food Systems (Multi-Year Gift) | $100,000 |
| ESF College Foundation Syracuse, NY | Grant Area: Sustainable Communities (Support Career Dev. Program) | $100,000 |
| ESF College Foundation Syracuse, NY | Grant area: sustainable communities & misc (center for native peoples and robin kimmerer) | $100,000 |
| Refed Inc Long Island City, NY | Grant Area: Food Waste (Ai & Technology) | $100,000 |
| Earthjustice San Francisco, CA | Grant area: resilient habitats & biodiversity (1st of 3 annual grants; land wildlife & oceans) | $100,000 |
| Biodiversityworks Inc Vineyard Haven, MA | Grant area: resilient habitats: mv atlas of life expenses (staff salary, program admin; jan. - june 2024) | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14,719,128 | $1,731,582 | $1,966,654 | $1,678,988 |
| 2023 | $14,723,260 | $3,108,668 | $1,899,238 | $1,689,968 |
| 2022 | $13,949,044 | $285,996 | $1,959,384 | $1,609,603 |
The foundation reported 30 grants in 2024, 41 in 2023 and 35 in 2022.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $14,719,128 | $14,723,260 | $13,949,044 |
| Revenue | $1,731,582 | $3,108,668 | $285,996 |
| Expenses | $1,966,654 | $1,899,238 | $1,959,384 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,982,889 | $1,913,756 | $2,173,356 |
| Net Investment Income | $714,919 | $2,081,725 | $219,352 |
| Distributable Amount | $619,400 | $614,078 | $809,321 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jesse Fink and Betsy Fink as trustees.
The Betsy and Jesse Fink's 2024 filing lists 2 officers; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Betsy Fink
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jesse Fink
Trustee
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Andrew Fink (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Carly Fink (2020) — Trustee
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 857 Post Road - Suite 399, Fairfield, CT 06824
Phone: (203) 286-0400
Frequently asked questions about The Betsy and Jesse Fink
How much does The Betsy and Jesse Fink give each year?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink gave $1.7M across 30 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.7M across 41 grants.
What is The Betsy and Jesse Fink's typical grant size?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink's median grant in 2024 was $17,500, and its average grant was $55,966, across 30 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Betsy and Jesse Fink that year got $6K on average.
Where does The Betsy and Jesse Fink give grants?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Indiana (29%) and Colorado (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Syracuse, NY (3 grants), Long Island City, NY (3 grants), Washington, DC (3 grants) and Indianapolis, IN (2 grants).
Does The Betsy and Jesse Fink give general operating support?
Yes: 23% of The Betsy and Jesse Fink's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 30) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Betsy and Jesse Fink's largest grantees?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink's largest 2024 grantees include Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc ($480,000 across 2 grants), ESF College Foundation ($325,000 across 3 grants) and Denver Film Society ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Betsy and Jesse Fink?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink reported $14.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $619K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Betsy and Jesse Fink fund?
The filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Grant purposes in 2024 identify support for sustainable communities, sustainable food systems, food-waste work, and resilient habitats and biodiversity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Betsy and Jesse Fink?
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 The Betsy and Jesse Fink's EIN?
The Betsy and Jesse Fink's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-7219308. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Betsy and Jesse Fink 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.
Here's the math on researching The Betsy and Jesse Fink by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Betsy and Jesse Fink's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Connecticut
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
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
Americares Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Americares funds health care organizations and programs focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, access to medicines and medical supplies, and community health services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,073 to $3.86 million, with a median of about $58,700; it works in the United States and internationally, reaching an average of 80 countries each year. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$372.5M
Grants
635
Total Given
$113.3M
American Savings Foundation Inc
New Britain, CT
The foundation funds education, human services, and arts and culture, especially programs serving children, youth, and families, with a primary focus on New Britain and Waterbury and grants across 64 Connecticut towns. In 2025, its grants ranged from $238 to $150,000, with a median of $1,750; it also offers Community Grants of up to $5,000.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
613
Total Given
$3.4M
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hartford, CT
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation funds nonprofits, agencies, and scholarships, with priorities including equity, social and economic mobility, community wellbeing, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $21,600, with awards ranging from about $5,000 to $2.48 million, and it primarily serves 29 towns in Greater Hartford. It offers annual, priority-aligned grant opportunities; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
613
Total Given
$52.0M
Eversource Energy Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
The Eversource Energy Foundation funds U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic or workforce development. It gives in Eversource’s service territory in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire; its 2024 median grant was $2,000, though awards ranged from $250 to $700,000.
Assets
$12.5M
Grants
606
Total Given
$6.2M
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
New Haven, CT
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven supports nonprofits working in civic vitality, arts and culture, health, and education across its 20-town Greater New Haven service area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, though amounts varied widely; it offers competitive, online application-based programs, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$627.4M
Grants
505
Total Given
$23.4M
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc
Norwalk, CT
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation funds local nonprofits addressing education and careers, economic security, health equity, housing, civic engagement, and related community needs in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Awards vary widely: capacity-building grants are up to $10,000, Community Impact Grants are $10,000–$15,000, and reported 2025 grants had a median of $24,080. It accepts unsolicited applications for some programs, including rolling capacity-building and small-grant opportunities; Strategic Partner Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
448
Total Given
$25.7M
Viking Global Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Assets
$7.1M
Grants
423
Total Given
$3.6M
Ion Bank Foundation Inc
Naugatuck, CT
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
419
Total Given
$1.0M
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
More Funders in Connecticut
The Betsy and Jesse Fink down — hundreds of funders to go?