The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc
The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc is a private philanthropic organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1991. The foundation is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, carrying forward the legacy of Ray C. Anderson, a pioneer in sustainable business practices. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation supports initiatives focused on environmental education and sustainability across the United States.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$43.0M
-1.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.2M
-2.1% YoY
Grant Count
27
-60.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$156K
+150.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation is committed to supporting and funding projects that ensure future generations inherit a world where healthy and functioning natural systems support all life. Primary giving focuses on:
- Environmental education
- Sustainability initiatives
- Climate solutions and environmental stewardship
- Natural capital and living infrastructure
- Energy and mobility solutions
- Biomimicry and nature-based innovation
Grantmaking
The foundation is open to new applicants and demonstrates recent grant activity in its filings.
Grant Range
$15,000
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports initiatives across multiple states including Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, California, and other locations throughout the United States. Major cities receiving support include Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $43.7 million
- Total Revenue: $3.82 million
- Total Expenses: $6.18 million
- Total Liabilities: $6,610
Staffing: The foundation employs 2 professional staff members working full-time, with additional trustee support.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $43,049,683 | $43,695,347 | $42,159,322 |
| Revenue | $4,578,679 | $3,820,998 | $2,944,990 |
| Expenses | $6,025,043 | $6,179,345 | $5,582,679 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,535,411 | $5,722,149 | $5,000,938 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,081,392 | $3,375,625 | $2,351,061 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,118,554 | $2,242,296 | $2,305,131 |
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
225 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Mzc Foundation (dba the Ray) ($2,000,000), Georgia Tech Foundation ($750,000), The Biomimicry Institute ($650,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 INC SANTA FE, NM | GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $2,500 |
| AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE DECATUR, GA | SUSTAINING GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $5,000 |
| BELOVED ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE, NC | GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $7,000 |
| BIRDS GEORGIA (FKA GEORGIA AUDUBON) ATLANTA, GA | SUSTAINING GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $15,000 |
| CAPTAIN PLANET FOUNDATION ATLANTA, GA | SUSTAINING GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $30,000 |
| CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERKEEPER ATLANTA, GA | SUSTAINING GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $15,000 |
| CLIMATE CONSORTIUM OF THE COMMONS ATLANTA, GA | GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $50,000 |
| ECOFORESTERS ATLANTA, GA | NEXTGEN GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $2,000 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY ACTION ATLANTA, GA | DRAWDOWN GEORGIA GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $50,000 |
| FURMAN UNIVERSITY SHI CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY GREENVILLE, SC | SUSTAINING GRANT - TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION, ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | $15,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Mary Anne Anderson Lanier - Trustee, President/Treasurer
- John Anderson Lanier - Trustee Ex-Officio, Executive Director
- Harriet Anderson Langford - Trustee
- A Phillip Langford - Trustee
- James A Lanier Jr - Trustee
The foundation maintains a board of trustees dedicated to environmental stewardship, with most serving without compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY ANNE ANDERSON LANIER | TRUSTEE, PRESIDENT/TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JOHN ANDERSON LANIER | TRUSTEE EX-OFFICIO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | — |
| HARRIET ANDERSON LANGFORD | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| A PHILLIP LANGFORD | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JAMES A LANIER JR | TRUSTEE | 1 | $222,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2026 Initiatives:**
Successfully installed a pollinator meadow in Doraville, Georgia in late February 2026, representing a strategic partnership to enhance public land value at a regional transportation hub
The Biomimicry Institute opened applications for the 2026 Ray of Hope Accelerator, a global founder-focused program supporting early-stage startups using nature-based solutions
Katie Garcia recognized as the 2025 recipient of the Ray C. Anderson Sales & Sustainability Award, presented by Interface and the foundation
The Ray C. Anderson Foundation Funds Fellowship to Accelerate Climate Solutions\**The Ray Program:**
The foundation supports The Ray, a nonprofit representing Ray C. Anderson's legacy in transforming infrastructure. The Ray focuses on:
Ray C. Anderson Foundation Grant to Emory Supports Statewide Climate ConsortiumEnergy and Mobility: Deploying advanced power-generating assets including solar arrays within highway rights-of-way
Geospatial Analysis: Using advanced mapping tools to assess corridor feasibility for infrastructure placement
Natural Capital: Reintroducing living infrastructure such as native plantings and specialized vegetation
The foundation committed an additional $2 million to The Ray program, demonstrating significant ongoing investment in this strategic initiative.
Ray C. Anderson Foundation Commits Additional $2 Million to The Ray**Contact Information:**
Phone: 404-477-1462
Website: www.raycandersonfoundation.org
Address: 1270 Caroline St NE Ste D120 PMB 52, Atlanta, GA 30307-2954
EIN: 58-1867303
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation is committed to supporting and funding projects that ensure future generations inherit a world where healthy and functioning natural systems support all life. Primary giving focuses on: • Environmental education • Sustainability initiatives • Climate solutions and environmental stewardship • Natural capital and living infrastructure • Energy and mobility solutions • Biomimicry and nature-based innovation
How do I apply for a grant from The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • Total giving: $4.2 million (2023) • Typical grant awards range from $515 to $2,000,000 • Median grant size: $15,000 • Recent grant activity demonstrates active grantmaking **Recent Grants (2023):** • The Biomimicry Institute: $650,000 (Gray Note Grant with direct support and pass-through funding for Ray of Hope Prize Winners) • Georgia Tech Research Corporation: $230,000 (Drawdown Georgia Research Grant) • Project Drawdown: $150,000 (Climate Grant) **Application Status:** …
Where does The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation supports initiatives across multiple states including Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, California, and other locations throughout the United States. Major cities receiving support include Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
What size grants does The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc awarded 27 grants totaling $4.2M — an average of about $156K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.1M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Ray C Anderson Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1867303. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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