The Shared Earth Foundation
The Shared Earth Foundation is a private foundation based in Chestertown, Maryland. It makes charitable contributions to organizations working to protect and restore habitat, support biodiversity, and reduce harmful human impacts on the planet.
The Shared Earth Foundation at a glance
In short: The Shared Earth Foundation gave $3.3M across 48 grants in 2024 (avg $69K), top state California. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,290,000
- +11.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 48
- +4.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $68,542
- +7.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $47,500
- Total assets
- $600,409
- -33.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (13 of 48, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (28% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Shared Earth Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The website provides application requirements but states that the Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. The 2024 filing directs prospective applicants to the website for requirements and lists no deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Caroline D Gabel President
Mailing address: 113 Hoffman Lane, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: (410) 778-6868
Website: https://sharedearth.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Shared Earth Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Defenders of Wildlife ($275K). Together the top 10 received $1.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
231 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 89 grants of 231 (39%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website says it funds organizations in the United States and abroad. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in California and the District of Columbia (28% each), followed by Maryland (19%), New York (5%), and Pennsylvania (4%). Grant purposes also included work in places such as Bhutan, Sabah, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and the Pacific Coast corridor.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 48 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Shared Earth Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 48 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $50K; repeat grants $75K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 60% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 23% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.9M (2022) to $4.7M (2020). In 2024 it made 48 grants totaling $3.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Defenders of Wildlife Washington, DC | To provide support for the wildlife defense and restoration act; protecting wildlife now and preparing to reverse damage done to them and their habitats. Support for the red wolf recovery program in North Carolina. | $275,000 |
| Bhutan Foundation Washington, DC | Supporting the foundation's conservation, governance, cultural and environmental programs on the ground in the himalayan kingdom | $220,000 |
| Leap San Leandro, CA | Staff support and support for freshwater for the future, cataloging all fish in sabah's waters and working to improve water quality throughout the state. | $217,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum St Michaels, MD | To support the organization's mission to preserve and explore history, environment & people of the chesapeake bay. | $200,000 |
| Upstream Alliance Annapolis, MD | To support a program for environmental and young leadership with on-the-water training on the chesapeake bay, Delaware river and camden nj, as well as board reserve. | $185,000 |
| Entertainment 2 Affect Change Los Angeles, CA | To enhance the impact of the film tigre gente. | $150,000 |
| Game Changers Foundation Laguna Niguel, CA | Impact campaign for the film game changers, which presents the vegan diet as a solution to climate change, animal welfare and improved human health. | $150,000 |
| National Geographic Society Washington, DC | Support for the organization's program to protect and conserve african wild dogs in zimbabwe as well as support for the forthcoming book photoark, portraits of animals threatened, endangered or extinct in the wild.. | $150,000 |
| Smithsonian National Zoological Park Washington, DC | To Provide Financial Support for the Zoo. | $125,000 |
| Snow Leopard Conservancy Sonoma, CA | Conservation of snow leopards throughout their mountainous himalayan range and to provide support for village guard. | $125,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Shared Earth Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $600,409 | $2,991,356 | $3,298,461 | $3,290,000 | 48 | $3,290,000 | — | $30,560 |
| 2023 | $907,514 | $1,554,350 | $3,028,955 | $2,945,800 | 46 | $2,945,800 | — | $63,894 |
| 2022 | $2,382,119 | $1,128,593 | $3,185,742 | $2,943,000 | 42 | $2,943,000 | $1,065,112 | $190,943 |
| 2021 | $4,439,268 | $1,723,440 | $4,441,406 | $4,255,625 | 49 | $4,255,625 | $1,525,219 | $380,211 |
| 2020 | $7,157,234 | $2,329,649 | $4,850,209 | $4,740,500 | 46 | — | $2,169,940 | $493,853 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Shared Earth Foundation reported a distributable amount of $31K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is grounded in the belief that all creatures have an enduring claim to sustainable space on Earth. It says people have a responsibility to share the planet’s resources with other creatures and future generations by limiting adverse impacts and protecting wildlife and the places they inhabit. Its stated funding interests include habitat protection and restoration, respect for other species, and efforts to limit detrimental human impacts.
The 2024 grants illustrate support for varied organizations and activities. For example, Defenders of Wildlife describes its mission as protecting native animals and plants in their natural communities. Upstream Alliance says it provides outdoor environmental education to prepare young people to be leaders and stewards of a sustainable environment. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum says it works to preserve and explore the history, environment, and people of the Chesapeake Bay.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 48 grants totaling $3,290,000. Grant amounts ranged from $4,000 to $275,000, with a median of $47,500. Among the largest awards were $275,000 to Defenders of Wildlife for wildlife defense and restoration work, including support for the Red Wolf Recovery Program; $220,000 to the Bhutan Foundation for conservation, governance, cultural, and environmental programs; $217,000 to LEAP for staff support and freshwater work in Sabah; and $200,000 to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
The Foundation’s website describes an application form requesting organizational and project information, including project objectives, strategy, duration, budget, and other anticipated support. It also asks for an operating budget or recent audited financial statement, proof of tax-exempt status, a board and senior-staff list, and the most recent certified audit, if available. The website states that a report is expected 11 months after receipt of a grant. Its grants page says the Foundation does not accept new partners or unsolicited applications.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Caroline D Gabel is listed as president on the 2024 filing.
The Shared Earth Foundation is led by Caroline D. Gabel, President on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Caroline D. Gabel
President
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Shared Earth Foundation
How much does The Shared Earth Foundation give each year?
The Shared Earth Foundation gave $3.3M across 48 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.9M across 46 grants.
What is The Shared Earth Foundation's typical grant size?
The Shared Earth Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $47,500, and its average grant was $68,542, across 48 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Shared Earth Foundation that year got $50K on average.
Where does The Shared Earth Foundation give grants?
The Shared Earth Foundation's top state is California, with 28% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were District of Columbia (28%) and Maryland (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (8 grants), Easton, MD (3 grants), Annapolis, MD (2 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does The Shared Earth Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of The Shared Earth Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 48) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Shared Earth Foundation's largest grantees?
The Shared Earth Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Defenders of Wildlife ($275,000), Bhutan Foundation ($220,000) and Leap ($217,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 22% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Shared Earth Foundation?
The Shared Earth Foundation reported $600K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $31K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Shared Earth Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is grounded in the belief that all creatures have an enduring claim to sustainable space on Earth. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Shared Earth Foundation?
The website provides application requirements but states that the Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Shared Earth Foundation's EIN?
The Shared Earth Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-2151843. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Shared Earth Foundation 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Shared Earth Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Maryland
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
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
The Keith Campbell Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Keith Campbell Foundation funds nonprofits working for equitable, livable communities, especially on watershed health, clean water, agriculture, and related community needs, with a focus on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and California’s San Francisco Bay watershed. Giving varies widely: 2024 grants ranged from $40 to $1.5 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts unsolicited requests, with two application cycles per year.
Assets
$420.2M
Grants
688
Total Given
$27.9M
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Shared Earth Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-shared-earth-foundation-morg_67f08492deae4600913260efdbe5e479
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_522151843_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Shared Earth Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-shared-earth-foundation-morg_67f08492deae4600913260efdbe5e479},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Shared Earth 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.
The Shared Earth Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?