The Sunrise Project Inc
The Sunrise Project Inc is a public charity based in Wilmington, Delaware. Formed in 2021, it supports work to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy through research and analysis, strategic grantmaking, and capacity building.
The Sunrise Project Inc at a glance
In short: The Sunrise Project Inc gave $17.3M across 75 grants in 2024 (avg $231K), top state New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $17,338,500
- +5.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 75
- +47.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $231,180
- -28.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $150,000
- Total assets
- $14,015,616
- +169.6% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to The Sunrise Project Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 800 N King Street Suite 304 1228, Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 592-6122
Website: https://sunriseproject.us
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Sunrise Project Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Potential Energy Coalition Inc ($2.5M). Together the top 10 received $7.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
128 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 53 grants of 128 (41%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in New York (35%), California (21%), and Washington, DC (20%), followed by Massachusetts (7%) and Pennsylvania (3%). The listed grants also included recipients in Ohio.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 75 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Sunrise Project Inc gives
- 43% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (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 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $680K (2022) to $17.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 75 grants totaling $17.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Potential Energy Coalition Inc New York, NY | General Support | $2,500,000 |
| Sustainable Markets Foundation New York, NY | General Support | $1,070,000 |
| Ceres Inc Boston, MA | General Support | $800,000 |
| Sierra Club Foundation Oakland, CA | General Support | $640,000 |
| Public Citizen Foundation Inc Washington, DC | General Support | $580,000 |
| Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund Washington, DC | General Support | $500,000 |
| Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Inc Lakewood, OH | General Support | $400,000 |
| Acce Institute Los Angeles, CA | General Support | $380,000 |
| Georgetown University Washington, DC | General Support | $375,000 |
| Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility New York, NY | General Support | $375,000 |
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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 | $14,015,616 | $61,111,981 | $51,691,946 | $17,338,500 | 75 | $129,430 |
| 2023 | $5,199,627 | $33,276,881 | $36,014,694 | $16,400,000 | 51 | $264,295 |
| 2022 | $5,246,874 | $9,846,280 | $4,661,231 | $680,000 | 2 | $16,147 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states that its mission is “to scale social movements to drive the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as fast as possible.” Its program description emphasizes research and analysis, strategic grantmaking, and capacity building.
Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied missions. For example, Potential Energy Coalition describes its work as using communications to educate the public on climate change and clean energy. Ceres describes itself as working to accelerate a cleaner, more just, and resilient world through education and research. ACCE Institute says it works to improve the lives of traditionally underserved Californians through leadership development, policy work, civic participation, and community empowerment.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the organization reported 75 grants totaling $17,338,500. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $2,500,000, with a median grant of $150,000. Its largest awards included $2,500,000 to Potential Energy Coalition Inc, $1,070,000 to Sustainable Markets Foundation, $800,000 to Ceres Inc, $640,000 to Sierra Club Foundation, and $580,000 to Public Citizen Foundation Inc. Each was listed for general support.
The organization states that it maintains a close, continuous working relationship with grantees to ensure grant funds are used for their intended purpose.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sudha Nandagopal as chair; John Hepburn as treasurer through June 2024; and Lorena Gonzalez, Danny Kennedy (through August 2024), Anay Shah, and Parin Shah as board members. Sam La Rocca is listed as a board member and executive director. Jane Li is listed as general counsel and company secretary, Marijke Van Liemt as interim chief operating officer, and Anita Schwartz as managing director of development through May 2024.
The Sunrise Project Inc is led by Sam La Rocca, Board Member & Executive Director since 2024 (on filings since 2023); 11 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sam La Rocca
Board Member & Executive Director
Director → Board Member & Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$210K (2024)
Sudha Nandagopal
Chair
Secretary → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
$30K (2023) → $30K (2024)
Amanda Roll-Pickering
Program Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$156K (2023) → $163K (2024)
Adwoa Agyeman
Network Grants Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$142K (2024)
Anita Schwartz
Mng Director of Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$194K (2024)
Diana Best
Program Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$147K (2024)
Elaine Regullano
Research Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$153K (2024)
Umme Hoque
Program Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$148K (2024)
Jane Li
General Counsel & Company Secretary
COO, General Counsel & Secretary → General Counsel & Company Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$136K (2023) → $147K (2024)
Marijke Van Liemt
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Int Director of Finance & Operations → Interim Chief Operating Officer, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$135K (2023) → $125K (2024)
Daniel Sufranski
Federal Policy Strategist
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$138K (2024)
John Hepburn
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Danny Kennedy
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lorena Gonzalez
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Parin Shah
Board Member
Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anay Shah
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Vanessa Pierce (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Grace Regullano (2023) — Program Director
- Former: Gulrukh Schwartz (2023) — Managing Director of Development
- Former: Justin Guay (2023) — Director of Global Climate Strategy
- Former: Odessa Sta Maria (2023) — Program Manager
- Former: Shannon Lawrence (2023) — Program Director
- Former: Puichun Jane Li (2022) — Chief Operating Officer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2022–2024. "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 $210K, to Sam La Rocca (Board Member / Exec Director). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Sunrise Project Inc
How much does The Sunrise Project Inc give each year?
The Sunrise Project Inc gave $17.3M across 75 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $16.4M across 51 grants.
What is The Sunrise Project Inc's typical grant size?
The Sunrise Project Inc's median grant in 2024 was $150,000, and its average grant was $231,180, across 75 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Sunrise Project Inc give grants?
The Sunrise Project Inc's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (21%) and District of Columbia (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (15 grants), Washington, DC (14 grants), San Francisco, CA (4 grants) and Berkeley, CA (4 grants).
Does The Sunrise Project Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Sunrise Project Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (75 of 75) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Sunrise Project Inc's largest grantees?
The Sunrise Project Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Potential Energy Coalition Inc ($2,500,000), Sustainable Markets Foundation ($1,070,000) and Ceres Inc ($800,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Sunrise Project Inc?
The Sunrise Project Inc reported $14.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $61.1M.
What does The Sunrise Project Inc fund?
The organization states that its mission is “to scale social movements to drive the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as fast as possible.” Its program description emphasizes research and analysis, strategic grantmaking, and capacity building. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Sunrise Project Inc?
The Sunrise Project Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check sunriseproject.us for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Sunrise Project Inc's EIN?
The Sunrise Project Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-2370083. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2022–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 16, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2022–2024
Live grants for the work The Sunrise Project Inc funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Sunrise Project Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Sunrise Project Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-sunrise-project-inc-morg_bc1c1f79106a434a8542af38ddabd924
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_872370083_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Sunrise Project Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-sunrise-project-inc-morg_bc1c1f79106a434a8542af38ddabd924},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 Sunrise Project Inc'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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