True North Foundation
True North Foundation is a private foundation based in Grass Valley, California. Its 2024 filing is marked as a final return: the foundation reported that it terminated operations in December 2024 and distributed all its assets to Alaska Conservation Center on December 30, 2024. It therefore appears to have wound down and is no longer making grants.
True North Foundation at a glance
In short: True North Foundation gave $2.1M across 8 grants in 2024 (avg $266K), mostly in Alaska. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,124,087
- -33.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 8
- -69.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $265,511
- +115.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $141,500
- Primary geography
- Alaska (63% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to True North Foundation
- 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. It terminated operations in December 2024 and filed a final return.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1177, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: (530) 274-1620
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who True North Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Alaska Conservation Foundation ($961K). Together the top 8 received $2.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
149 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 60 grants of 149 (40%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 63% of grant dollars went to recipients in Alaska, 17% to Montana, 12% to the District of Columbia, 4% to Idaho, and 4% to California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 8 itemized grants.
Cities
How True North Foundation gives
- Giving fell 46% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.1M (2024) to $4.6M (2020). In 2024 it made 8 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Conservation Foundation Anchorage, AK | Mining Network | $961,087 |
| Western Organzation of Resource Councils Education Project Billings, MT | Western mining activist/ network mini grants/ general support/ conference | $360,000 |
| Earthworks Washington, DC | General Support/ Circuit Rider Program/ Alaska Program | $250,000 |
| The Northern Center Fairbanks, AK | General Support/Mining Program/ Communications Programs | $150,000 |
| Alaska Community Action on Toxics Anchorage, AK | General Support/ Clean Water/ Mining Position | $133,000 |
| National Audubon Society Anchorage, AK | General Support/ Tongass Program/ Mining Program | $100,000 |
| Idaho Conservation League Boise, ID | Mining Program/ Communications Program | $90,000 |
| The Sierra Fund Neveda City, CA | General Support/ Mining Program | $80,000 |
Ready to take the next step with True North 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 | — | $500,619 | $2,323,476 | $2,124,087 | 8 | $2,233,216 | $410,071 | $37,215 |
| 2023 | $1,836,040 | $2,657,038 | $3,580,273 | $3,200,000 | 26 | $3,481,448 | $1,558,213 | $170,515 |
| 2022 | $2,740,428 | $108,770 | $4,471,484 | $4,108,000 | 34 | $4,377,002 | $14,288 | $394,499 |
| 2021 | $7,084,569 | $79,358 | $4,300,319 | $3,920,000 | 35 | $4,171,392 | — | $586,494 |
| 2020 | $12,756,934 | $13,675,737 | $4,979,072 | $4,618,000 | 46 | — | $1,587,498 | $306,291 |
| 2019 | $2,494,727 | $442,736 | $3,324,742 | $3,012,000 | 28 | — | $358,006 | $319,539 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, True North Foundation reported a distributable amount of $37K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The available filing information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants went to organizations whose stated work included conservation, environmental protection, clean water, and mining-related programs. For example, Alaska Conservation Foundation says it protects Alaska’s landscapes and ways of life by supporting conservation leaders, organizations, and initiatives. Earthworks says it works to protect communities and the environment from the impacts of irresponsible mineral and energy development. Alaska Community Action on Toxics describes its work as empowering communities to eliminate exposure to toxics through research, education, organizing, and advocacy.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported eight grants totaling $2,124,087. Grant amounts ranged from $80,000 to $961,087, with a median grant of $141,500. The largest awards included $961,087 to Alaska Conservation Foundation for its mining network, $360,000 to Western Organization of Resource Councils Education Project for mining-related network and organizing support, and $250,000 to Earthworks for general support and program work.
Other 2024 recipients included The Northern Center ($150,000), Alaska Community Action on Toxics ($133,000), National Audubon Society ($100,000), Idaho Conservation League ($90,000), and The Sierra Fund ($80,000).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kerry Anderson as president and Kathy Fong Stephens as trustee.
True North Foundation is led by Kerry Anderson, President on every filing since 2019; all 2 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kerry Anderson
President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$229K (2019) → $104K (2024)
Kathy Fong Stephens
Trustee
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
$17K (2019) → $7K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 $104K, to Kerry Anderson (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about True North Foundation
How much does True North Foundation give each year?
True North Foundation gave $2.1M across 8 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.2M across 26 grants.
What is True North Foundation's typical grant size?
True North Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $141,500, and its average grant was $265,511, across 8 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does True North Foundation give grants?
True North Foundation gives mostly in Alaska: 63% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Montana (17%) and District of Columbia (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Anchorage, AK (3 grants).
Does True North Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 75% of True North Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 8) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are True North Foundation's largest grantees?
True North Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Alaska Conservation Foundation ($961,087), Western Organzation of Resource Councils Education Project ($360,000) and Earthworks ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 74% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
What does True North Foundation fund?
The available filing information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants went to organizations whose stated work included conservation, environmental protection, clean water, and mining-related programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from True North Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is True North Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, True North Foundation reported a distributable amount of $37K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is True North Foundation's EIN?
True North Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 74-2421528. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Does True North 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 October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 20, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in True North Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Alaska Conservation Foundation
Anchorage, AK
Alaska Conservation Foundation funds Alaska-based conservation organizations, leaders, and initiatives focused on protecting lands, waters, wildlife, communities, and ways of life, including climate adaptation and grassroots advocacy. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,000 to $258,378, with a median of about $15,449. It accepts applications on a rolling basis for its Alpenglow and Rapid Response programs; Rapid Response grants are capped at $15,000.
Assets
$17.2M
Grants
57
Total Given
$2.1M
444S Foundation
Bellevue, WA
The 444S Foundation funds conservation, wilderness and public lands, wildlife, and environmental policy, with recent grants supporting organizations in the U.S. and Canada, especially in D.C., Alaska, California, and Idaho. Its 2024 grants ranged from $15,000 to $275,000, with a median of $50,000. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$45.8M
Grants
31
Total Given
$2.5M
Campion Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Campion Foundation funds efforts to prevent youth homelessness, expand access to safe, affordable housing, and protect large, intact ecosystems, including Alaska’s Arctic and public lands across the United States. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $225,000, with a median of $15,000, and went mainly to organizations in Washington, D.C., New York, Alaska, and Colorado. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$16.8M
Grants
40
Total Given
$1.5M
Northlight Foundation Inc
New York, NY
NorthLight Foundation funds conservation, climate and community resilience, environmental leadership, rural communities—especially in Maine—and community-serving organizations, with a strong Arctic defense portfolio. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $1.225 million, with a median of $72,500; giving was concentrated in New York, Michigan, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maine. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$82.1M
Grants
46
Total Given
$7.3M
Wilburforce Foundation
Seattle, WA
Wilburforce Foundation funds science-driven land, water, and wildlife conservation, habitat connectivity, conservation policy, and grantee capacity in priority regions across Western North America, including parts of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $800,000, with a median of $50,000. Applicants should speak with the appropriate program officer before developing a proposal; unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed.
Assets
$153.3M
Grants
225
Total Given
$19.3M
The Wilderness Society
Washington, DC
The Wilderness Society funds conservation projects, education and outreach, and scientific research that protect public lands and waters, support stewardship, climate solutions, and equitable outdoor access. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,000 to $150,000, with a median of $15,000, for work across the United States. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$127.1M
Grants
59
Total Given
$1.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from True North 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.
True North Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?