United States Energy Foundation
United States Energy Foundation (USEF) is a public charity headquartered in San Francisco, California. It supports education and analysis promoting nonpartisan policy solutions for clean energy, with a mission to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis.
United States Energy Foundation at a glance
In short: United States Energy Foundation gave $166.3M across 597 grants in 2024 (avg $279K), top state District of Columbia. 17% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $166,304,465
- +6.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 597
- -3.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $278,567
- +10.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $135,000
- Total assets
- $215,719,190
- +10.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (104 of 596, 2024)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (29% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United States Energy Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
USEF does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals. Its website says grantseekers must be invited to submit a proposal.
- Contact
Mailing address: 55 2Nd Street 24Th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 561-6700
Website: https://ef.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United States Energy Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Climate Power ($21.0M). Together the top 10 received $40.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
2,806 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 912 grants of 2,806 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
USEF says it focuses on U.S. federal action and regional, state, and local progress on climate and clean energy, and does not work outside the United States. Its 2024 grant dollars were concentrated in Washington, DC (29%), California (12%), New York (9%), Michigan (4%), and Minnesota (4%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 597 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United States Energy Foundation open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 104 of 596 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $350K; repeat grants $264K. How we count
Medians: $100K first-time, $150K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $79.2M (2020) to $166.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 597 grants totaling $166.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Power Washington, DC | To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. | $21,000,000 |
| Sustainable Markets Foundation New York, NY | To support education and outreach to build an equitable clean energy future. | $2,620,000 |
| The Partnership Project Inc Washington, DC | To support education and outreach to build an equitable clean energy future. To promote education and analysis on the benefits of clean transportation. | $2,590,000 |
| Tides Foundation San Francisco, CA | To support education and outreach to build an equitable clean energy future. | $2,325,000 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council Inc New York, NY | To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. To promote education and analysis on the benefits of clean transportation. To promote education and analysis to advance clean, affordable energy that protects public health. | $2,140,666 |
| Utility Information Alliance Seattle, WA | To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. | $2,100,000 |
| Conservative Energy Network Lansing, MI | To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. | $2,027,500 |
| Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs Inc Calabasas, CA | To promote education and analysis to advance energy optimization. To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. To promote education and analysis on the benefits of clean transportation. | $2,013,666 |
| Advanced Energy Institute Washington, DC | To promote education and analysis on the benefits of clean transportation. To support education and outreach to build a clean energy future. General operating support. | $1,970,000 |
| West Harlem Environmental Action Inc New York City, NY | To support education and outreach to build an equitable clean energy future. To promote education and analysis to advance clean, affordable energy that protects public health. To promote education and analysis to advance energy optimization. | $1,666,666 |
Ready to take the next step with United States Energy Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $215,719,190 | $261,370,036 | $238,692,726 | $166,304,465 | 597 | $7,841,671 |
| 2023 | $195,685,276 | $286,003,328 | $219,078,649 | $156,172,400 | 617 | $4,545,960 |
| 2022 | $127,905,372 | $133,310,567 | $189,073,695 | $136,449,287 | 645 | $1,252,862 |
| 2021 | $173,205,171 | $181,891,970 | $141,941,371 | $98,717,113 | 503 | $824,220 |
| 2020 | $134,513,883 | $186,361,127 | $117,166,891 | $79,209,446 | 444 | $19,969 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
USEF’s mission is to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. It funds organizations and institutions that advance clean energy and climate solutions through education and analysis. Its work covers power, transportation, buildings, and industry, and its stated priorities include renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner vehicles and fuels, and equitable access to clean energy benefits. The foundation says its funds do not support legislative lobbying or electoral activities.
USEF says its grantees include business, health, environmental, labor, equity, community, faith, and consumer groups, as well as policy experts, think tanks, and universities. Examples among its 2024 grantees include Climate Power, which describes its mission as winning the politics of climate to ensure political, social, and economic progress on climate; the Conservative Energy Network, which says it champions secure, reliable, affordable, clean American energy; and the Natural Resources Defense Council, which says it works on the climate crisis, wildlife and wild places, and rights to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, USEF reported 597 grants totaling $166,304,465. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $21,000,000, with a median grant of $135,000. The filing describes grant purposes including education and outreach for a clean or equitable clean energy future, clean transportation, energy optimization, clean industry, and clean, affordable energy that protects public health.
Largest reported grants included:
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jason Mark as CEO and Nicole Systrom as board chair. Listed board members are Melanie Audette, Stuart Clarke, Carlos Curbelo, Aravinth Ganesan, Bryan Garcia, Heather McTeer Toney, and Makara Rumley. Rose McKinney James is listed as a board member through March 2024.
United States Energy Foundation is led by Jason Mark, CEO on every filing since 2020; all 23 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jason Mark
CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$434K (2020) → $489K (2024)
Nicole Systrom
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$7K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Maria Alvarez
Senior Director & Finance
On filings since 2023
30 hrs/week
$236K (2023) → $185K (2024)
Brian Stanley
COO, Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
34 hrs/week
$279K (2020) → $323K (2024)
Carlos Curbelo
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$7K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Jane Breyer
Senior Vice President & Strategic Partnerships
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$327K (2020) → $396K (2024)
Melanie Audette
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$7K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Rose McKinney James
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$7K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Susan Frank
Vice President & Strategic Partnerships
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$248K (2020) → $322K (2024)
Bryan Garcia
Board Member
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
$2K (2021) → $10K (2024)
Heather McTeer Toney
Board Member
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
$2K (2021) → $10K (2024)
Jonathan Lonian
Vice President, People & Culture
Senior Director of Hr → Vice President, People & Culture, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$235K (2021) → $281K (2024)
Adrianna Quintero
Vice President, Programs & Equity
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$243K (2022) → $278K (2024)
Jessica Finn Coven
Senior Vice President & Programs
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$249K (2022) → $357K (2024)
Aravinth Ganesan
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$10K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Emily Enderle
Vice President & Programs
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$264K (2023) → $277K (2024)
Makara Rumley
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$2K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Patrick Woodock
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$2K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Stuart Clarke
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$10K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Sue Tierney
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$2K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Aminah Zaghab
Vice President & Programs
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$275K (2024)
Chad Boettcher
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
$4K (2024)
Kelly Speakes-Backman
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
$4K (2024)
Former officers (16)
- Former: Gina McCarthy (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Stephen Harper (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Donald Cravins Jr. (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Lupine Seran (2020–2022) — Senior Director & Knowledge Systems
- Former: Ryan Werder (2020–2022) — Senior Advisor
- Former: Susan Tierney (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Arvin Ganesan (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Skelton Roberts (2021–2022) — Senior Vice President & Programs
- Former: Rose McKinney-James (2021–2022) — Board Chair
- Former: Tiauna George (2022) — Senior Director & Grants Management
- Former: Kris Mayes (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Robert Crane (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Rodney Butler (2021) — Senior Director of Finance
- Former: Amy Fuerstenau (2020) — Vice President & Programs
- Former: Curtis Seymour (2020) — Vice President & Programs
- Former: William Ritter Jr. (2020) — Board Chair
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $489K, to Jason Mark (CEO). 23 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United States Energy Foundation
How much does United States Energy Foundation give each year?
United States Energy Foundation gave $166.3M across 597 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $156.2M across 617 grants.
What is United States Energy Foundation's typical grant size?
United States Energy Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $135,000, and its average grant was $278,567, across 597 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United States Energy Foundation that year got $350K on average.
Where does United States Energy Foundation give grants?
United States Energy Foundation's top state is District of Columbia, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (12%) and New York (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (71 grants), Chicago, IL (23 grants), New York, NY (20 grants) and Portland, OR (17 grants).
Does United States Energy Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of United States Energy Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (49 of 597) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are United States Energy Foundation's largest grantees?
United States Energy Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Climate Power ($21,000,000), Sustainable Markets Foundation ($2,620,000) and The Partnership Project Inc ($2,590,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is United States Energy Foundation?
United States Energy Foundation reported $215.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $261.4M.
What does United States Energy Foundation fund?
USEF’s mission is to secure a clean and equitable energy future to tackle the climate crisis. It funds organizations and institutions that advance clean energy and climate solutions through education and analysis. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United States Energy Foundation?
USEF does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United States Energy Foundation's EIN?
United States Energy Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1740146. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does United States Energy 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 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work United States Energy Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United States Energy Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Natural Resources Defense Council Inc
New York, NY
NRDC funds organizations working on environmental advocacy, including climate, energy, pollution, conservation, and environmental justice efforts in the U.S. and internationally. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,500 to $2 million, with a median of $16,625; the profile does not state whether NRDC accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$657.2M
Grants
116
Total Given
$5.3M
Climate Imperative Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Climate Imperative Foundation funds organizations advancing science- and policy-based reductions in carbon emissions, including clean energy, electrification, and cutting industrial pollution. Its 2024 grants ranged from $75,000 to $29.75 million, with a median of $500,000, supporting work in major-emitting countries and regions; most reported grant dollars went to California, D.C., and New York. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$109.6M
Grants
96
Total Given
$161.5M
Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated
New York, NY
Environmental Defense Fund supports organizations working on climate, clean energy, pollution reduction, water resilience, fisheries, and related environmental research, advocacy, and community efforts. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $931,793, with a median of $25,000; it works in more than 30 countries, while its 2025 grant dollars went mainly to U.S. recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$520.4M
Grants
151
Total Given
$7.9M
Resources Legacy Fund
Sacramento, CA
Resources Legacy Fund supports conservation and restoration of important lands and waters, climate resilience, and community-based environmental work, including environmental justice and public health. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,819 to $1.4 million, with a median of $60,000; its work is rooted in California and extends across Western North America and beyond. It does not accept unsolicited requests, though it welcomes conversations with potential partners whose work aligns with its programs.
Assets
$151.9M
Grants
325
Total Given
$43.9M
Patagoniaorg
Ventura, CA
PATAGONIAORG funds environmental organizations and projects addressing root causes of environmental problems, including place-based protection, environmental campaigns, and broader inclusion in the movement. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $5,174,555, with a median of $15,000, and funding was concentrated in Virginia and California, with grants also reported in Oregon and Colorado. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
425
Total Given
$13.2M
The Schmidt Family Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Schmidt Family Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, human welfare, community health, and community development, with recent grants also supporting ocean stewardship, climate and energy, human rights, Indigenous land stewardship, civic engagement, youth, and food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $130,000, with amounts ranging from $400 to $8 million; grant dollars went mainly to organizations in California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia. It describes an online application process and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations; deadlines and application details are online.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
695
Total Given
$185.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United States Energy Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-states-energy-foundation-morg_6afcdfc8ab3c4515b6e21cc38a114cde
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_831740146_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United States Energy Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-states-energy-foundation-morg_6afcdfc8ab3c4515b6e21cc38a114cde},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 United States Energy 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.
United States Energy Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?