West Harlem Environmental Action Inc
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc is a public charity based in New York, NY. Formed in 1986, it describes its work as building healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in environmental health and protection policy and practice. Its stated programs include environmental justice advocacy and government accountability, community-based environmental health research, and sustainable development advocacy.
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc at a glance
In short: West Harlem Environmental Action Inc gave $1.3M across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $67K), top state New York. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,275,397
- -74.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- -29.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $67,126
- -63.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $52,500
- Total assets
- $21,934,722
- -3.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (8 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (26% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to West Harlem Environmental Action Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10031
Phone: (212) 961-1000
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who West Harlem Environmental Action Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was New Jersey Environmental Just ($147K). Together the top 10 received $928K.
Grant Size Distribution
102 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 43 grants of 102 (42%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants went to recipients in multiple states. The largest reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York (26%), New Jersey (16%), Massachusetts (13%), Illinois (8%), and Washington (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is West Harlem Environmental Action Inc open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 8 of 19 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $73K; repeat grants $63K. How we count
Medians: $57K first-time, $50K 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 $229K (2021) to $4.9M (2023). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Environmental Just Summit, NJ | Capacity Building | $147,054 |
| People United for Sustainable Buffalo, NY | Capacity Building | $130,000 |
| New York University New York, NY | Capacity Building | $122,009 |
| Alternatives for Community & Boston, MA | Power Sector | $105,000 |
| PEOPLE FOR COMMUNITY Recovery Chicago, IL | Capacity Building | $100,000 |
| Duwanish River Community Coal Seattle, WA | Power Sector | $77,500 |
| Green Door Initiative Detroit, MI | Power Sector | $77,500 |
| South Ward Environmental Alli Newark, NJ | Capacity Building | $62,000 |
| Pratt Institue Brooklyn, NY | Capacity Building | $54,334 |
| Center for Community Stewards Madison, WI | Capacity Building | $52,500 |
Ready to take the next step with West Harlem Environmental Action Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $21,934,722 | $10,361,502 | $11,067,147 | $1,275,397 | 19 | $331,480 |
| 2023 | $22,751,954 | $10,446,732 | $13,013,153 | $4,902,835 | 27 | $77,195 |
| 2022 | $20,631,691 | $11,632,523 | $7,618,578 | $889,675 | 14 | $17,756 |
| 2021 | $16,626,101 | $16,263,917 | $3,844,476 | $229,000 | 7 | $2,629 |
| 2020 | $4,451,238 | $4,644,040 | $3,525,487 | $1,135,000 | 35 | $1,777 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is “to build healty communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.” Its program descriptions emphasize resident participation in decisions affecting health and community, community-based participatory research and evidence-based campaigns, and advocacy for equal environmental protection.
The 2024 grants include support for universities and community organizations. For example, grantee New York University describes its mission as education, research and scholarship, and patient care; People for Community Recovery describes its mission as providing environmental justice and education to the general public. South Bronx United says it uses soccer for social change and supports youth development, while Action in Montgomery says it develops local leadership and organized power to address community and economic problems.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the organization reported 19 grants totaling $1,275,397. Grant amounts ranged from $25,000 to $147,054, with a median of $52,500.
Among the largest reported grants were $147,054 to New Jersey Environmental Justice for capacity building; $130,000 to People United for Sustainable Communities for capacity building; $122,009 to New York University for capacity building; $105,000 to Alternatives for Community & Environment for power-sector work; and $100,000 to People for Community Recovery for capacity building.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Peggy Sheppard as Executive Director; Evelyn Joseph as Senior Director of Operations and Finance; Morgan Fritz as Director of Development; Karla Cordero as Chief of Staff; Micaela Martinez as Director of Environmental Health; and Dana Johnson as Senior Director of Strategy and Federal Policy. It also lists Jeff Jones as Chairman, Ken Mak as Vice Chair, Neein Gulati as Treasurer, and Nancy Anderson as Secretary.
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc is led by Peggy Sheppard, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 6 of 23 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Peggy Sheppard
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$127K (2020) → $250K (2024)
Jeff Jones
Chairman
Director → Chair, 2021
Chair → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dana Johnson
Senior Director Stra & Fed Po
Senior Director of Strategy Fed Policy → Senior Director Stra & Fed Po, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$163K (2023) → $127K (2024)
Evelyn Joseph
Senior Director of Oper & Finance
Senior Director of Operations-Finance → Senior Director of Oper & Finance, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$147K (2023) → $162K (2024)
Morgan Fritz
Director of Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$140K (2023) → $158K (2024)
Micaela Martinez
Director Envir & Health
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$130K (2024)
Abiola Fasehun
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Evans
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Derryck
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric Goldstein
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter Bokor
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sarangi Iyengar
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vernice Miller-Travis
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christy Loper
Director
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lakeisha M Aquino
Director
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marielle Villar Martiney
Director
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Annie Weisberg
Director
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
CarlosTalero
Director
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Romoe Upperman
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karla Cordero
Chief of Staff
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$159K (2024)
Ken Mak
Vice Chair
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Anderson
Secretary
On filings since 2021
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Neein Gulati
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2021
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Crystal Romoe Upperman (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Jasmine Jennings (2023) — Regulatory Attorney
- Former: Sonal Jessel (2023) — Director of Policy
- Former: Dart Westphal (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Phillip Morrow (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Gregory Anderson (2020) — Chair
- Former: Marianne Engelman Lado (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Roy Christian (2020) — Director
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 $250K, to Peggy Sheppard (Executive Dir.). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about West Harlem Environmental Action Inc
How much does West Harlem Environmental Action Inc give each year?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc gave $1.3M across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.9M across 27 grants.
What is West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's typical grant size?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's median grant in 2024 was $52,500, and its average grant was $67,126, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from West Harlem Environmental Action Inc that year got $73K on average.
Where does West Harlem Environmental Action Inc give grants?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's top state is New York, with 26% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were New Jersey (16%) and Massachusetts (13%).
Does West Harlem Environmental Action Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Capacity Building" (15 grants) and "Power Sector" (4 grants).
Who are West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's largest grantees?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's largest 2024 grantees include New Jersey Environmental Just ($147,054), People United for Sustainable ($130,000) and New York University ($122,009), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is West Harlem Environmental Action Inc?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc reported $21.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.4M.
What does West Harlem Environmental Action Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is “to build healty communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from West Harlem Environmental Action Inc?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's EIN?
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3800068. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 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 July 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in West Harlem Environmental Action Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Voices of Community Activists & Leaders (Vocal-NY) Inc
Brooklyn, NY
VOCAL-NY funds campaigns and community leadership development focused on housing, advocacy, and support for low-income people affected by HIV/AIDS, drug use, incarceration, and homelessness. In 2024, its 16 grants ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, with a median of $42,500; most funding went to New York, with some grants in Kentucky and California. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$16.8M
Grants
16
Total Given
$833K
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
Energy Action Fund
San Francisco, CA
Energy Action Fund supports advocacy and policy work advancing clean energy and energy efficiency, including accountability campaigns and policymaker engagement. It funds work across the United States, with an emphasis on state policy; its 2024 grants ranged from $8,000 to $1,135,000, with a median of $66,500. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$29.3M
Grants
152
Total Given
$20.0M
The Sunrise Project Inc
Wilmington, DE
The Sunrise Project funds research, analysis, strategic grantmaking, and capacity building to accelerate a faster, fairer transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with an emphasis on climate justice. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $2.5 million, with a median of $150,000, and primarily supported organizations in New York, California, and Washington, DC. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$14.0M
Grants
75
Total Given
$17.3M
New York State Health Fdn
New York, NY
The New York Health Foundation funds projects improving health and health care, especially in primary care, healthy food, and veterans’ health, with a focus on racial equity and historically marginalized communities across New York State. Its 2025 grants ranged from $240 to $1 million, with a median of $30,000; the Special Projects Fund requires a letter of inquiry, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$392.8M
Grants
165
Total Given
$10.7M
New York Foundation
New York, NY
New York Foundation funds NYC-based grassroots organizing and advocacy led by communities directly affected, focused on building power and advancing racial, economic, gender, and climate justice. Its 2025 grants had a median of $10,000, while Core Grants provide $55,000 per year for three to five years. It accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$58.8M
Grants
170
Total Given
$4.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). West Harlem Environmental Action Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/west-harlem-environmental-action-inc-morg_dbc172282a754167ac3f8fadecd8ffe4
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_133800068_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{West Harlem Environmental Action Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/west-harlem-environmental-action-inc-morg_dbc172282a754167ac3f8fadecd8ffe4},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 West Harlem Environmental Action 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.
West Harlem Environmental Action Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?