WR Grace Foundation Inc
WR Grace Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Columbia, Maryland. The foundation’s website says it has supported charitable organizations and educational institutions in the United States and Canada since 1961, with giving focused on science and discovery, health and safety, parks and nature, and employee impact.
WR Grace Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: WR Grace Foundation Inc gave $1.3M across 102 grants in 2024 (avg $12K), top state Maryland. 36% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,266,202
- +48.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 102
- -23.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $12,414
- +95.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $3,250
- Total assets
- $468,072
- +24.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 36% first-time grantees (36 of 100, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (35% 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 WR Grace Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. No forms are required; requests should be submitted by email with information about the organization, the amount requested, the specific purpose, and a copy of the organization’s current IRS determination letter. If the foundation expresses further interest, it also requests a current financial statement and a list of current donors, particularly companies, foundations, and government agencies, with annual contribution amounts. The filing lists no restrictions on awards.
- Contact
Application contact: Httpsgraceversaiccomlogin
Mailing address: 32 W 25Th Avenue Suite 203, San Mateo, CA 94403-2266
Phone: (817) 712-9495
Website: https://grace.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from WR Grace Foundation Inc
Who WR Grace Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Valero Energy Foundation ($300K). Together the top 10 received $793K.
Grant Size Distribution
595 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 580 grants of 595 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website says it supports organizations and educational institutions throughout the United States and Canada. In 2024, 35% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maryland, 26% to Texas, 15% to Louisiana, 9% to Pennsylvania, and 4% to Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 102 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is WR Grace Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
36%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 36 of 100 grantees (36%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $21K; repeat grants $8K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $4K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 58% 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 $802K (2021) to $1.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 102 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Valero Energy Foundation San Antonio, TX | Urban, Civic & Culture | $300,000 |
| Maryland Academy of Science Baltimore, MD | Urban, Civic & Culture | $150,000 |
| Aiche - American Institute of Chemical Engineers Philadelphia, PA | Education & Science | $72,000 |
| United Way Baltimore, MD | Matching Gifts | $62,177 |
| Scholarship America Minneapolis, MN | Education & Science | $52,000 |
| American Chemical Society Washington, DC | Education & Science | $34,000 |
| The Well (Drink at the Well Inc) Baltimore, MD | Health & Social Welfare | $30,000 |
| United Way of Central Maryland Baltimore, MD | Health & Social Welfare | $30,000 |
| Capital Area CASA Association Baton Rouge, LA | Health & Social Welfare | $28,000 |
| Archdiocese of Baltimore Chancery Inc Baltimore, MD | Health & Social Welfare | $25,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $468,072 | $1,552,600 | $1,363,767 | $1,266,202 | 102 | $1,371,707 | $29,779 |
| 2023 | $376,239 | $805,579 | $838,057 | $852,649 | 134 | $875,085 | $36,978 |
| 2022 | $456,717 | $1,003,550 | $1,187,316 | $828,202 | 107 | $849,122 | $16,375 |
| 2021 | $324,483 | $961,090 | $757,643 | $802,117 | 127 | $827,424 | $14,429 |
| 2020 | $242,176 | $908,500 | $1,150,333 | $1,040,054 | 125 | — | $15,557 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, WR Grace Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $30K 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 foundation’s website describes its giving pillars as science and discovery, health and safety, parks and nature, and employee impact. Examples include STEM education and scholarships, initiatives supporting well-being, projects that enhance natural spaces, and employee volunteering and matching donations. Its grant program description also identifies STEM education and basic needs such as food and healthcare as areas of support.
The 2024 grants include support for education and science, health and social welfare, urban, civic and culture, and matching gifts. Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of work funded: Capital Area CASA Association says it provides child advocacy in the court system; the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says it works to feed people in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes; and Asylee Women Enterprise says it helps asylum seekers and other forced migrants navigate immigration proceedings, heal from trauma, and rebuild their lives in Baltimore.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 102 grants totaling $1,266,202. Grants ranged from $100 to $300,000, with a median of $3,250. Among the largest were $300,000 to Valero Energy Foundation, $150,000 to Maryland Academy of Science, $72,000 to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, $62,177 to United Way, and $52,000 to Scholarship America.
Other listed 2024 grants include $34,000 to the American Chemical Society, $28,000 to Capital Area CASA Association, $20,000 to Baltimore Community Foundation, $10,000 to Asylee Women Enterprise, $10,000 to Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation, and $10,000 to Pilots for Patients.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Anthony Yoo as chairman and secretary; Michael J. Brown as director, vice chairman, and treasurer; and Edwin C. Sparks and Kerrie Wolfe as directors and vice chairmen. It also lists Rachel Flamm and Terrence A. Puglisi as assistant treasurers, Melissa Sellers as assistant secretary, Mary Crumholt and George Welsh as designated signers, and Sean Dempsey as annual report signer.
WR Grace Foundation Inc is led by Anthony Yoo, Chairman & Secretary since 2024 (on filings since 2022); none of the 10 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Anthony Yoo
Chairman & Secretary
Vice President & Assistant Secretary → Chairman & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael J. Brown
Director, Vice Chairman & Treasurer
Vice President & Treasurer → Director, Vice Chairman & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edwin C. Sparks
Director & Vice Chairman
Director & Vice President → Director & Vice Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kerrie Wolfe
Director & Vice Chairman
Director & Vice President → Director & Vice Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sean Dempsey
Annual Report Signer
Assistant Secretary → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Annual Report Signer, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terrence A. Puglisi
Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
George Welsh
Designated Signer
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Crumholt
Designated Signer
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Sellers
Assistant Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Flamm
Assistant Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Molly Grover (2020–2023) — Deputy Executive Director
- Former: Bhavesh V. Patel (2022–2023) — Director & President
- Former: Lori Magee (2022–2023) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Asif Arshad (2023) — Designated Signer
- Former: Keith N. Cole (2020–2022) — Vice Chairman
- Former: William Dockman (2020–2022) — Chairman & Treasurer
- Former: Cheree H. Johnson (2021–2022) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: R. Scott Paton (2021–2022) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Thomas Petti (2021–2022) — Vice Chairman
- Former: Trish O'Hara (2021–2022) — Deputy Executive Director
- Former: Thomas Dyer (2022) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Michael W. Conron (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Diane Borucki (2020) — Deputy Executive Director
- Former: Elizabeth C. Brown (2020) — Director & Vice Chairman
- Former: Mark A. Shelnitz (2020) — Director & Chairman
- Former: Shirley Hewitt (2020) — Deputy Executive 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.
Frequently asked questions about WR Grace Foundation Inc
How much does WR Grace Foundation Inc give each year?
WR Grace Foundation Inc gave $1.3M across 102 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $853K across 134 grants.
What is WR Grace Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
WR Grace Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $3,250, and its average grant was $12,414, across 102 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from WR Grace Foundation Inc that year got $21K on average.
Where does WR Grace Foundation Inc give grants?
WR Grace Foundation Inc's top state is Maryland, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Texas (26%) and Louisiana (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Baltimore, MD (14 grants), Baton Rouge, LA (12 grants), South Haven, MI (7 grants) and Tyrone, PA (5 grants).
Does WR Grace Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 102 grants with a stated purpose on WR Grace Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Health & Social Welfare" (53 grants), "Education & Science" (20 grants) and "Urban, Civic & Culture" (19 grants).
Who are WR Grace Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
WR Grace Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Valero Energy Foundation ($300,000), Maryland Academy of Science ($150,000) and Aiche - American Institute of Chemical Engineers ($72,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 41% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is WR Grace Foundation Inc?
WR Grace Foundation Inc reported $468K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $30K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does WR Grace Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s website describes its giving pillars as science and discovery, health and safety, parks and nature, and employee impact. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from WR Grace Foundation Inc?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is WR Grace Foundation Inc's EIN?
WR Grace Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 65-0630671. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does WR Grace Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work WR Grace Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
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Browse active grant opportunities in WR Grace Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). WR Grace Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/wr-grace-foundation-inc-morg_6585a90de4cc42ea87934438f21f3630
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_650630671_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{WR Grace Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/wr-grace-foundation-inc-morg_6585a90de4cc42ea87934438f21f3630},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. 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 WR Grace Foundation 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.
WR Grace Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?