Zenie Foundation
The Zenie Foundation is a private foundation based in Portland, Maine. It supports students through college scholarships, one-to-one coaching, and a community involving students, alumni, and coaches.
Key facts about Zenie Foundation
In short: Zenie Foundation gave $209K across 46 grants in 2025 (avg $5K), mostly in Maine. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 22-2500224
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $209,471
- Grants made (2025)
- 46
- Average grant
- $4,554
- Median grant
- $3,750
- Total assets
- $4,342,138
- Primary geography
- Maine (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation’s website directs applicants to review its eligibility requirements and complete a Pre-Qualify Application (PQA), followed by a full application for those advancing in the process. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The website lists December 1 as the PQA opening date and January 12 as the closing date.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.3M
-3.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$209K
+0.7% YoY
Grant Count
46
-4.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
+5.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Zenie Foundation reported a distributable amount of $210K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Zenie Foundation gives
- Giving grew 21% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 238% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to help students become effective adults and inspired leaders. It provides scholarship support and coaching to students, emphasizing learning, values-based decisions, and financial responsibility.
Its scholarship program is for high school seniors planning to enroll full time at an accredited nonprofit four-year college or community college in the United States. Scholarship funds are limited to course-related expenses, defined as tuition and lab fees. Students may receive support for up to eight college semesters or four community-college semesters, subject to award requirements.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 46 grants totaling $209,471. Grant amounts ranged from $295 to $7,500, with a median of $3,750. The largest listed awards were $7,500 scholarships. Its reported grant totals were $208,083 across 48 grants in 2024 and $214,813 across 42 grants in 2023.
Review Cycle
The website lists December 1 as the PQA opening date and January 12 as the closing date. It lists February 1–28 for completion and submission of the full application.
Ready to take the next step with Zenie Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website says applicants may live in Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Utah. Siblings of current ZF students may apply regardless of state. Its reported 2025 grant dollars went entirely to recipients in Maine.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 46 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $139K (2020) to $215K (2023). In 2025 it made 46 grants totaling $209K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Caleb Datto ($8K). Together the top 10 received $73K.
Grant Size Distribution
207 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 207 grants of 207 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Datto Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Danwa Timon Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Emily Pietras Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Jasmin Sabala Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Lara Denges Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Leaticia Hannah Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Riley Towle Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Victor Torres Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Isaiah Littlejohn Portland, ME | Scholarship | $7,376 |
| Alexanne Sumner Portland, ME | Scholarship | $6,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants reported | Grant count |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $209,471 | 46 |
| 2024 | $208,083 | 48 |
| 2023 | $214,813 | 42 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,342,138 | $4,499,326 | $4,272,857 |
| Revenue | $319,357 | $669,210 | $107,549 |
| Expenses | $518,273 | $476,070 | $446,927 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $498,839 | $464,263 | $431,472 |
| Net Investment Income | $303,761 | $158,443 | $92,179 |
| Distributable Amount | $209,995 | $203,380 | $198,714 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Katherine Z Chatterjee as trustee and CEO, and Francis H Zenie, Sharon Bracken, and Kenneth Rapp as trustees.
Zenie Foundation is led by Katherine Z. Chatterjee, Trustee & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2019); 1 of 4 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Katherine Z. Chatterjee
Trustee & CEO
Trustee & Executive Director → Trustee & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$60K (2019) → $90K (2025)
Francis H. Zenie
Trustee
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth Rapp
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Bracken
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $90K, to Katherine Z Chatterjee (Trustee & CEO).
Contact
Application contact: Katherine Z Chatterjee
Mailing address: 33 Hartley Street, Portland, ME 04103
Phone: (207) 838-8889
Email: katherine@zeniefoundation.org
Website: https://zeniefoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about Zenie Foundation
How much does Zenie Foundation give each year?
Zenie Foundation gave $209K across 46 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $208K across 48 grants.
What is Zenie Foundation's typical grant size?
Zenie Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $3,750, and its average grant was $4,554, across 46 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Zenie Foundation give grants?
Zenie Foundation gives mostly in Maine: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, ME (46 grants).
Does Zenie Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 46 grants with a stated purpose on Zenie Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship" (46 grants).
Who are Zenie Foundation's largest grantees?
Zenie Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Caleb Datto ($7,500), Danwa Timon ($7,500) and Emily Pietras ($7,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Zenie Foundation?
Zenie Foundation reported $4.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $499K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $210K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Zenie Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to help students become effective adults and inspired leaders. It provides scholarship support and coaching to students, emphasizing learning, values-based decisions, and financial responsibility. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Zenie Foundation?
The foundation’s website directs applicants to review its eligibility requirements and complete a Pre-Qualify Application (PQA), followed by a full application for those advancing in the process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Zenie Foundation's EIN?
Zenie Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2500224. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Zenie Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Zenie Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Maine Community Foundation Inc
Ellsworth, ME
Maine Community Foundation supports Maine communities through grants for community building, arts, education, the environment, economic development, human services, and other areas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,030 to $2,487,900, with a median of $17,500; the Community Building Grant Program offers awards up to $10,000. Applications are submitted online, and the information does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$807.6M
Grants
1,161
Total Given
$57.6M
TD Charitable Foundation
Portland, ME
The foundation funds education, human services, housing and financial stability, nonprofit capacity-building, and community programs, with particular consideration for underserved and low- to moderate-income communities. Its stated award range is $135–$475,000, though the 2025 median grant was $10,000; it focuses primarily on Florida, New Jersey, and New York. It accepts unsolicited requests through online applications from eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in states with a TD Bank, N.A. branch.
Assets
$9.1M
Grants
1,003
Total Given
$24.9M
Simple Generosity Foundation
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Simple Generosity Foundation supports nonprofits across varied missions, with an emphasis on smaller organizations, mainly in the United States. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,002 to $271,548, with a median of $6,287. It does not describe an open unsolicited-request process: nonprofits must join its network and be matched to a client giving program to receive donations.
Assets
$2.8M
Grants
339
Total Given
$4.4M
Elmina B Sewall Foundation
Freeport, ME
The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation funds equity and well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine, including work on animal welfare, food systems, Wabanaki communities, nature-based education, and rural partnerships. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $580,000, with a median of $30,975. It accepts applications during designated periods; some programs are open to applications, while others are by invitation.
Assets
$164.8M
Grants
296
Total Given
$14.4M
Onion Foundation
Auburn, ME
The Onion Foundation funds arts and nature-related work, including arts education, public engagement, equitable outdoor access, and nature learning, primarily in Maine. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $625,000, with a median of $15,000; it accepts unsolicited requests from eligible applicants during open grant cycles.
Assets
—
Grants
245
Total Given
$4.4M
Maine Technology Institute
Portland, ME
Maine Technology Institute funds innovative products, services, and processes with potential to strengthen Maine’s economy and create jobs, especially in its targeted technology sectors. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,040 to $3 million, with a median of $50,000; first-time Business Innovation Funding grants typically start at $10,000–$30,000. Its programs focus on Maine-based applicants; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$22.5M
Grants
194
Total Given
$22.2M
Franklin Savings Bank Community
Farmington, ME
Franklin Savings Bank Community funds qualifying charities, government organizations, and school scholarships, with emphasis on economic development, affordable housing, support for low-income or underserved people, and job retraining. It primarily serves Western and Central Maine; 2025 grants ranged from $200 to $153,000, with a median of $2,000. It accepts written requests by letter or charitable request form; no definitive deadline is stated.
Assets
$4.0M
Grants
182
Total Given
$705K
Melmac Education Foundation
Augusta, ME
MELMAC Education Foundation funds college and career readiness, post-secondary student success, and partnerships linking education, communities, and employers, primarily in Maine. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $219,873, with a median of $2,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$38.7M
Grants
180
Total Given
$1.4M
Saco & Biddeford Savings
Saco, ME
Saco & Biddeford Savings supports Maine nonprofits working in areas including food access, health and social services, education, youth, arts, elder care, and community development, with most giving concentrated in Southern Maine. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $50,200, with a median of $1,000. It accepts applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations; no deadline is listed.
Assets
$478K
Grants
168
Total Given
$372K
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Bangor, ME
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation funds arts and culture, education, health and wellness, workforce and economic development, and social and community services in Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts. Published grant requests are typically $2,000–$25,000, though reported 2025 awards ranged from $1,000 to $50,000, with a median of $4,750. It accepts applications through an online process and reviews them twice a year.
Assets
$7.0M
Grants
156
Total Given
$1.2M
John T Gorman Foundation
Portland, ME
The John T. Gorman Foundation primarily supports strategies that strengthen children and families experiencing poverty, with an application-based program for Maine nonprofits addressing food insecurity and housing or shelter needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $345,000, with a median of $20,250, and 89% of grant dollars went to Maine recipients. Most grants are invitation-only and unsolicited proposals are generally not funded; the Direct Services Grant Program accepts applications.
Assets
$223.5M
Grants
154
Total Given
$7.5M
Lunder Foundation
Portland, ME
The Lunder Foundation supports higher education, the arts, health care, and other charities, primarily in Maine and Massachusetts. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $4.8 million, with a median of $2,016; it accepts requests by brief letter and lists no deadline.
Assets
$380K
Grants
153
Total Given
$24.4M
More Funders in Maine
Zenie Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?