THE G UNGER VETLESEN FOUNDATION

Supporting OrganizationIRS data 2022–2024

NEW YORK, NYEIN 131982695 Website

Annual Giving

$8.9M-4% YoY

Grants

Median Grant

$88K

Organizations Funded

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Foundation Overview

Mission

to aid in the contribution to scientific achievement that results in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, and its relation to the universe; to seek, teach, and communicate scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere, Earth, and other planets for the benefit of society and the environment

Focus Areas

marine science and oceanographyclimate change and global change researchocean and coastal conservationfisheries conservation and salmon recoverycoastal restoration and oyster restorationharmful algal bloom/toxin researchocean observing and earth observation systemswildlife health and disease research

Grant Types

research grantsfaculty recruitment and recruitment supportgeneral operating support/program supportproject/program-specific grantsdisaster relief/emergency grants

Funded Initiatives

Vetlesen Prize ($250,000 annually for scientific achievement in Earth sciences); grants range $10K-$700K for marine/ocean conservation, earth sciences, climate change, wildlife management; cultural organizations emphasizing Norwegian-American relations

How to Apply

As of March 1, 2021, the Foundation no longer accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry (LOI) or proposals. All grants will be initiated internally by the Foundation.

Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

Giving History

2024-4%

$8.9M

Grants

Median

$88K

States

2023-5%

$9.3M

Grants

Median

$100K

States

2022

$9.7M

Grants

Median

$100K

States

Grant Size Distribution

$88K

Typical Grant (Median)

$25K

Smallest

$50K

25th Pctile

$250K

75th Pctile

$1.8M

Largest

Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $50K and $250K.

Largest Recent Grants

$1.8M

2024

MONELL CHEMICAL SENSES CENTER

PA · INSTALLMENT WITH REFERENCE TO $5,500,000 PLEDGE MADE WITH LETTER ON FEBRUARY 7, 2022 BY AMBROSE MONELL FOUNDATION

$1.0M

2024

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

NY · $250,000 FOR GENERAL PURPOSES; $250,000 FOR ITS MARINE PROGRAM: $250,000 FOR THE WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM; AND $250,000 FOR THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM

$1.0M

2024

WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION

MA · FOR RECRUITMENT AND/OR RESEARCH PURPOSES

$500K

2024

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

FL · GENERAL PURPOSES

$400K

2024

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT GIFT SERVICES

WA · $375,000 TO BE APPLIED FOR RECRUITMENT AND RESEARCH PURPOSES AT THE SCHOOL OF OCEANOGRAPHY; $25,000 TO BE APPLIED TO DR. KRISTIN LAIDRE'S WORK IN GREENLAND

Geographic Focus

$1.8M2 grants

$1.4M6 grants

$1.4M3 grants

$950K5 grants

$475K3 grants

Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.

Financial Overview

YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid

2024

$47.2M

$8.9M(18.9%)

2023

$53.2M

$9.3M(17.4%)

2022

$53.6M

$9.7M(18.2%)

Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

Network Intelligence

Funding follows networks, not keywords

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Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.