McIntosh Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,670,627 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Average ~$75,000
• Geographic Focus: National/International

Contact Details

• Address: 1120 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20036-3965
• Phone: 202-338-8055
• Website: www.mcintoshfoundation.org
• Email: Not publicly available
• Application Process: Invitation-only (no unsolicited applications accepted)

Overview

The McIntosh Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1949 by Josephine H. McIntosh, whose family was involved with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P). With total assets of $44.1 million, the foundation distributes approximately $1.7 million annually through carefully selected grants. Under the leadership of President Winsome McIntosh since 2015, the foundation has evolved its focus to emphasize environmental conservation with particular attention to supporting women of color in environmental leadership roles. The foundation has played a pioneering role in environmental philanthropy for over 50 years, providing founding support to major environmental organizations including the Natural Resources Defense Council and ClientEarth.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards approximately 10-15 grants annually, with an average grant size of $75,000. All grants are made through invitation only - no public application process exists.

Priority Areas

• Environmental Conservation - Primary focus area
• Women and Girls - Particularly women of color in environmental leadership
• Natural Resources Protection
• Public Interest Environmental Law

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and does not fund outside its established network and priority areas.

Governance and Leadership

President: Winsome McIntosh (Compensation: $294,244)

• Involved with the foundation since 1972
• Founder of Rachel's Network (1999/2000)
• Co-founder of ClientEarth (2008)
• Earthjustice Trustee (since 2018)

Vice President: Colin McIntosh (Compensation: $187,184)

Executive Assistant: Renee Gopal (Compensation: $94,738)

Winsome McIntosh has been recognized as a pioneering force in environmental philanthropy, particularly in supporting women environmental leaders and public interest environmental law organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The McIntosh Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and explicitly states that they "do not respond to unsolicited applications for funding." Grants are awarded through trustee discretion to organizations within their established network.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the invitation-only nature of the foundation, organizations interested in support should focus on:

• Rachel's Network Connection: Founded by Winsome McIntosh, this network of ~100 women environmental funders represents over $500 million in annual grantmaking. Building relationships within this network could lead to introductions.

• ClientEarth Partnership: As co-founder, Winsome McIntosh maintains connections with this international environmental law organization. Collaboration with ClientEarth could provide networking opportunities.

• Earthjustice Engagement: With Winsome McIntosh serving as a trustee since 2018, organizations working with or alongside Earthjustice may have opportunities for visibility.

• Environmental Law and Women's Leadership Events: Given the foundation's focus areas, participation in high-profile events focused on environmental law or women's environmental leadership where Winsome McIntosh speaks or attends could provide networking opportunities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to the invitation-only nature of grants.

Success Rates

Not applicable - grants are made by invitation only.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. Instead, organizations should focus on:

• Demonstrated Excellence in Environmental Conservation: The foundation has historically supported organizations that have shown significant impact in environmental protection and advocacy.

• Women's Leadership Component: Recent giving patterns suggest preference for organizations that promote women, particularly women of color, in environmental leadership roles.

• Public Interest Environmental Law: Organizations focused on using legal strategies for environmental protection align with the foundation's historical giving patterns, including founding support for NRDC and ClientEarth.

• Track Record and Reputation: The foundation's grant recipients include established organizations with proven impact, suggesting they prioritize organizations with strong track records.

• Network Connections: Given the invitation-only nature, relationships with current grantees or board members of Rachel's Network are likely crucial for consideration.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The McIntosh Foundation is a significant environmental funder but does NOT accept unsolicited applications - all grants are by invitation only
• Building relationships through Rachel's Network, ClientEarth, or Earthjustice may provide indirect pathways to consideration
• The foundation has a 50+ year history of pioneering support for environmental organizations, including founding grants to NRDC and ClientEarth
• Current focus emphasizes supporting women of color in environmental leadership alongside traditional conservation work
• With approximately $1.7 million in annual giving and only 10-15 grants per year, the foundation is highly selective in its support
• Organizations without existing connections to the foundation's network should focus on building visibility in environmental law and women's environmental leadership spaces
• The foundation maintains a low public profile with minimal website presence, reflecting its private, invitation-only approach to grantmaking

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - McIntosh Foundation Form 990 filings (2023-2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory - McIntosh Foundation Profile (Accessed February 2024)
• CauseIQ - McIntosh Foundation Overview (Accessed February 2024)
• InfluenceWatch - McIntosh Foundation Profile (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl - McIntosh Foundation Funding Profile (Accessed February 2024)
• Earthjustice - "In Memoriam: Michael McIntosh" (2015)
• Rachel's Network - Founder Information and Network Overview
• ClientEarth - Trustee and Founder Information
• GuideStar - McIntosh Foundation Profile (Accessed February 2024)