Paulsen Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Founded: 1998
• EIN: 311604299
• Recent Revenue: $141,008
• Geographic Focus: National (based in New York)
• Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation
• Application Process: No public application process - invitation/preselection only

Contact Details

Address: Co Csv 50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd 605, Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: 516-483-5800
Website: https://www.paulsenfamilyfoundation.com/
EIN: 311604299

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Overview

The Paulsen Family Foundation was established in 1998 (originally in North Carolina, now based in Uniondale, New York) with the belief that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and a right to enjoy it. The foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that engage conservation powered by outdoor exploration. Their mission centers on building environmentally responsible voters who will make policy changes in conservation and climate change by supporting opportunities for all individuals to enjoy, explore, and learn about the environment through outdoor recreation. As a private family foundation, they operate on a proactive grantmaking model, identifying and selecting charitable organizations that align with their mission rather than accepting public applications.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three key areas:

• Conservation Education: Educational programs that teach individuals about the importance of conservation and the benefits of outdoor activities
• Equitable Access to Outdoors: Ensuring that everyone, regardless of proximity or physical abilities, has equal access to outdoor recreational opportunities
• Conservation and Sustainability: Organizations actively working towards conservation and sustainability goals, particularly those that connect people with nature through outdoor recreation

What They Fund

The foundation partners with and provides funding to organizations that:

• Promote outdoor recreation opportunities for all individuals
• Advance environmental sustainability through experiential learning
• Build environmental awareness through direct engagement with nature
• Remove barriers to outdoor access based on location or physical ability
• Create conservation-minded citizens through outdoor experiences

Governance and Leadership

Specific information about current trustees and officers is not publicly disclosed on readily accessible platforms. Board member information can be found in the foundation's Form 990-PF filings available through ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer and other nonprofit databases. According to charity databases, the foundation has no employees and operates as a volunteer-run family foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Paulsen Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

This means the foundation proactively identifies and selects grant recipients based on their own research and due diligence rather than reviewing applications from organizations seeking funding. Grant decisions are made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees based on alignment with their conservation and outdoor recreation mission.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application strategies do not apply. However, organizations working in their focus areas should:

Alignment with Mission: Organizations most likely to receive support would be those with demonstrated track records in:

• Creating accessible outdoor recreation programs
• Environmental education with hands-on outdoor components
• Conservation initiatives that engage diverse communities
• Programs specifically designed to reach underserved populations or those with physical disabilities

Geographic Considerations: While based in New York, the foundation was originally established in North Carolina and may have national reach. Their focus on "all individuals" suggests they are not geographically restricted in their grantmaking.

Program Characteristics: Based on their stated priorities, the foundation values:

• Direct engagement with nature and outdoor environments
• Educational approaches that build long-term environmental stewardship
• Equity and accessibility in outdoor recreation
• Programs that connect conservation outcomes to outdoor recreation opportunities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications - they select recipients proactively
• Mission Clarity: Their focus is specifically on the intersection of conservation and outdoor recreation, with emphasis on accessibility
• Equity Focus: Strong emphasis on ensuring outdoor opportunities are available to all people regardless of proximity or physical abilities
• Small Foundation: With recent revenue around $141,000, this is a modest-sized family foundation, suggesting grant awards are likely in the small to moderate range
• Active Online Presence: The foundation maintains a website (paulsenfamilyfoundation.com) where they communicate their mission and values
• Long Track Record: Founded in 1998, this is an established foundation with over 25 years of grantmaking history
• Research Their Work: Organizations in this sector should monitor the foundation's 990-PF filings (available through ProPublica) to understand their recent grantmaking patterns and identify what types of organizations they support

References

• Paulsen Family Foundation Official Website. https://www.paulsenfamilyfoundation.com/ (Accessed March 11, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Paulsen Family Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/311604299 (Accessed March 11, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Paulsen Family Foundation. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/311604299-paulsen-family-foundation/ (Accessed March 11, 2026)
• Cause IQ - Paulsen Family Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/paulsen-family-foundation,311604299/ (Accessed March 11, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Paulsen Family Foundation (EIN 31-1604299). https://www.guidestar.org/profile/31-1604299 (Accessed March 11, 2026)
• Charity Navigator - Paulsen Family Foundation. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/311604299 (Accessed March 11, 2026)