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Peterffy Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.4M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.6M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,430,850 (2023)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: N/A (no public application process)
  • Grant Range: Estimated $10,000 - $620,000+
  • Average Grant: $100,417
  • Geographic Focus: North, Central, and South America, with international reach

Contact Details

Physical Address: 777 South Flagler Dr. Phillips Point East, Ste. 1001, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

EIN: 47-2351448

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Contact information for inquiries is not publicly available.

Overview

The Peterffy Foundation was established in 2015 by billionaire Thomas Peterffy, founder of Interactive Brokers, and is now under the stewardship of his children. With assets of $172 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed over $7.4 million to 74 organizations and projects in 2023. The foundation operates with a clear vision of "grassroots decolonization," focusing on Indigenous sovereignty and land back efforts, regenerative solutions to the climate crisis, and healing at the nexus of ecology and society. The foundation's work spans North, Central, and South America, and it structures its activities through three complementary funding portfolios: the Living Forest Project, Reweaving the Web, and One Small Planet funds. The foundation prioritizes Indigenous and/or women leaders and aims to build resilient, regenerative, and equitable economic alternatives that support communities to challenge the extractive economy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Peterffy Foundation operates through three integrated funding portfolios:

1. The Living Forest Project: Prioritizes protecting old rainforests, supporting Indigenous and women leaders, and fostering sustainable economic alternatives in local communities.

2. Reweaving the Web: Addresses the interconnected challenges of ecology and society, aiming to promote healing and long-term regeneration through innovative approaches.

3. One Small Planet: Focuses on restorative land and culture-based projects. Founded in 2015 as part of the Peterffy Foundation, it emphasizes preserving and regenerating life through interconnection, integrity, reciprocity, and a "do no harm" approach.

Priority Areas

  • Indigenous Sovereignty and Land Rights: Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, land back efforts, and traditional ecological knowledge
  • Environmental Conservation: Protecting old-growth forests, biodiversity, and vital ecosystems
  • Climate Solutions: Regenerative and nature-based approaches to the climate crisis
  • Women's Leadership: Prioritizing women-led organizations and initiatives
  • Grassroots Decolonization: Supporting community-led alternatives to extractive economies
  • Cultural Preservation: Supporting culture-based projects that honor traditional knowledge

Notable Recent Grant Recipients (2023)

  • Quipa Inc: $620,000 (environmental/educational causes)
  • Land is Life: $450,000 (Yasuni Referendum support, Ecuador)
  • One Earth Philanthropy: $400,000 (environmental causes)
  • Pumamaqui Foundation: $400,000 (land purchase for Kichwa community)

What They Don't Fund

This information is not publicly specified, but given their focus areas, the foundation likely does not fund:

  • Projects not aligned with environmental conservation or Indigenous rights
  • Organizations without strong connections to frontline communities
  • Initiatives not led by or centered on Indigenous or marginalized communities

Governance and Leadership

The Peterffy Foundation is governed by family members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis without compensation:

  • Alexandra Peterffy: Director, Chair
  • Catherine Peterffy: Director, CEO
  • William (Will) Peterffy: Director, Chair of Investment Committee. Will also serves as Founder & CEO of One Small Planet, bringing expertise in sustainable finance, land stewardship, and regenerative business solutions. He serves on the board of One Earth and chairs the ESG Committee at Interactive Brokers.
  • Christopher Uzpen: Director, Secretary, and Chief Legal Counsel

The foundation emphasizes a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working closely with frontline leaders and emphasizing trust-building and authentic relationships with grantee partners.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Peterffy Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion and the foundation's own research and relationship-building efforts.

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations working in their priority areas may consider:

  • Building a strong public presence in Indigenous rights, environmental conservation, or climate justice sectors where the foundation is already active
  • Connecting through existing networks: The foundation works closely with intermediary organizations like One Earth Philanthropy, Land is Life, and other established Indigenous and environmental networks
  • Introductory letter: Some foundations with preselected policies may accept brief letters of introduction (not full proposals) to make them aware of your organization. However, there is no public guidance from the Peterffy Foundation on whether this approach is welcomed
  • Focus on your work: The foundation appears to identify and approach organizations doing exceptional work in their areas of interest, rather than responding to applications

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation makes grants through trustee discretion rather than application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grantmaking model.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot submit applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, the following factors appear to characterize organizations that receive funding based on their 2023 grantmaking patterns:

  • Indigenous-led or Indigenous-serving: Strong emphasis on supporting Indigenous communities, sovereignty, and traditional knowledge
  • Women-led organizations: Explicit priority for supporting women leaders
  • Frontline and grassroots: Focus on community-based organizations working directly on the ground
  • Environmental and cultural integration: Projects that address the nexus of ecology, culture, and community well-being
  • Alignment with decolonization: Work that challenges extractive economies and builds regenerative alternatives
  • International scope: Willingness to support work across the Americas and beyond
  • Trust and relationship-based: The foundation emphasizes building authentic, long-term relationships with partners
  • Systems-change orientation: Interest in supporting work that addresses root causes and promotes holistic well-being

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Peterffy Foundation makes significant grants ($10,000 - $620,000+) but does not accept unsolicited applications
  • Focus areas are highly specific: Indigenous sovereignty, environmental conservation, climate solutions, and women's leadership
  • The foundation has a clear ideological framework centered on "grassroots decolonization" and challenging extractive economies
  • With only 74 grants distributed from $7.4 million in funding, grants are substantial but highly selective
  • The foundation operates through three complementary portfolios (Living Forest Project, Reweaving the Web, One Small Planet), suggesting different strategic approaches within their overall mission
  • Family leadership suggests long-term commitment and consistency in funding priorities
  • Geographic focus spans the Americas with particular attention to Indigenous communities in North, Central, and South America
  • If your organization aligns with their priorities, focus on building a strong reputation in the sector rather than attempting direct solicitation

References

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