The Volgenau Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $11.4 million - $14 million
Number of Grants: Approximately 50-54 grants annually
Grant Range: Varies significantly, from smaller awards to multi-million dollar gifts (largest documented: $3 million)
Geographic Focus: United States, with particular emphasis on conservation in Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay region
Application Process: Invitation only - no unsolicited applications accepted

Contact Details

Address: 8300 Greensboro Dr, Ste 950, McLean, VA 22102

Note: The foundation does not accept or respond to unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals. All grants are made by invitation only.

Overview

The Volgenau Foundation was established in 1994 by Ernst and Sara Volgenau, along with their three daughters Lisa, Lauren, and Jennifer. Ernst Volgenau is the founder of SRA International, a multi-billion dollar information technology company serving the federal government. The foundation operates on principles of "honesty and service," mirroring the values of the family's business legacy. With annual giving between $11-14 million distributed across approximately 50 organizations, the foundation focuses on three core areas: conservation (land, water, and wildlife), education (STEM and conservation education for under-resourced communities), and classical music (youth engagement). The foundation is distinguished by its commitment to collaborative philanthropy, having co-founded the Northern Virginia Environmental Funders Organization and actively participating in networks including the Environmental Grantmakers Association, Blue Sky Funders Network, and Chesapeake Bay Funders Network. The family maintains Phillips Creek Farm as a meeting and demonstration site for grantees and nonprofit partners.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate structured grant programs with fixed application cycles. Instead, funding is distributed by invitation only based on strategic priorities identified by the board and staff.

Conservation Grants: Largest funding category, supporting land and water conservation, wildlife protection, and ecosystem restoration. Notable grants include $3 million to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Education Grants: Supporting conservation and STEM education for economically disadvantaged youth. Includes support for major educational institutions (e.g., $3 million to Morehead State University's College of Education, renamed in honor of the Volgenaus).

Classical Music Grants: Supporting youth engagement in classical music, including instrument access, composition programs, and nature-inspired musical initiatives.

Priority Areas

Conservation (Primary Focus)

The foundation is "deeply committed to the preservation of natural resources, both on land and in marine and freshwater ecosystems." Six strategic approaches guide conservation funding:

Policy Change for Conservation - Supporting initiatives advancing conservation-focused policies and responsible resource management
Program Support - Funding on-the-ground conservation implementing practical solutions for land, marine, and freshwater protection
Education for Sustainability - Building awareness and understanding of conservation issues
Scientific Research - Supporting research addressing environmental degradation and wildlife impacts
Land Protection - Safeguarding biodiversity hotspots and critical areas to maintain ecosystem integrity and wildlife corridors
Indigenous Partnerships - Collaborating with Indigenous-led conservation efforts blending traditional knowledge with scientific approaches

Current conservation grantees include Alaska Conservation Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Trustees for Alaska, Earth Justice, Land Trust Alliance, Potomac Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, and Piedmont Environmental Council.

Conservation and STEM Education

The foundation "increases access to conservation and STEM education for economically disadvantaged communities," with the goal of equipping "young people with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become conscientious stewards of the environment."

Four strategic approaches:

Conservation-Focused Education - Programs connecting youth to environmental preservation, biodiversity, and ecosystem understanding
STEM Integration - Using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to develop critical thinking and problem-solving, including integration of arts and music
Leadership Development - Youth empowerment through mentorship and experiential learning
Outdoor Experiential Learning - Field-based education connecting students directly with natural environments

Current education grantees include NatureBridge, Ocean Connectors, Living Classrooms, Learning Undefeated, and National Girls Collaborative Project.

Classical Music

The foundation aims to "foster a lifelong passion for classical music by engaging and inspiring youth," ensuring this art form "remains an integral part of our cultural heritage."

Three strategic focus areas:

Education and Instrument Access - Supporting programs providing instruments and education, particularly for under-resourced youth
Composition and Creation - Encouraging new classical music compositions while preserving established works
Inspiration Through Nature - Supporting organizations drawing from the natural world through nature-inspired compositions or outdoor performances

Current music grantees include Chamber Music America, From the Top, Levine Music, League of American Orchestras, National Symphony Orchestra, and Nevada County Composers Cooperative.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's website does not explicitly list exclusions, but their invitation-only model and focused mission suggest they do not fund:

Organizations outside their three core areas (conservation, education, classical music)
International programs (U.S. initiatives only)
General operating support for organizations outside their strategic priorities
Capital campaigns unrelated to their mission areas

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Ernst Volgenau - President and Founder. Founder of SRA International.

Lisa Volgenau - Vice President and Secretary. Conservation biologist and environmental philanthropist who advocates for collaborative, science-based conservation. Also serves on the board of African People & Wildlife and The Ocean Foundation.

Lauren Volgenau-Knapp - Vice President. Background in wildlife biology. The three daughters also serve as part-time program officers.

Jennifer Volgenau Wiley - Vice President and Treasurer. Brings business expertise to the foundation.

Chris DeCardy - Board Director. President of The Heinz Endowments.

Jonathan Kaledin - Executive Vice President. Expert in conservation and music.

Staff

Andi Pearl - Executive Director (since 2019). Expertise in ocean conservation, environmental philanthropy, green markets, and hazardous waste enforcement. Previously served as program officer and acting executive director at the Merck Family Fund and provided strategic guidance to Town Creek Foundation, National Environmental Trust, and Antarctica Project. Holds a BA in political science and environmental studies from the University of Vermont and JD from American University's Washington College of Law. Currently serves on the board of Biodiversity Funders Group.

Julie Kennedy - Foundation & Grants Administrator (since 2022).

Philosophy and Approach

The foundation emphasizes collaboration among funders and grantees. As stated on their website, "the Volgenau sisters use their expertise in collaboration and relationship-building to dismantle barriers and maximize resources for more than 50 conservation, education, and music organizations each year."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process.

The foundation's website explicitly states: "The Volgenau Foundation provides support for U.S. initiatives by invitation only. We do not accept or respond to unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals."

Grants are awarded through:

Direct invitation from foundation leadership
Relationships cultivated through collaborative funding networks
Board and family member discretion based on strategic priorities
Ongoing partnerships with existing grantees

Getting on Their Radar

Note: The following represents specific, documented approaches this funder uses to identify potential grantees:

1. Collaborative Funding Networks: The foundation actively participates in several funder collaboratives where they encounter potential grantees:

Northern Virginia Environmental Funders Organization (which they co-founded with the Land Family Foundation)
Environmental Grantmakers Association
Blue Sky Funders Network
Chesapeake Bay Funders Network
Biodiversity Funders Group (Executive Director Andi Pearl serves on the board)

Organizations presenting at or participating in these networks may come to the foundation's attention.

2. Grantee Presentations: The foundation hosts meetings where current grantees are invited to make presentations and meet with foundation members. Strong performance and relationships with existing grantees can lead to continued or expanded support.

3. Phillips Creek Farm Events: The foundation invites grantees and nonprofit organizations to use Phillips Creek Farm as a meeting and demonstration site. This provides opportunities for relationship building in a conservation setting.

4. Subject Matter Expert Convenings: In 2023, the foundation hosted three educational meetings of the Northern Virginia Environmental Funders with presentations by subject matter experts. Organizations working in their focus areas who are recognized experts may be invited to such gatherings.

5. Board and Staff Professional Networks: With board members like Lisa Volgenau serving on boards of organizations like African People & Wildlife and The Ocean Foundation, and Andi Pearl's extensive network in environmental philanthropy, organizations connected to these individuals' professional circles may be considered.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only funder operating without fixed application cycles, the foundation likely makes grant decisions on a rolling basis throughout the year, aligned with board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Not applicable given the invitation-only model. The foundation made 51 grants in 2023, 54 in 2022, and 52 in 2021, suggesting consistent annual grantmaking to a curated portfolio of organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable. The foundation maintains ongoing relationships with grantees and makes renewal decisions based on organizational performance and strategic fit.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, based on their stated priorities and approach, organizations most likely to receive support demonstrate:

1. Alignment with Collaborative Philanthropy The foundation explicitly values "collaboration and grantmaking" as core to their mission. From their website: "the Volgenau sisters use their expertise in collaboration and relationship-building to dismantle barriers and maximize resources." Organizations that work collaboratively, participate in funder networks, and demonstrate willingness to coordinate with other nonprofits align with this philosophy.

2. Science-Based Approaches Lisa Volgenau is described as advocating for "collaborative, science-based conservation." The foundation supports "scientific research addressing environmental degradation and wildlife impacts." Conservation and education organizations grounding their work in scientific evidence and research are more likely to resonate with the foundation's values.

3. Service to Under-Resourced Communities In education, the foundation explicitly focuses on "economically disadvantaged communities" and "under-resourced youth." In classical music, they prioritize "instrument access and classical music education, particularly for under-resourced youth." Organizations demonstrating clear impact on communities with limited access to quality environmental education, STEM programs, or music education align with their equity focus.

4. Place-Based Conservation with Community Benefits The foundation supports "conservation strategies that benefit local economies, enrich local communities, and protect environments in places that have significance for their trustees." This suggests preference for conservation work that provides tangible community benefits beyond environmental protection alone.

5. Integration Across Focus Areas The foundation's STEM education approach includes "integration of arts and music," and their classical music priority includes "inspiration through nature." Organizations that bridge their focus areas (e.g., nature-inspired music programs, STEM education with conservation applications) may be particularly appealing.

6. Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Practices The foundation specifically identifies "Indigenous Partnerships" as one of six strategic conservation approaches, supporting efforts that "blend traditional knowledge with scientific approaches." Indigenous-led or Indigenous-partnered conservation organizations align with this priority.

7. Demonstrated Track Record With approximately 50 grants made annually and an invitation-only model, the foundation likely values organizations with proven effectiveness and established reputations in their fields, particularly those already recognized within the funder collaborative networks they participate in.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is an invitation-only funder - Do not submit unsolicited proposals. Focus instead on building visibility through funder collaborative networks, particularly environmental funding groups in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Collaboration is central to their identity - The foundation co-founded a funder collaborative and actively participates in multiple networks. Organizations that demonstrate collaborative approaches and participate in sector-wide initiatives are more aligned with their values.
Three daughters drive day-to-day grantmaking - Lisa (conservation biologist), Lauren (wildlife biologist), and Jennifer (business expertise) serve as Vice Presidents and part-time program officers. Their professional backgrounds suggest grants are evaluated with scientific rigor and business acumen.
Geographic focus on Virginia and Chesapeake Bay region - While they fund nationally, documented grants show concentration in Virginia conservation, Appalachian Trail protection, and Chesapeake Bay ecosystem work. Organizations working in these regions may have enhanced visibility.
Portfolio approach to grantmaking - With 50+ consistent annual grants, the foundation maintains an ongoing portfolio rather than making one-off awards. This suggests they value long-term partnerships with effective organizations.
Phillips Creek Farm serves as a relationship-building hub - The foundation uses their demonstration farm to host grantees and nonprofit partners, indicating they value in-person relationship building and learning exchanges.
Mission reflects family values from business legacy - Founded on "honesty and service" principles from Ernst Volgenau's company, the foundation likely values organizational integrity, transparency, and service-oriented mission delivery.

References

All information accessed December 2024