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Wallace Genetic Foundation II Inc

Annual Giving
$5.4M
Grant Range
$15K - $0.7M

Wallace Genetic Foundation II Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,422,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only grantmaking)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $15,000 - $670,000
  • Median Grant: $50,000
  • Geographic Focus: National and international environmental projects
  • Total Assets: $99.5 million

Contact Details

Address: 4910 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 221, Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 966-2932
Website: https://www.wallacegenetic.org/
Email: Available on website

Important Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry.

Overview

The Wallace Genetic Foundation II Inc was originally established in 1959 by Henry A. Wallace, founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company and former U.S. Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his wife Ilo. In 1996, the original foundation split into three separate entities: Wallace Genetic Foundation, Wallace Global Fund, and Wallace Research Foundation. The original Wallace Genetic Foundation dissolved in 2017, with two-thirds of its assets rolling into Wallace Genetic Foundation II, which is now led by David Douglas, grandson of the founder. With total assets of $99.5 million and annual giving of approximately $5.4 million, the foundation makes 60-66 grants annually to organizations working on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and global climate issues. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and is guided by Henry A. Wallace's belief that "the greatest private pleasure comes from serving the general welfare of all."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grantmaking program focused on environmental causes:

  • Environmental Grants Program: $15,000 - $670,000 per grant (median: $50,000)
    • Approximately 62-66 grants awarded annually
    • Total annual distribution: $5.4 million
    • Application method: Invitation only; does not accept unsolicited proposals

Priority Areas

The Wallace Genetic Foundation II funds organizations whose work promises to provide long-term national or global benefit in the following areas:

Conservation of Natural Resources

  • Land conservation organizations and affiliated education and public awareness programs
  • Recent grantees include Conservation Lands Foundation, Earthjustice, Environmental Education of New Mexico, Guancaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund, and National Parks Conservation Association

Sustainable Agriculture

  • Support for sustainable agriculture and food systems
  • Farmland preservation, particularly farmland near cities
  • Recent grantees include Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Santa Fe Farmer's Market Institute

Biodiversity Protection

  • Projects protecting biodiversity and ecosystems
  • Marine and freshwater conservation initiatives

Clean Water and Sanitation

  • WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs, particularly in healthcare facilities
  • Marine and freshwater conservation
  • Recent grantees include H2O for Life, Water Engineers for the Americas, WaterAid America, Potomac Conservancy, and Catholic Relief Services (for WASH in Catholic healthcare facilities)

Reduction of Environmental Toxins

  • Projects addressing environmental pollution and toxin reduction

Global Climate Issues

  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation projects
  • Federal policy education programs on climate and environmental issues

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish an explicit exclusions list, their focus is strictly on environmental causes. Based on their grant history, they do not fund:

  • General operating support for non-environmental organizations
  • Individual scholarships or fellowships
  • Capital campaigns unrelated to environmental conservation
  • Medical research
  • Arts and culture programs
  • Educational institutions (except those focused on agricultural sciences or environmental education)

Governance and Leadership

Board and Key Personnel

David Douglas - President & Treasurer
Grandson of Henry A. Wallace, David Douglas leads the foundation's strategic direction and maintains the family's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Deborah Smith Douglas - Vice President & Secretary
Serves alongside David Douglas in guiding the foundation's governance.

Michaela Oldfield - Executive Director (Compensation: $145,000)
Manages day-to-day operations and oversees the foundation's grantmaking activities.

Foundation Philosophy

The foundation operates under the guiding principle articulated by founder Henry A. Wallace: "the greatest private pleasure comes from serving the general welfare of all." This philosophy emphasizes long-term conservation over short-term profits and focuses on projects that provide lasting national or global environmental benefits.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Wallace Genetic Foundation II does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states: "The Wallace Genetic Foundation regrets that it will no longer be accepting unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry."

The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Grants are awarded through an invitation-only process, where the trustees and leadership identify organizations aligned with their mission.

While the foundation does not accept formal applications, they provide contact information (phone and email) on their website. Organizations that believe they align closely with the foundation's mission may consider reaching out with a brief introduction, though there is no guarantee of a response or consideration.

Getting on Their Radar

Review Past Grant Recipients: The foundation publishes annual lists of grantees on their website (wallacegenetic.org/grant-history) for years 2020-2024. Organizations can review these lists to understand the types of projects and organizations the foundation supports, which may provide insights into alignment with foundation priorities.

Sector Visibility: Given the foundation's focus on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate issues, organizations should focus on building strong reputations within these fields through:

  • Demonstrated impact in conservation, agriculture, or climate work
  • Visibility at major environmental conferences and convenings
  • Recognition from peer organizations in the environmental sector
  • Strong relationships with organizations that have received Wallace Genetic funding

Board Connections: As the foundation is family-led by descendants of Henry A. Wallace, who founded Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company, organizations with connections to sustainable agriculture, hybrid seed development, or agricultural innovation may have natural alignment with the foundation's heritage.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publicly disclose decision timelines. Based on their published grant history showing annual lists, it appears they make funding decisions on an annual cycle.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. As an invitation-only funder making approximately 62-66 grants annually from a substantial asset base, the foundation appears to be highly selective in its grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept applications. Organizations previously funded may continue to receive support based on performance and alignment with foundation priorities.

Application Success Factors

Since the Wallace Genetic Foundation II operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of their grant history reveals patterns that may inform organizations about alignment with the foundation's interests:

Demonstrated Impact Areas

WASH in Healthcare Facilities: The foundation has shown significant interest in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programs in healthcare settings, particularly in developing countries. Catholic Relief Services received $305,000 for "WASH in Catholic healthcare facilities," and Desert Research Institute received $120,000 for CIWAS-Circuit Riders WASH programs.

Policy and Advocacy Work: The foundation supports federal policy education programs, as evidenced by the $200,000 grant to Ceres Inc for federal policy education on environmental issues.

Regional Conservation: The foundation demonstrates interest in specific geographic regions, including New Mexico (Santa Fe Community Foundation received $255,000 "to protect NM air, water, and federal public lands") and international conservation efforts (Guancaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund).

Intermediary Organizations: The foundation uses intermediary funders, such as the New Venture Fund ($670,000, the largest 2023 grant), suggesting they may support collaborative funding initiatives.

Types of Organizations Funded

Based on recent grant history, the foundation funds:

  • National environmental advocacy organizations (Environmental Defense Fund, Earthjustice)
  • Community foundations focused on environmental issues
  • International relief and development organizations with environmental programs
  • Research institutions working on environmental and water issues
  • Grassroots conservation organizations
  • Agricultural and sustainable food system organizations

Foundation Values

Organizations aligned with Henry A. Wallace's legacy—combining scientific innovation with social responsibility—appear particularly well-suited. Wallace founded the first commercial hybrid seed company and believed in using business success to serve the general welfare. Organizations that demonstrate:

  • Scientific rigor in environmental work
  • Long-term thinking over short-term gains
  • Integration of conservation with human welfare
  • Commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Open Application Process: This foundation operates entirely on an invitation-only basis and explicitly does not accept unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry. Traditional grant writing strategies will not work here.

  • Study Their Grant History: The foundation publishes annual grantee lists on their website. These lists are the best resource for understanding their current priorities and the types of organizations they support.

  • Environmental Focus is Paramount: With 100% of grantmaking directed to environmental causes, organizations must demonstrate clear environmental impact in conservation, sustainable agriculture, water, climate, or biodiversity.

  • WASH Programs Are a Priority: Multiple recent grants support Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programs, particularly in healthcare facilities in developing countries—this appears to be an emerging or continued area of focus.

  • Wide Grant Range: Grants range from $15,000 to $670,000, with a median of $50,000, suggesting the foundation supports both smaller grassroots organizations and larger national/international initiatives.

  • Family Foundation with Strong Legacy: Led by the founder's grandson, the foundation maintains a strong connection to Henry A. Wallace's values around sustainable agriculture, scientific innovation, and serving the general welfare.

  • Policy and Advocacy Welcomed: Unlike some environmental funders, this foundation supports policy education and advocacy work, not just direct conservation projects.

References

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