Frank And Brinna Sands Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, primarily focusing on education, health, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and community service. It provides funding to educational institutions such as Dartmouth College and Middlebury College, indicating a strong commitment to educational initiatives. The foundation also supports health-related causes, exemplified by its contributions to cancer centers, and engages in environmental efforts through grants aimed at conservation projects. Additionally, it aids animal welfare organizations and local community initiatives, reflecting a broad interest in enhancing community well-being. Overall, the foundation's mission appears to center on fostering education, health, and environmental stewardship.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-mid local or regional nonprofit (especially in Vermont/Upper Valley or nearby New Hampshire) seeking modest program or annual-fund support and able to use grants in the $250–$6,000 range.
Good Fit
- • Located in Vermont or the immediate Upper Valley region (or active partners there).
- • Work aligns with education, local community services, environmental conservation, health programs, or animal welfare.
- • Seeks modest one-time or challenge/matching support rather than large multi-year core funding.
- • Has existing ties or networks connected to local colleges, community organizations, or prior grantees.
Geography
In the latest year grants went to recipients in four states, but 58% of dollars and a majority of grants were concentrated in Vermont, indicating a regional focus rather than truly national reach.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 11 distinct organizations in the observed year, which shows a moderately broad recipient set for a micro-foundation, though giving dollars were heavily weighted to the top five grantees.
New Applicants
The fund states it makes grants only to preselected recipients and no public website or contact route is visible; because only one year is available, direct turnover evidence is lacking, but the declared preselection policy and absence of an application path make unsolicited new applicants unlikely to be admitted.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
