The Overbrook Foundation
The Overbrook Foundation is a New York–based family foundation (founded 1948) that funds work in environment and human rights; the site includes mission, history, programs, grantee partners, news, and staff. The website publishes recent news and a detailed grantee list and provides office contact information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid‑sized or larger nonprofits working on environment, ocean/plastics, forest protection, or democracy/voting rights with a track record and capacity for general operating support.
Good Fit
- • Work on ocean conservation, plastics reduction, tropical forest protection, or related environmental programs.
- • Legal, civic engagement, or voting rights work tied to democracy protection.
- • Requests for general operating support or multi-year program support rather than one-off small pilots.
- • Evidence of organizational capacity and measurable impact.
- • Regional or national scope (the foundation funds across many states) or credible local partners in priority geographies.
Geography
Grants are distributed across 28 states with roughly two‑thirds of dollars going outside New York, indicating a national footprint despite a New York base.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 146 distinct recipients and a large number of grant purposes across environment, human rights, and democracy, and the top five recipients account for only 28% of dollars, demonstrating a broad and diverse recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover is available: about 69 new recipients appeared in 2024, which shows the foundation does add new grantees. However, the foundation explicitly indicates it funds only preselected applicants and does not publish an open application process, so entry for unfamiliar applicants is plausible but likely relationship- or referral-driven.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
