Carol Irving Foundation
The Carol Irving Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission reflects a commitment to arts and culture, education, environmental conservation, and community service, as evidenced by its funding of organizations such as libraries, choirs, and environmental groups. The foundation primarily serves nonprofit organizations that focus on enhancing community well-being and promoting literacy and environmental awareness. Although it operates in multiple states, its funding activities show a significant emphasis on California and New York.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid‑sized nonprofits (especially local libraries, arts groups, conservation organizations, or education projects) seeking modest general‑operating support and either a local connection or a clear program match to the foundation's past grantees.
Good Fit
- • Asking for modest general operating or program support (typical grants under $5,000).
- • Work in arts, libraries, conservation, or education, matching prior grantees like local libraries, choirs, botanical gardens, and conservation groups.
- • Located in California or able to demonstrate a clear connection or comparable impact to the foundation's past recipients.
- • Ability to make a concise written request and follow up by phone or mail.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to recipients in three states (California, New York, Massachusetts), so the footprint is multi‑state but limited rather than national.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 7 distinct recipients in the latest year (and 7–9 in prior years), showing a moderate spread of independent nonprofits across arts, libraries, conservation and education despite high dollar concentration to a few recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence is mixed: a written‑request application route and contact information exist, but the latest year shows zero new recipients (all seven were returning), so openness to unfamiliar applicants cannot be confirmed and appears limited but not fully closed.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
