The Palmer Foundation
The Palmer Foundation (Oakton, VA) is a private foundation that funds water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and workforce development initiatives and says it has supported more than 400 projects since 1990. The site lists a PO Box in Oakton, VA and an administrative email ([email protected]) and links to a Foundant grant portal (by invitation only).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid-sized nonprofits working in WASH, workforce development, environmental conservation, or community economic development with capacity to manage program grants in the roughly $25k–$100k range and some track record or referral into the foundation's networks.
Good Fit
- • Programs in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), workforce development, or environmental protection
- • Organizational capacity to manage multi-year or mid-size program grants ($25k–$100k)
- • Regional presence in one of the states the foundation has funded
- • A prior connection or referral to the foundation's staff or board
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached about a dozen states and the majority of dollars were awarded outside the foundation's home state, indicating a multi-state footprint rather than a strictly local focus.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded roughly 27–34 distinct organizations per year over three years (28 in 2024) with many independent charities represented and a substantial share of first-time grantees in recent years, showing a broad recipient set despite some dollar concentration among top grants.
New Applicants
Direct application is invitation-only and the foundation declares preselection for applicants, but behavioral evidence shows the foundation adds many new grantees each year (15 new in 2024 and 23 new in 2023), so unfamiliar organizations can enter the portfolio though likely via nomination, referral, or proactive outreach rather than an open portal.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
