Windward Fund

Open & Accessible
Public Charity
WASHINGTON, DCVery LargeEIN: 473522162
Environmental Conservation GroupsConservation GroupsSocial Justice OrganizationsCommunity Supported Agriculture GroupsFood Insecurity Nonprofits

Windward Fund is a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) that provides fiscal sponsorship, domestic and international grantmaking, and donor collaboration to advance climate, conservation, and environmental justice projects. The site describes project hosting, a project directory, and financial filings (Form 990s) confirming organizational details.

Source: Website · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

Organizations or project teams focused on climate, conservation, and environmental justice (including projects seeking fiscal sponsorship or donor-collaboration support).

Good Fit

  • Project work clearly framed in environmental conservation, climate, or environmental justice.
  • Readiness for multi-year grants or large awards (evidence of program capacity and budget).
  • Willingness to use fiscal sponsorship or hosted-project arrangements.
  • Geographic scope that can be national or state-level; demonstrated project outcomes and partnerships.

Geography

Broad

Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in 47 states with roughly 86% of dollars going outside the foundation's home state, indicating a national footprint.

Recipient Variety

Broad

The latest year shows 458 distinct grantees across a wide institutional mix (universities, national NGOs, project entities) and a broad grant-size distribution, which indicates a large and diverse recipient set.

New Applicants

Broad

Direct evidence of openness: 293 new grantees appeared in 2024 (about 64% of recipients), and although no formal public grant guidelines were found, the organization lists a newprojects email and website contact—together these suggest unfamiliar applicants can and do enter the portfolio.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026