The Ottowhalley Family Foundation Incorporated
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing general operating support to various nonprofit organizations. Its mission reflects a commitment to environmental conservation, food security, education, and human services, as evidenced by its funding of organizations like the Potomac Conservancy, Capital Area Food Bank, and educational institutions. The foundation serves a diverse range of causes and populations, focusing on community needs and support for charitable activities. Its grantmaking activities indicate a broad geographic reach, supporting organizations across multiple states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit seeking general operating support with regional relevance (MD/DC/IL footprint common) and a referral or prior relationship to the foundation.
Good Fit
- • Provides general operating support rather than program-restricted funding.
- • Works in conservation, food security, education, or local human services as reflected in past grantees.
- • Has an existing connection, referral, or history with board members or advisors.
- • Can effectively use relatively small unrestricted grants (many awards under $5K).
- • Is located in or serves Maryland, the DC area, or Illinois (these states receive notable shares).
Geography
Latest-year grants covered eight states, with the largest share to Illinois (about 38%) and substantial giving to Maryland and DC; the portfolio is multi-state rather than strictly local.
Recipient Variety
The most recent year funded 20 distinct recipients and the three-year history shows growing recipient counts (13 → 16 → 20) with many independent charities across sectors, indicating a broad recipient set for this foundation's size.
New Applicants
Observed behavior includes new entrants (six new recipients in 2024), but the foundation explicitly marks grants as by preselection/invitation and there is no public application portal, so unfamiliar applicants may be able to enter the portfolio but likely via referral or outreach rather than an open RFP.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
