Ellen And Samuel Phelan Family
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, primarily through general purpose grants. Its mission appears to focus on environmental conservation, historical preservation, and community engagement, as evidenced by its funding to land trusts, museums, and educational institutions. The foundation serves a diverse array of recipients, including cultural and educational nonprofits, community centers, and organizations addressing food insecurity. While it operates primarily in New York, its grants extend to various states across the country.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-size nonprofit organizations, especially conservation, historic-preservation, museums, or local community groups, seeking modest general-purpose grants and with some geographic or network connection to the foundation's existing grantee set.
Good Fit
- • Mission aligned with conservation, historic preservation, museums, or local community services.
- • Project or operating needs that fit modest general-purpose grants (typical awards under $5K).
- • Organizational or board connections to the foundation's region or current grantees.
- • A track record of stable local programming rather than large capital campaigns.
Geography
Observed grants span 13 states in the latest year, with 60% of dollars going out of the foundation's home state and the largest state (New York) receiving about 40% of the dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 59 distinct recipients (one grant each), covering conservation, museums, schools, and community organizations; multiple independent nonprofits are funded rather than a tiny closed list.
New Applicants
Although filings state the foundation only supports preselected applicants, behavioral evidence shows 21 new recipients in the latest year (about 36%), so new entrants do get added but the route to become preselected is opaque.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
