Mount Rainier above forested ridges in Washington

Form 990-PFTax year 2025EIN 83-3981914

CO2 Foundation

A private foundation in Seattle, WA. Its return for tax year 2025 lists 34 grants and $2.3 million paid in grants.

Tax year 2025 (period ending Dec 31, 2025), read from the IRS e-file on Nov 11, 2026. Returns reach the IRS 5 to 18 months after the year they describe.

How to apply

Accepts applications

The return gives an application contact and rules, as below.

Contact
Karen Wolfgang
2442 NW Market St 971
Seattle, WA 98107
(601) 342-0234
[email protected]
Form and materials
Letters of inquiry are submitted online at https://co2foundation.org/grants/ and full proposals requested after review, within 45 days. The full proposal form is due via email within 30 days of its mailing to applicants.
Deadlines
One funding opportunity per year, with a soft close date 3 months after opportunity is posted.
Restrictions
We provide project-based seed funding to help nonprofit or academic organizations pilot projects that have the potential to deliver game-changing, scientifically sound responses to the global climate emergency. We generally have one open funding opportunity at a time; we consider letters of inquiry outside open funding opportunities, but encourage applicants to match their proposals with our current focus area. Typical grant size is between $25,000-100,000. In addition to this funding, co2 foundation supports grantees by helping to forge connections to other innovators and offering a platform for increased visibility. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations that are registered as a u.s. 501(c)(3). Eligible projects will be fully planned and ready for a proof-of-concept pilot. Note: individuals and organizations with a compelling project may also partner with a nonprofit organization as a fiscal sponsor.

Assets and giving by year

6 returns on file
Grants paid by tax year. The latest year is in blue.
  • Tax year 2025

    $2,251,048

    Grants listed
    34
    Assets, end of year
    $5,718,718
  • Tax year 2024

    $1,004,030

    Grants listed
    27
    Assets, end of year
    $8,299,815
  • Tax year 2023

    $303,580

    Grants listed
    11
    Assets, end of year
    $1,960,134
  • Tax year 2022

    $335,137

    Grants listed
    9
    Assets, end of year
    $1,776,347
  • Tax year 2021

    $159

    Grants listed
    1
    Assets, end of year
    $4,048,576
  • Tax year 2020

    $50

    Grants listed
    1
    Assets, end of year
    $3,613,322

Grants paid in 2025

34 grants, largest first

As listed on the return.

  1. Climate Central IncPrinceton, NJ

    Continuing sea surface temperature attribution modeling, connecting with extreme weather events. / expand our reach to new audiences with webinars, social media, and event-specific tools that will strengthen public understanding and help communities plan for and respond effectively to extreme weather events.

    $190,000
  2. University of Washington FoundationSeattle, WA

    Assess with the use of new climate model simulations if heatwaves could be pre-emptively cooled down with targeted aerosol injection upstream from the heatwave location. / co-produce actionable predictions through a collaboration with scientists and arctic indigenous organizations -- downscale earth system models to provide locally relevant, accessible, and potentially life-saving information.

    $189,744
  3. Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT

    Continuing yale climate connections spanish language hub work, on new platforms. / automate lifesaving extreme weather alerts and climate education during moments of increased public interest.

    $145,098
  4. Common GoalBrooklyn, NY

    Raise awareness of climate change to a global football community and secure action from industrystakeholders.

    $99,623
  5. The Conversation USWaltham, MA

    Continue getting extreme weather science information to the public!

    $99,350
  6. Grist Magazine IncSeattle, WA

    2025 extremes project focused on the disaster economy a full look at the businesses, labor forces, relief funds, and more that pop up in the wake of climate-induced disasters (and how thats changing under a new administration).

    $97,050
  7. Northern Arizona University FoundationFlagstaff, AZ

    Use existing biocrust restoration experiments to determine carbon sequestration potential of these activities.

    $95,000
  8. Urban InstituteWashington, DC

    Provides rapid, equity-focused analysis on disasters and disaster recovery needs in the days before, and after, those events, to that expand public conversations to include key equity topics and support community advocates and policy-makers who are prioritizing these important issues.

    $95,000
  9. Climate FoundationSeattle, WA

    Advances hectare-scale marine permaculture development, unlocking vast ocean areas for ecological restoration, sustainable resource production, and long-term carbon storage solutions.

    $85,500
  10. Oregon Environmental Council (oec)Portland, OR

    2027 soil health summit and additional natural climate solutions rulemaking stakeholder engagement.

    $84,250
  11. WGBH Educational FoundationBrighton, MA

    The world's rapid response extreme weather reporting team.

    $76,000
  12. GoodpowerCharlestown, MA

    Launching a formal rapid-response content operation that ensures the truth reaches people in minutesnot dayswhen the opportunity arises.

    $75,000
  13. EcoadaptBainbridge Is, WA

    Support 2026 national adaptation forum and virtual forum.

    $73,750
  14. Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (secoora)(for SCDRP)Charleston, SC

    Leverage regional capacity and partnership reach to focus 2026 annual meeting and conference on delivering a structured and outcome-driven series of presentations and expert panels focused on bridging the capacity gaps challenging vulnerable communities, especially rural communities, as they prepare for extreme weather events.

    $73,150
  15. MongabayMenlo Park, CA

    Using a solutions-based journalism approach, mongabay will explore the potential of nature-based climate solutions (NCS) for communities to withstand extreme weather events.

    $71,250
  16. National Council for Occupational Safety and HealthAustin, TX

    As climate change and the rollback of workers rights make extreme weather more lethal, national cosh is equipping low-wage workers on the frontlines of extreme weather with storytelling tools, training, and opportunities.

    $71,250
  17. Tech for ChangeSan Diego, CA

    Floodlight is pakistans first open-source flood mapping platform, enabling real-time, crowd-sourced data on flood risks. This project enhances its reach and functionality to improve early warning, evacuation, and public awareness saving lives and livelihoods. It offers a scalable, civic-tech solution to extreme weather aligned with co2 foundations climate resilience mission.

    $71,250
  18. Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association IncArlington, VA

    The PBS news hour tipping point series creates public awareness about the links between climate change and weather while shining a light on solutions being explored to adapt, mitigate and reverse the climate crisis.

    $71,250
  19. Conservation Biology InstituteCorvallis, OR

    2025 state of the climate report.

    $66,800
  20. Social Good Fund (for America Adapts)Richmond, CA

    A three-episode podcast series for the adaptation and resilience (a&r) community.

    $58,425
  21. Point Reyes Bird ObservatoryPetaluma, CA

    Connect monitoring and evaluation data across ca with widely-used carbon modeling programs, aiming to ensure that the practices being incentivized are in fact the most effective.

    $50,000
  22. Transmediavision USA IncBow, WA

    Complete the climate restorers, a 4-film documentary series.

    $50,000
  23. Montana Health Professionals for A Healthy Climate (MTHPHC)Red Lodge, MT

    Continue training MT healthcare professionals to understand and communicate about climate risks.

    $46,771
  24. Urban Ecology (for Kneedeep Times)San Francisco, CA

    Researching and writing follow-up storiesfor each of the five climate extremes. / create a new community reporting network that empowers residents in underrepresented parts of the bay area to share their stories of climate resilience.

    $42,750
  25. Utah Film Center (for the Here Now Project)Salt Lake City, UT

    Develop social release strategy for the here now project.

    $38,000
  26. West Virginia University Foundation Inc (for West Virginia University ExteMorgantown, WV

    Create and distribute a comprehensive preparedness guide tailored for west virginia residents facing escalating flood and wildfire risks.

    $34,200
  27. Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA

    2025 graduate climate conference.

    $27,550
  28. Seattle FoundationSeattle, WA

    Support climate lab, the seattle times ambitious, multi-year initiative on the climate crisis.

    $25,000
  29. Planning AheadDurham, NC

    Host a series of trauma-informed workshops in durham, NC, equipping vulnerable residents with strategies to prepare for extreme heat and flooding.

    $19,000
  30. Nature Forward IncChevy Chase, MD

    Develop a public awareness campaign utilizing dynamic communications, personal stories and workshops to localize and humanize the dramatic climate and health impacts of the proliferating data center industry.

    $10,000
  31. UnthinkableSalt Lake Cty, UT

    Support the development of field-building resources after the american climate-mental health summit.

    $10,000
  32. Environmental Defense Fund (edf)New York, NY

    This project will identify actionable strategies for disaster insurers to help lower risks, producing a report to be shared through existing networks within the industry.

    $3,562
  33. Chispa Arizona A Program of the League of Conservation Voters Education FunPhoenix, AZ

    Gatherings and a summit to discuss/discover and then present what impacted community members want to do with ira funds.

    $3,000
  34. Urban Sustainability Directors Network (usdn)Sanford, NC

    Resilience hubs video series: sharing community wisdom and experiences (maui and oahu).

    $2,475

Approved for future payment

27 grants

Approved in 2025 and not yet paid.

  1. Climate Central IncPrinceton, NJ

    Continuing sea surface temperature attribution modeling, connecting with extreme weather events. / expand our reach to new audiences with webinars, social media, and event-specific tools that will strengthen public understanding and help communities plan for and respond effectively to extreme weather events.

    $10,000
  2. University of Washington FoundationSeattle, WA

    Assess with the use of new climate model simulations if heatwaves could be pre-emptively cooled down with targeted aerosol injection upstream from the heatwave location. / co-produce actionable predictions through a collaboration with scientists and arctic indigenous organizations -- downscale earth system models to provide locally relevant, accessible, and potentially life-saving information.

    $9,987
  3. Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT

    Continuing yale climate connections spanish language hub work, on new platforms. / automate lifesaving extreme weather alerts and climate education during moments of increased public interest.

    $7,500
  4. Northern Arizona University FoundationFlagstaff, AZ

    Use existing biocrust restoration experiments to determine carbon sequestration potential of these activities.

    $5,000
  5. The Conversation USWaltham, MA

    Continue getting extreme weather science information to the public!

    $5,000
  6. Urban InstituteWashington, DC

    Provides rapid, equity-focused analysis on disasters and disaster recovery needs in the days before, and after, those events, to that expand public conversations to include key equity topics and support community advocates and policy-makers who are prioritizing these important issues.

    $5,000
  7. Grist Magazine IncSeattle, WA

    2025 extremes project focused on the disaster economy a full look at the businesses, labor forces, relief funds, and more that pop up in the wake of climate-induced disasters (and how thats changing under a new administration).

    $4,835
  8. Climate FoundationSeattle, WA

    Advances hectare-scale marine permaculture development, unlocking vast ocean areas for ecological restoration, sustainable resource production, and long-term carbon storage solutions.

    $4,500
  9. Oregon Environmental Council (oec)Portland, OR

    2027 soil health summit and additional natural climate solutions rulemaking stakeholder engagement.

    $4,250
  10. WGBH Educational FoundationBrighton, MA

    The world's rapid response extreme weather reporting team.

    $4,000
  11. Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (secoora)(for SCDRP)Charleston, SC

    Leverage regional capacity and partnership reach to focus 2026 annual meeting and conference on delivering a structured and outcome-driven series of presentations and expert panels focused on bridging the capacity gaps challenging vulnerable communities, especially rural communities, as they prepare for extreme weather events.

    $3,850
  12. EcoadaptBainbridge Is, WA

    Support 2026 national adaptation forum and virtual forum.

    $3,750
  13. GoodpowerCharlestown, MA

    Launching a formal rapid-response content operation that ensures the truth reaches people in minutesnot dayswhen the opportunity arises.

    $3,750
  14. MongabayMenlo Park, CA

    Using a solutions-based journalism approach, mongabay will explore the potential of nature-based climate solutions (NCS) for communities to withstand extreme weather events.

    $3,750
  15. National Council for Occupational Safety and HealthAustin, TX

    As climate change and the rollback of workers rights make extreme weather more lethal, national cosh is equipping low-wage workers on the frontlines of extreme weather with storytelling tools, training, and opportunities.

    $3,750
  16. Tech for ChangeSan Diego, CA

    Floodlight is pakistans first open-source flood mapping platform, enabling real-time, crowd-sourced data on flood risks. This project enhances its reach and functionality to improve early warning, evacuation, and public awareness saving lives and livelihoods. It offers a scalable, civic-tech solution to extreme weather aligned with co2 foundations climate resilience mission.

    $3,750
  17. Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association IncArlington, VA

    The PBS news hour tipping point series creates public awareness about the links between climate change and weather while shining a light on solutions being explored to adapt, mitigate and reverse the climate crisis.

    $3,750
  18. Conservation Biology InstituteCorvallis, OR

    2025 state of the climate report.

    $3,350
  19. Social Good Fund (for America Adapts)Richmond, CA

    A three-episode podcast series for the adaptation and resilience (a&r) community.

    $3,075
  20. Point Reyes Bird ObservatoryPetaluma, CA

    Connect monitoring and evaluation data across ca with widely-used carbon modeling programs, aiming to ensure that the practices being incentivized are in fact the most effective.

    $2,500
  21. Montana Health Professionals for A Healthy Climate (MTHPHC)Red Lodge, MT

    Continue training MT healthcare professionals to understand and communicate about climate risks.

    $2,406
  22. Urban Ecology (for Kneedeep Times)San Francisco, CA

    Researching and writing follow-up storiesfor each of the five climate extremes. / create a new community reporting network that empowers residents in underrepresented parts of the bay area to share their stories of climate resilience.

    $2,250
  23. Utah Film Center (for the Here Now Project)Salt Lake City, UT

    Develop social release strategy for the here now project.

    $2,000
  24. West Virginia University Foundation Inc (for West Virginia University ExteMorgantown, WV

    Create and distribute a comprehensive preparedness guide tailored for west virginia residents facing escalating flood and wildfire risks.

    $1,800
  25. Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA

    2025 graduate climate conference.

    $1,450
  26. Planning AheadDurham, NC

    Host a series of trauma-informed workshops in durham, NC, equipping vulnerable residents with strategies to prepare for extreme heat and flooding.

    $1,000
  27. Common GoalBrooklyn, NY

    Raise awareness of climate change to a global football community and secure action from industrystakeholders.

    $90

Where the money goes

By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.

  1. Education4 grants $411,64431% of the total
  2. Environment5 grants $266,60020% of the total
  3. Science and technology1 grant $190,00014% of the total
  4. Arts and culture2 grants $147,25011% of the total
  5. Social science1 grant $95,0007% of the total
  6. Disaster relief and public safety1 grant $71,2505% of the total
  7. 4 other causes4 grants $156,25012% of the total

By State

Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.

  1. Washington6 grants $521,044
  2. California5 grants $293,675
  3. Massachusetts4 grants $277,900
  4. New Jersey1 grant $190,000
  5. Oregon2 grants $151,050
  6. Connecticut1 grant $145,098
  7. New York2 grants $103,185
  8. Arizona2 grants $98,000
  9. District of Columbia1 grant $95,000
  10. South Carolina1 grant $73,150

Officers, directors and trustees

4 people as filed

As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.

  • Karen WolfgangEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hours 40Pay $116,016
  • William CalvinPRESIDENT Hours 2Pay $0
  • Katherine GraubardVICE PRESIDENT Hours 10Pay $0
  • Stephanie MoretTREASURER Hours 10Pay $0

The return

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