Introduction
Earth Rising Foundation is a privately funded US climate justice foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. It supports activism and initiatives that raise awareness of the climate crisis while promoting cooperation, environmental care and social justice. The organisation is recognised as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) private foundation.
History and Background
Public tax records show Earth Rising Foundation reporting charitable activity from at least 2019. The IRS granted its current tax-exempt recognition in 2021. The Foundation has since expanded its support across youth activism, Indigenous leadership, regenerative agriculture, climate justice and creative environmental projects.
Mission and Purpose
Earth Rising Foundation follows a people-powered approach to the climate crisis. It views climate change as a systemic issue connected to economic inequality, racial justice, gender equality, migration and self-determination.
Its main priorities include:
- Supporting youth climate activists
- Elevating Indigenous voices and stewardship
- Promoting regenerative agriculture
- Connecting climate change with social injustice
- Supporting art and ideas that imagine sustainable futures
Governance and Structure
Earth Rising Foundation operates as a US private foundation rather than a commercial enterprise foundation. It is privately funded and states that it does not work with or accept donations from corporations.
Its 2024 tax filing listed Amy Boscov as President, Julia Boscov as Treasurer and several additional directors and officers. The filing reported no compensation for its listed officers.
Funding and Grants
The Foundation provides material and financial support to climate activists, farmers, artists, Indigenous groups and social justice organisations. Support may cover consultants, transportation, equipment, education, media activities and creative projects.
Its 2024 filing reported:
- Revenue of approximately $1 million
- Expenses of approximately $1.44 million
- Charitable disbursements of approximately $1.42 million
- Net assets of approximately $1.77 million
Earth Rising Foundation is not a general provider of scientific research grants or unrestricted basic research funding. Research may be supported when it directly addresses climate justice, environmental inequality or related program priorities.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The Foundation’s principal program areas are:
- Indigenous Voices: Supporting Indigenous leadership, traditional knowledge and environmental stewardship
- Youth Activism: Providing resources for youth-led climate actions, education and media
- Regenerative Agriculture: Supporting sustainable farming and land-restoration practices
- Climate Intersections: Connecting climate action with racial, economic, gender and migration justice
- Sustainable Visions: Supporting literature, art, design and creative projects that imagine a fairer future
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Earth Rising Foundation has supported projects in the United States and internationally.
Examples include:
- Supporting the Benin Youth Climate Reporter Academy, which trains young journalists and activists to communicate climate issues
- Supporting Sustainable Harvest International’s work with low-income farmers transitioning to sustainable agriculture
- Funding reforestation and agroecology activities with farmers in southern Togo
- Supporting the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Learning Center in preserving Indigenous language, knowledge and healthy food practices
Conclusion
Earth Rising Foundation is a small, privately funded climate justice foundation supporting community-led environmental action. Its philanthropic activities focus on youth movements, Indigenous leadership, regenerative farming, social justice and creative climate communication.
For interns and nonprofit professionals, the Foundation offers insight into:
- Climate grantmaking
- Environmental justice
- Youth-led activism
- Indigenous partnerships
- Regenerative agriculture
- Grant monitoring
- Communications and storytelling
- Social-impact assessment
Applicants should review the Foundation’s official application page for current eligibility requirements, funding availability and submission procedures, as these details may change.
For more information, visit here.
