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The Three Sisters Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Three Sisters Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$73k
Granted FY2024still arriving
24
Grants FY2024still arriving
8
States reached
$10k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
0199% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Environment$147kHealth$143kPublic Safety & Disaster$77kFood & Nutrition$60kRecreation & Sports$39kAnimals$32kHousing & Shelter$15kArts & Culture$11kOther$0
02FY2024 · 24 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k22 grants · $53k
  • $10k–50k2 grants · $20k
$2,000
Median grant
8
States reached
$1.2M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION$10,000
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION$10,000
NO KID HUNGRY$5,000
NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION$5,000
PLANNED PARENTHOOD$5,000
RICHARD J CARON FOUNDATION$5,000
SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION$3,000
ACLU FOUNDATION$3,000
EVERY MOTHER COUNTS$3,000
CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CENTER$3,000
CHALLENGE ASPEN$2,000
THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH$2,000
DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER$2,000
FEEDING AMERICA$2,000
LOS ANGELES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOUNDATION$2,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY17–24, $44k) land where the poverty rate runs at 10%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 52% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants spread fairly evenly across need levels.

area typical 10%THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $2k → 11%DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $2k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $5k → 6%CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN: $2k → 14%THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $2k → 11%DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $2k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $5k → 6%CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN: $2k → 14%BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $2k → 11%DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $2k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $3k → 6%CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN: $2k → 14%THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $1k → 11%DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $1k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $2k → 6%CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN: $1k → 14%DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $1k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $2k → 6%CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN: $1k → 14%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $2k → 6%CHALLENGE ASPEN: $2k → 6%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

NH
MN
IL
NY
OR
NV
PA
NJ
CA
CO
TN
DC
HI
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

89%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$488k · 28 repeat orgs$62k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +19% since the first grant, against -7% for those funded once.

28 repeat relationships: 22 still active in FY2024, 6 since wound down; 2 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

28
15

Total granted

$488k
$57k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+19%
-7%

Still filing today

75%
67%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 93% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $5k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
HealthAnimalsEnvironmentHuman ServicesCommunity ImprovementFood & NutritionOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • LA
    LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION
    8× · 2017–2024 · $75k · revenue ×63
  • TS
    THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
    8× · 2017–2024 · $65k · revenue +107%
  • RJ
    RICHARD J CARON FOUNDATION
    8× · 2017–2024 · $50k · revenue +7%

Funded once

  • AA
    ASHLAND AREA RECREATION ASSOCIATION
    one grant, 2019 · $30k · revenue -100%
  • AT
    ASPEN TIBET
    one grant, 2017 · $7k
  • ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INCORPORATEDgraduated
    one grant, 2020 · $3k · revenue +121%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Animal Outlook Inc

Animal outlook is a national animal protection organization working to end the abuse of farmed animals using a variety of strategies, including investigations, legal advocacy, corporate and food system reform, and vegan outreach.

Animals
2
Wildlife Conservation Network Inc

Connect conservationists and supporters, deploy resources to the field, provide conservationists with tools and support they need to succeed.

Animals
3
The Water Research Foundation

The purpose of the water research foundation (wrf) is a definitive research organization to advance the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. to engage exclusively in…

Environment
4
The Humane League

We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food. this mission is executed by persuading companies and institutions to adopt animal welfare policies through negotiation and pressure campaigns, and then holding them accountable to their…

Animals
5
Health Care Without Harm

The mission of health care without harm (hcwh) is to transform health care worldwide so that it reduces its environmental footprint, becomes a community anchor for sustainability and a leader in the global movement for environmental health…

Environment
6
The Union of Concerned Scientists Inc

The union of concerned scientists puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future.

International
7
Wildaid Inc

Wildaid's mission is to inspire change and empower the world to protect wildlife and vital habitats from critical threats.

Animals
8
Oceana Inc

To advocate for policy changes by governments and corporations in order to preserve ocean life and return the oceans to their former abundance.

Environment
9
Environmental Investigation Agency

To establish and promote programs to protect the global climate, forests, wildlife and the natural environment, through research, advocacy, and investigation.

International
10
Friends of the Earth

Friends of the earth strives for a more healthy and just world by defendng the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice by conducting research and education, transforming the economy so it protects the…

Environment
11
National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Nacwa is the national voice of public clean water utilities, shaping water policy, convening a vibrant peer network, and empowering water leaders.

—
12
American Flood Coalition Inc

To drive transformational adaptation to protect communities across the country from higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.

Environment
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated; the most unlike its peers is Hit Living Foundation. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

34 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 34 of the 46 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
5
Early backer (in before they grew)
34/34
Grantees still filing
21/34
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

PLANNED PARENTHOOD: $40,000 · OtherPLANNED PARENTHOODNATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION: $40,000 · OtherNATIONAL PARK FOUNDATIONSHARE OUR STRENGTH: $32,324 · OtherSHARE OUR STRENGTHNO KID HUNGRY: $10,000 · OtherROARING FORK MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION: $8,500 · OtherASPEN TIBET: $6,570 · OtherMINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA: $10,000 · Other+20 more: $49,481 · Other+20 moreRICHARD J CARON FOUNDATION: $50,000 · HealthRICHARD J CARON FOU…EVERY MOTHER COUNTS: $30,000 · HealthEVERY MOTHER COUNTSTHE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CENTER: $15,000 · HealthTHE CALIFORNIA WILD…+3 more: $2,300 · HealthTHE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION: $65,000 · EnvironmentTHE SURFRIDER FOU…SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $10,000 · EnvironmentSIERRA CLUB FOUND…ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP: $6,000 · EnvironmentENVIRONMENTAL WOR…ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INCORPORATED: $3,470 · EnvironmentLOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION: $75,000 · Public Safety & DisasterLOS ANGELES FIR…CHALLENGE ASPEN: $21,000 · Human ServicesCHALLENGE…DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $8,000 · Human ServicesDOWNTOWN …CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN: $8,000 · Human ServicesCONNECTIO…THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $7,000 · Human ServicesTHE BRIDG…ASHLAND AREA RECREATION ASSOCIATION: $30,000 · Community ImprovementTerraCycle Global Foundation Inc: $2,000 · Community ImprovementLOS ANGELES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FDN: $2,000 · Community ImprovementORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION: $21,000 · Public Benefit
Other$196,875Health$97,300Environment$84,470Public Safety & Disaster$75,000Human Services$44,000Community Improvement$34,000Public Benefit$21,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetLOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION: $75,000 over 8y, 0.6% of budgetTHE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION: $65,000 over 8y, 0.1% of budgetRICHARD J CARON FOUNDATION: $50,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetNATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION: $40,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetSHARE OUR STRENGTH: $32,324 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetEVERY MOTHER COUNTS: $30,000 over 8y, 0.1% of budgetCHALLENGE ASPEN: $21,000 over 7y, 0.2% of budgetORGANIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION: $21,000 over 8y, 0.2% of budgetTHE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CENTER: $15,000 over 7y, 0.2% of budgetMINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA: $10,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetSIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION: $10,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetDOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER: $8,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetCONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN: $8,000 over 5y, 0.1% of budgetTHE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH: $7,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetTHE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS: $6,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP: $6,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetFeeding America: $6,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND INCORPORATED: $3,470 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetDream of Wild Health: $3,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetPENCILS OF PROMISE INCORPORATED: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetMATTER: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTerraCycle Global Foundation Inc: $2,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetLOS ANGELES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FDN: $2,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetSAVING GRACIE INC: $2,000 over 2y, 1.1% of budgetWOODSTOCK FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY INC: $1,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetHEALTHCARE FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS: $1,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetNational Domestic Workers Alliance Inc: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetWELLNESS IN THE SCHOOLS INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetHIT LIVING FOUNDATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetMUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBLOOD CANCER UNITED INC: $300 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Mary Jo and Hank Gree…Charities Aid Foundat…Morgan Stanley Global…Jpmorgan Chase Founda…National Philanthropi…The Blackbaud Giving …Network for GoodAmerican Online Givin…Paypal Charitable Giv…Donor Advised Charita…Fidelity Investments …The Bank of America C…
Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare FoundationCA13.6× affinity4 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare Foundation · Charities Aid Foundation America · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · National Philanthropic Trust · The Blackbaud Giving Fund · Network for Good · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Paypal Charitable Giving Fund · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Three Sisters Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Three Sisters Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%8%15%22%30%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    6report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–30%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
    05Through Plinth

    Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

    How do I get to The Three Sisters Foundation?

    Find your warmest path to The Three Sisters Foundation through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

    Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 46 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Three Sisters’ filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home