The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)
Bryn Mawr, PA, US
•
501(c)3
•
EIN
23-2985234
•
•
Private Foundation
Regional Funder
Bryn Mawr, PA, US
•
501(c)3
•
EIN
23-2985234
•
•
Private Foundation
Regional Funder
AI Summary
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The Essential Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization formerly known as Aqua Charitable Trust, focuses its grantmaking primarily in Pennsylvania, with additional funding in Washington, D.C., and New York. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and operates on a relationship-based, invitation-only engagement model. Nonprofits interested in connecting with the foundation can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.
Cause Areas
1
Philanthropy
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Grantee
Total Funding
Funding Share

THE UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
$530K
4%

GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
$456.1K
3%

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
$200K
1%
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Total No. of Grants
1
Median 1st year grant
$2K
Median 2nd year grant
$2K
Top 3 Grants
Matched grants only
Grantee
Grant Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)?
No. The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) give?
The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) primarily gives to organizations located in Pennsylvania, District Of Columbia, and New York. These states represent the largest share of the foundation’s grantmaking by dollars awarded. Additional geographic details are available to registered users.
What size are The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)’s grants?
The largest share of grants from The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) fall in the $1 million to $5 million range. The median first-year grant is about $2,000. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) make each year?
In 2023, The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) awarded about 1 grants, totaling nearly $4.9 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) fund recently?
In 2024, The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) awarded grants to about 370 grantees. Recent grantees include THE UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust)?
The Essential Foundation (F/K/A Aqua Charitable Trust) does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
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