Grantmaking public charity · EIN 01-0425071
Friends of Acadia
Bar Harbor, ME
Friends of Acadia is a public charity that makes grants based in Bar Harbor, ME. On its Form 990 (Schedule I) for tax year 2025, it reported $7.3M in grants paid across 16 grants, with $100M in total assets. Its largest grants went to Acadia National Park, Schoodic Institute at Acadia and Downeast Transportation.
How to request funding
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check Friends of Acadia's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests.
How it makes and monitors grants (Schedule I, Part IV)
The Organization maintains a policy designed to monitor the grant arrangements the Organization enters into. The Organization sends letters specifying what the grant is for and requesting a return letter that the grant will be used for the intended purpose. The Organization meets with Acadia National Park staff at least once per year. Park staff provide documentation of where and how grants were used.
Grants as reported on its Form 990 for tax year 2025; the application guidance above is general for this type of funder. Requirements change; confirm with the organization before applying.
Mission
Preservation and protection of Acadia National Park.
As stated on its Form 990.
Largest grants, tax year 2025
Historical data · not a prediction| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia National Park | Bar Harbor, ME | Provide assistance to ensure the protection of the Acadia National Park region. | $6,124,404 |
| Schoodic Institute at Acadia | Winter Harbor, ME | Education and Conservation | $486,638 |
| Downeast Transportation | Ellsworth, ME | Provide support for the Island Explorer propane buses serving Acadia National Park. | $297,000 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | Boston, MA | Conservation | $100,000 |
| Maine Coast Heritage Trust | Topsham, ME | Conservation | $89,000 |
| Student Conservation Association | Arlington, VA | Education | $43,914 |
| College of the Atlantic | Bar Harbor, ME | Research | $23,782 |
| University of Maine | Bangor, ME | Research | $15,024 |
| Indian Island School | Indian Island, ME | Education | $15,000 |
| Indian Township School | Princeton, ME | Education | $15,000 |
| Niweskok | Milford, ME | Education | $10,000 |
| Abbe Museum | Bar Harbor, ME | Education | $7,500 |
| Blue Hill Consolidated | Blue Hill, ME | Education | $7,500 |
| Ellsworth Elementary | Ellsworth, ME | Education | $7,500 |
| Hancock Grammar School | Hancock, ME | Education | $7,500 |
| The Molly Ockett School | Fryeburg, ME | Education | $7,500 |
Names and purposes as reported to the IRS.
Where its grants went
Quick answers
Does Friends of Acadia accept grant applications?
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check Friends of Acadia's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests. Form 990 does not report an application process, so confirm with the organization.
How much does Friends of Acadia give each year?
For tax year 2025, it reported $7,296,850 in grants paid (16 grants). Giving can change from year to year.
What organizations has Friends of Acadia funded?
Its largest grants in tax year 2025 went to Acadia National Park (ME), $6.12M, Schoodic Institute at Acadia (ME), $487K, Downeast Transportation (ME), $297K, Appalachian Mountain Club (MA), $100K and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (ME), $89K.