Private foundation · EIN 26-1214808 · Austin, Texas · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Backcountry Charitable Trust

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 8 grants paid, $627K total, median $38K. 25% of grants stayed in Texas.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
8
$627K
Median grant
$38K
Stays in TX
25%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$4.5M

Grants paid in 2025

8 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
USA Nordic SportPark City, UTGeneral$415K
Innerscience Research FundYelm, WAGeneral$72K
Foundation for Individual Rights and ExpressionPhiladelphia, PAGeneral$50K
Nuclear Threat InitiativeWashington, DCGeneral$50K
Let It GrowNew York, NYGeneral$25K
St Stephens Episcopal SchoolAustin, TXGeneral$5,000
Nansen Ski ClubBerlin, NHGeneral$5,000
CASA Montessori Cdc IncAustin, TXGeneral$5,000

By state: Utah 1 · Washington 1 · Pennsylvania 1 · District of Columbia 1 · New York 1 · Texas 2

About this foundation

Backcountry Charitable Trust is a private grantmaking foundation in Austin, Texas, administered in care of James H Holland, tax-exempt since 2008. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Backcountry Charitable Trust accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Backcountry Charitable Trust give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $627K across 8 grants, a median of $38K.

Where does Backcountry Charitable Trust give?

Utah (1 grants), Washington (1 grants), Pennsylvania (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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