Cassiopeia Foundation Inc

The Cassiopeia Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization categorized as a private grantmaking foundation, operating under the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) classification for philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking foundations. It was formerly known as the Blue Moon Fund and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Background

Cassiopeia Foundation Inc. has its roots in the W. Alton Jones Foundation, which was established in 1944 by former oil executive Alton Jones using revenues from the Cities Service Company. Following a family disagreement about the direction of the W. Alton Jones Foundation, it was split into three distinct entities in 2001: the Oak Hill Fund, the Edgerton Fund, and the Blue Moon Fund. The latter was rebranded as Cassiopeia Foundation in 2016.

Activities

Historically, the Blue Moon Fund focused on providing grants to environmental groups across Asia, North America, and South America, emphasizing resource implementation, energy use, and environmental conservation. It supported organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund), Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Working Group, Greenpeace, the Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Earth, Worldwatch Institute, and Environmental Defense Fund.

In its current form as Cassiopeia Foundation, the organization has expanded its focus. It supports initiatives that build human and natural resilience to a changing and warming world, utilizing natural, social, and financial capital to implement new models in diverse regions globally. Additionally, the foundation has been involved in supporting medical research, notably focused ultrasound research for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Financial Overview

As of recent filings, the Cassiopeia Foundation has reported significant financial transactions. It has been noted for its large expenses relative to its income, indicating substantial grantmaking and operational activities.

Key Personnel

Key figures in the Cassiopeia Foundation include Diane Edgerton Miller, who has served as CEO and Trustee, Jason W Green (CIO), Stephanie Randolph (Grants Program Officer), Zachary A Miller (CFO and Trustee), and Ethan A Miller (Secretary and Trustee). Ethan Miller has been a principal in the foundation for over 20 years and has been instrumental in its strategic giving, particularly in supporting medical research.

Notable Grants

One of the notable philanthropic efforts of Cassiopeia Foundation is its support for the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. This support has been directed towards advancing the use of focused ultrasound in treating neurodegenerative diseases. The foundation's approach to philanthropy involves identifying and backing visionary researchers and projects that have the potential for significant impact.