Private foundation · EIN 04-3369962 · Needham, Massachusetts · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Trefler Foundation

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: 19 grants paid, $1.6M total, median $25K. 100% of grants stayed in Massachusetts.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
19
$1.6M
Median grant
$25K
Stays in MA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$19M

Grants paid in 2025

19 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV. Part XV itemizes $1.6M; Part I reports $1.9M in contributions paid

RecipientPurposeAmount
Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$1.1M
Year UpBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$100K
Ma League of Community Health CentersBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$75K
Noble and Greenough SchoolDedham, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$57K
Ellie FundNeedham, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$50K
Leadership BraineryBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$40K
Union Capital BostonBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$40K
Massachusetts Alliance for Early CollegeBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$35K
The Teachers LoungeRoslindale, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$35K
Duet IncBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$25K
Embrace BostonBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$10K
Mspca AngellBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$10K
Philanthropy MaBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$7,620
Center for Teen EmpowermentDorchester, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$5,000
Haley HouseBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$5,000
NecatBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$5,000
Social Capital IncBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$5,000
Boston Raiders Youth Football and Cheer Pop Warner Little ScholarsHyde Park, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$1,500
One Love Sports AcademyBoston, MAUnrestricted charitable gift$1,000

About this foundation

Trefler Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Needham, Massachusetts, tax-exempt since 1997. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

Foundation websiteAll filings on ProPublica

Does Trefler Foundation 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 Trefler Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $1.6M across 19 grants, a median of $25K.

Where does Trefler Foundation give?

Massachusetts (19 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Needham that accept applications

All in Massachusetts
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Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Incsince 1956 Needham, MA $28K26 grants · 2024 $86Preselected only $30M
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