Private foundation · EIN 27-3842131 · Boston, Massachusetts · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Michael T Sherman 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: 26 grants paid, $475K total, median $16K. 54% of grants stayed in Massachusetts.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
26
$475K
Median grant
$16K
Stays in MA
54%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$3.7M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Greater Boston Food Bank IncBoston, MAGeneral purpose$32K
Perkins School for the BlindWatertown, MAGeneral purpose$32K
Everytown for Gun Safety Support FundNew York, NYGeneral purpose$27K
Multiple Myeloma Research Fd IncBoston, MAGeneral purpose$27K
Sierra Club FoundationOakland, CAGeneral purpose$27K
ASPCANew York, NYGeneral purpose$22K
City of Phoenix Pediatric Health Care Initiative FundPhoenix, AZPediatric health care initiative fund$22K
Franciscan Hospital for Children IncBrighton, MAGeneral purpose$22K
Habitat for Humanity International IncAmericus, GAGeneral purpose$22K
Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MAHome base program$22K
NeadsPrinceton, MAGeneral purpose$22K
World Wildlife Fund IncWashington, DCGeneral purpose$22K
Boston Higher Education Resource CenterBoston, MAGeneral purpose$16K
Camfed USA FoundationSan Francisco, CAGeneral purpose$16K
Community Workshops IncBoston, MACommunityworks services$16K
Compass Working CapitalBoston, MAGeneral purpose$16K
Himalayan Cataract Project IncNorwich, VTGeneral purpose$16K
Onegoal MassachusettsBoston, MAGeneral purpose$16K
School on Wheels of Massachusetts IncEast Bridgewater, MAGeneral purpose$16K
Teach for America IncBoston, MAGeneral purpose$16K
Resilient Coders IncCambridge, MAGeneral purpose$13K
Project Medishare for HaitiMiami, FLGeneral purpose$11K
Friends of Project RenewMcLean, VAGeneral purpose$8,060
Mines Advisory Group America IncWashington, DCGeneral purpose$8,060
Peacetrees VietnamSeattle, WAGeneral purpose$8,060
Project Step IncBoston, MAGeneral purpose$2,020

By state: Massachusetts 14 · New York 2 · California 2 · District of Columbia 2 · Arizona 1 · Georgia 1

About this foundation

Michael T Sherman Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Boston, Massachusetts, administered in care of Hemenway & Barnes Llp, tax-exempt since 2011. 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 Michael T Sherman 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 Michael T Sherman Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $475K across 26 grants, a median of $16K.

Where does Michael T Sherman Foundation give?

Massachusetts (14 grants), New York (2 grants), California (2 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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