Private foundation · EIN 46-4164102 · Wellesley, Massachusetts · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Erik & Dorrit Pfau Charitable Tr

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: 16 grants paid, $465K total, median $21K. 38% of grants stayed in Massachusetts.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
16
$465K
Median grant
$21K
Stays in MA
38%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$4.5M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Heifer InternationalLittle Rock, ARUnrestricated$52K
Perkins School for the BlindWatertown, MAUnrestricated$52K
American Red CrossBoone, IAUnrestricated$52K
Salvation ArmyAlexandria, VAUnrestricated$52K
Habitat for HumanityAmericus, GAUnrestricated$43K
Amnesty InternationalNew York, NYUnrestricated$26K
Covenant House - New YorkNew York, NYUnrestricated$26K
Foundation Fighting BlindnessColumbia, MDUnrestricated$25K
Xavier Society for the BlindNew York, NYUnrestricated$17K
Carmel of the Holy FamilyCleveland Heights, OHUnrestricated$17K
Grace Church of Martha's VineyardVineyard Haven, MAUnrestricated$17K
Hospice of Martha's VineyardVineyard Haven, MAUnrestricated$17K
Island Housing TrustVineyard Haven, MAUnrestricated$17K
Martha's Vineyard Hospital DevelopmentOak Bluffs, MAUnrestricated$17K
Planned Parenthood Federation of AmericaNew York, NYUnrestricated$17K
Wgbh Educational FoundationBoston, MAUnrestricated$17K

By state: Massachusetts 6 · New York 4 · Arkansas 1 · Iowa 1 · Virginia 1 · Georgia 1

About this foundation

Erik & Dorrit Pfau Charitable Tr is a private grantmaking foundation in Wellesley, Massachusetts, administered in care of Samuel Denbo, tax-exempt since 2016. 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 Erik & Dorrit Pfau Charitable Tr 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 Erik & Dorrit Pfau Charitable Tr give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $465K across 16 grants, a median of $21K.

Where does Erik & Dorrit Pfau Charitable Tr give?

Massachusetts (6 grants), New York (4 grants), Arkansas (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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