Foundations that fund organizations in Charleston, Massachusetts
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Charleston nonprofits
7 private foundations gave $147K to Charleston organizations in their latest filings; 3 of the 7 that say either way accept applications.
7 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Charleston around $5,000. 4 of these funders are based in Massachusetts; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 7
- Accept applications
- 3
- of 7 that state a policy
- Dollars to Charleston
- $147K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 7
- Typical median grant
- $5,000
- Based in MA
- 57%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Charleston organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation | Eagan, MN | 1 | $110K | $110K | Yes | General operating |
| Hillman Family Foundations | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $20K | $20K | Yes | Youth climate education at scale: our climate our future |
| The Herb Chambers Charitable Foundation | Glastonbury, CT | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | General operations |
| The Elizabeth and Gardner Lane Family Foundation Inc | Westport, MA | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Preselected only | General fund |
| Topol Family Foundation Inc | Boston, MA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Program support |
| Cutler Stephens Foundation | Charlestown, MA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | General fund |
| David J Feldman and Sydney E Feldman Charitable Trust | Dedham, MA | 1 | $200 | $200 | Yes | Gift |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Charleston, Massachusetts?
Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation, Hillman Family Foundations, The Herb Chambers Charitable Foundation, The Elizabeth and Gardner Lane Family Foundation Inc, Topol Family Foundation Inc and 2 others reported grants to Charleston organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Charleston. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.