Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund
The Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund is a private foundation based in Needham, Massachusetts. It reports making contributions to charitable, educational, medical, and religious organizations.
Key facts about Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund
In short: Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund gave $184K across 15 grants in 2024 (avg $12K), mostly in Massachusetts. 0% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 04-6043588
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $184,100
- Grants made (2024)
- 15
- Average grant
- $12,273
- Median grant
- $5,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 15, 2024)
- Total assets
- $3,958,276
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (78% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.0M
-1.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$184K
-39.9% YoY
Grant Count
15
-16.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$12K
-27.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund reported a distributable amount of $338K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 0 of 15 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count
- 93% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 43% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 54% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The funder states that it contributes to charitable, educational, medical, and religious organizations. Its 2024 grants included organizations whose stated missions illustrate some of the work supported. Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston says it works to sustain and enrich Jewish life in the Greater Boston community and coordinate Jewish communal services. Brandeis University describes its work as advancing the humanities, arts, and sciences and providing a broad liberal arts education. Yad Chessed Fund says it provides emergency financial assistance and guidance to Jewish individuals experiencing financial distress and food insecurity. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions, not stated missions of the funder.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the funder reported 15 grants totaling $184,100. Individual grants ranged from $1,000 to $60,000, with a median of $5,000. Among the listed grants, the largest were $60,000 to Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston and $53,000 to Brandeis University in Waltham. Other listed grants included $10,000 each to the Anti-Defamation League, Brothers for Life, Yad Chessed, and Hillel International; and $5,500 to Gann Academy.
Ready to take the next step with Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 78% of grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts, 11% to New York, 5% to Washington, and 5% to Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 15 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $179K (2022) to $322K (2021). In 2024 it made 15 grants totaling $184K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Combined Jewish Philanthropies ($60K). Together the top 10 received $174K.
Grant Size Distribution
86 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 76 grants of 86 (88%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Jewish Philanthropies Boston, MA | Charitable | $60,000 |
| Brandeis University Waltham, MA | Educational | $53,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League New York, NY | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Brothers for Life Seattle, WA | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Yad Chessed North Waltham, MA | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Hillel International Washington, DC | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Gann Academy Waltham, MA | Educational | $5,500 |
| Hebrew Senior Life Roslindale, MA | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Itrek New York, NY | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation New York, NY | Charitable | $5,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,958,276 | $170,275 | $211,479 | $184,100 | 15 |
| 2023 | $3,999,480 | $1,360,929 | $329,899 | $306,435 | 18 |
| 2022 | $2,968,450 | $154,823 | $221,020 | $179,100 | 14 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,958,276 | $3,999,480 | $2,968,450 |
| Revenue | $170,275 | $1,360,929 | $154,823 |
| Expenses | $211,479 | $329,899 | $221,020 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $184,100 | $301,435 | $179,100 |
| Net Investment Income | $142,896 | $1,332,465 | $112,903 |
| Distributable Amount | $338,039 | $282,576 | $335,352 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Bram Shapiro, Joseph Michelson, and Aron Ain as trustees.
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's 2024 filing lists 3 officers; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Aron Ain
Trustee As Req.
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Bram Shapiro
Trustee As Req.
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Joseph Michelson
Trustee As Req.
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 32 Kearney Road, Needham, MA 02494
Phone: (781) 455-6900
Frequently asked questions about Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund
How much does Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund give each year?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund gave $184K across 15 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $306K across 18 grants.
What is Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's typical grant size?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $12,273, across 15 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund give grants?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund gives mostly in Massachusetts: 78% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (11%) and Washington (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (4 grants), New York, NY (4 grants) and Waltham, MA (2 grants).
Does Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (12 grants).
Who are Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's largest grantees?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's largest 2024 grantees include Combined Jewish Philanthropies ($60,000), Brandeis University ($53,000) and Anti-Defamation League ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 67% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund reported $4.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $184K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $338K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund fund?
The funder states that it contributes to charitable, educational, medical, and religious organizations. Its 2024 grants included organizations whose stated missions illustrate some of the work supported. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's EIN?
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-6043588. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Adelson Family Foundation
Needham, MA
The Adelson Family Foundation supports Jewish and Israeli causes, including education, Israel advocacy, Holocaust awareness, health, social services, and welfare, primarily in Israel and the United States. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,753 to $10.85 million, with a median of $100,000. It funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$21.0M
Grants
55
Total Given
$66.9M
Karp Family Foundation Stephen R
Boston, MA
The Karp Family Foundation Stephen R. and supports charitable organizations in areas including education and human services, with most 2025 funding going to Massachusetts and New York. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $20,000; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$918K
Grants
31
Total Given
$2.0M
William and Cynthia Marcus
Chestnut Hill, MA
The foundation supports charitable organizations, with recent grants including Jewish community, education, and international relief groups. In 2025, grants ranged from $50 to $32,000, with a median of $1,000; recipients were mainly in Massachusetts, New York, and California. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$788K
Grants
59
Total Given
$279K
Rosalyn and Richard Slifka
Waltham, MA
The foundation supports education, health-related services, and assistance for people and families in need, with 2024 grants concentrated in Massachusetts and New York. Its grants ranged from $10,000 to $350,000, with a median of $50,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
38
Total Given
$3.1M
ONE8 Foundation
Boston, MA
ONE8 Foundation funds applied learning in K–12 and postsecondary education, Jewish communities and Israel, local community support, and epilepsy research and care, with grants concentrated in Massachusetts but also reaching organizations nationally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $3 million, with a median of $50,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected 501(c)(3) organizations, though it may periodically invite small grant proposals.
Assets
$401.1M
Grants
188
Total Given
$48.8M
The Klarman Family Foundation
Boston, MA
The Klarman Family Foundation funds health research, democracy, access to services and enrichment, and the global Jewish community, through operating, project, and capital grants, with giving across the U.S. and internationally and a strong Massachusetts presence. Its 2024 grants ranged from $50 to $5 million, with a median of $100,000. Most grants are by invitation; the Community Capital Fund accepts applications for eligible Massachusetts capital projects.
Assets
$713.2M
Grants
260
Total Given
$82.2M
Joseph and Rae Gann Charitable
Bal Harbour, FL
Assets
$17.0M
Grants
237
Total Given
$1.8M
The Shimon Ben Joseph Foundation
San Francisco, CA
The Shimon Ben Joseph Foundation funds Jewish learning, leadership, and new approaches to Jewish life for children, youth, and young adults, including educational experiences in Israel and other Jewish settings. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,800 to $4 million, with a median of $49,000. It supports work in the United States and does not accept unsolicited funding requests; grants are by invitation.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
264
Total Given
$63.0M
United Jewish Foundation
Bloomfield Hills, MI
The United Jewish Foundation supports Jewish community continuity, including Jewish organizations, older adults, education, children, medical research, and related services. Its 2025 grants had a median of $18,000, though awards ranged widely; 87% of grant dollars went to Michigan, with some support elsewhere in the U.S. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$761.7M
Grants
274
Total Given
$43.6M
The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation
Beverly Hills, CA
The foundation supports Jewish community and identity, Israel-related programs, education, research, and interfaith and multi-ethnic relations, with most 2024 grant dollars going to organizations in New York and California. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,185 to $1.4 million, with a median of $100,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$605.5M
Grants
192
Total Given
$27.2M
United Jewish Appeal-Federation
New York, NY
UJA-Federation funds nonprofits and initiatives addressing human services, crisis response, Jewish life, and community needs, primarily in New York, with support also in Israel and around the world. Its 2025 grants had a median award of about $100,800, though grant sizes varied widely.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
306
Total Given
$275.5M
Jewish Community Federation of San
San Francisco, CA
Jewish Federation Bay Area funds programs that strengthen Jewish life, combat antisemitism, respond to crises, support people in need, and advance justice and inclusion. Its work focuses on the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond; 2025 grants had a median of $22,750, though amounts varied widely. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about its process, but no current opportunities are listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
More Funders in Massachusetts
Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?