Davis Family Charitable Foundation
The Davis Family Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. It supports organizations working to expand opportunities for young people and families, improve access to essential services, strengthen communities, and protect the environment.
Davis Family Charitable Foundation at a glance
In short: Davis Family Charitable Foundation gave $2.2M across 56 grants in 2024 (avg $40K), mostly in Massachusetts. 34% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,240,106
- -3.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 56
- +33.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $40,002
- -27.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $37,363,067
- +5.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 34% first-time grantees (19 of 56, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (77% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Davis Family Charitable Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation makes grants by invitation to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
- Contact
Mailing address: 125 High St Ste 2111, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 451-1300
Website: https://davisfamilycf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Davis Family Charitable Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Heading Home ($275K). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
211 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 138 grants of 211 (65%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in Massachusetts (77%), followed by Connecticut (7%), New York (6%), New Hampshire (3%), and Washington, D.C. (2%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 56 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Davis Family Charitable Foundation open to new grantees?
34%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 19 of 56 grantees (34%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $23K; repeat grants $49K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 64% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+2%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 102% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.0M (2020) to $2.5M (2022). In 2024 it made 56 grants totaling $2.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Heading Home Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $275,000 |
| Wbur Boston Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $250,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Fairfield, CT | Charitable Gift | $150,000 |
| Brandeis University Waltham, MA | Charitable Gift | $125,000 |
| Family Aid Boston Inc Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $100,000 |
| Boston Medical Center Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $75,000 |
| Cambridge Health Alliance Foundation Malden, MA | Charitable Gift | $75,000 |
| Boston Childrens Hospital Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $70,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs Boston Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $61,272 |
| JVS Boston, MA | Charitable Gift | $60,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Davis Family Charitable Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $37,363,067 | $5,075,681 | $3,290,050 | $2,240,106 | 56 | $2,643,002 | $4,434,035 | $2,588,691 |
| 2023 | $35,577,436 | $4,995,647 | $3,603,877 | $2,330,500 | 42 | $2,793,772 | $3,143,196 | $2,303,711 |
| 2022 | $34,185,666 | $-324,064 | $4,126,123 | $2,498,000 | 44 | $2,961,067 | — | $2,343,428 |
| 2021 | $38,635,853 | $12,091,487 | $2,694,938 | $2,203,000 | 40 | $2,422,284 | $11,100,228 | $2,134,249 |
| 2020 | $29,239,304 | $2,555,469 | $2,597,770 | $1,988,500 | 29 | — | $1,624,960 | $1,712,280 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Davis Family Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to unlock the potential of young people, expand families’ access to resources and services, invest in the wellbeing of local and global communities, and conserve and restore natural habitats for future generations.
Its focus areas are pathways to success for children and young people; basic needs for families and children, including hunger and homelessness prevention; equitable access to health care; climate change mitigation and habitat conservation; humanitarian aid and disaster relief; and community support, including arts, culture, outdoor spaces, and the local Jewish community. The foundation says it supports well-managed, high-performing organizations aligned with these areas.
Examples of grantees’ work include Heading Home’s housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, Save the Children’s work to improve children’s lives, and Boston Medical Center’s provision of accessible health services regardless of patients’ status or ability to pay. The Lake Sunapee Protective Association describes its mission as preserving and enhancing the Lake Sunapee region’s environment.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 56 grants totaling $2,240,106. Grant amounts ranged from $2,000 to $275,000, with a median of $25,000. The largest awards included $275,000 to Heading Home, $250,000 to WBUR Boston, $150,000 to Save the Children Federation, $125,000 to Brandeis University, and $100,000 to FamilyAid Boston.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jonathan G. Davis, Margot T. Davis, and Stephen T. Davis as trustees, and Molly Davis MacLeod as trustee and executive director. The foundation’s website identifies Nicole Kelley as administrative director.
Davis Family Charitable Foundation is led by Molly Davis Macleod, Trustee & Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 4 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Molly Davis Macleod
Trustee & Executive Director
Trustee & Program Officer → Trustee & Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$51K (2020) → $89K (2024)
Jonathan G. Davis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margot T. Davis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen T. Davis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $89K, to Molly Davis Macleod (Trustee/Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Davis Family Charitable Foundation
How much does Davis Family Charitable Foundation give each year?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation gave $2.2M across 56 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.3M across 42 grants.
What is Davis Family Charitable Foundation's typical grant size?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $40,002, across 56 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Davis Family Charitable Foundation that year got $23K on average.
Where does Davis Family Charitable Foundation give grants?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation gives mostly in Massachusetts: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Connecticut (7%) and New York (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (24 grants), New York, NY (4 grants), Brookline, MA (3 grants) and Waltham, MA (2 grants).
Does Davis Family Charitable Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 56 grants with a stated purpose on Davis Family Charitable Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable Gift" (56 grants).
Who are Davis Family Charitable Foundation's largest grantees?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Heading Home ($275,000), Wbur Boston ($250,000) and Save the Children Federation ($150,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Davis Family Charitable Foundation?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation reported $37.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Davis Family Charitable Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to unlock the potential of young people, expand families’ access to resources and services, invest in the wellbeing of local and global communities, and conserve and restore natural habitats for future generations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Davis Family Charitable Foundation?
The foundation makes grants by invitation to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Davis Family Charitable Foundation's EIN?
Davis Family Charitable Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 05-6149205. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Davis Family Charitable Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Davis Family Charitable Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Davis Family Charitable Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Massachusetts
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
Eastern Bank Foundation
Wakefield, MA
Eastern Bank Foundation supports economic inclusion and mobility, including small businesses, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Its 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $2,002,500, with a median of $2,500, primarily in Massachusetts and also in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It accepts online applications and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$266.7M
Grants
1,786
Total Given
$19.0M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
Liberty Mutual Foundation funds basic needs such as food and shelter, education and workforce development, and climate and community infrastructure, including homelessness and community preparedness programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $35,000, and most funding supports organizations or programs serving the Boston area, though it also gives elsewhere. It accepts unsolicited online requests on a rolling basis, with no submission deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
Barr Foundation
Boston, MA
The Barr Foundation funds arts and creativity, climate, education, and New England’s social sector, primarily through long-term support for organizations in New England. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $3.275 million, with a median of $80,000. Its filing says it accepts only requests from preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests, though its website describes program-page inquiries and occasional open calls.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
903
Total Given
$123.2M
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc (FKA Oneworld Boston Inc)
Woburn, MA
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc. funds nonprofits working in human services, education, healthcare, fairness and justice, and the environment, primarily in greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $3.5 million, with a median of $35,000; it accepts letters of inquiry through an online portal during its application cycle, which was not open at the time described.
Assets
$258.2M
Grants
658
Total Given
$38.2M
American Tower Corporation Foundation
Boston, MA
Assets
$15.4M
Grants
632
Total Given
$1.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Massachusetts
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Davis Family Charitable Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/davis-family-charitable-foundation-morg_fb6241ed0e544283baa947fd1baf1443
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_056149205_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Davis Family Charitable Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/davis-family-charitable-foundation-morg_fb6241ed0e544283baa947fd1baf1443},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Davis Family Charitable Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Davis Family Charitable Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?