Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1
The Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1, also known as the Bennett Family Foundation, is a private foundation based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 2004, it is one of two charitable trusts created through the bequest of Mabel Eleanore Newbold Bennett. The foundation's wealth originated from Continental Felt, a New York-based company that Eleanore and her brother William Newbold owned and operated. The foundation is committed to promoting engaged, inclusive, and healthy communities through innovative and sustainable programs.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.1M
+1.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$307K
-3.4% YoY
Grant Count
54
-5.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$6K
+2.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 reported a distributable amount of $296K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to promote "engaged, inclusive and healthy communities through innovative and sustainable programs."
The foundation maintains distinct grantmaking priorities in two geographic regions:
Greater Boston: Grantmaking focuses on helping teens and young adults reconnect to supportive communities and develop the services and skills needed to become independent adults.
Greater Philadelphia: Grantmaking emphasizes improving individuals' and underserved communities' access to basic human rights and services, including education, healthcare, housing, and legal services in at-risk communities.
Grantmaking
The Bennett Family Foundation awards grants semi-annually, typically in May and November. Most grants are unrestricted and support organizations' general operating expenses.
Grant Range
s:** Typical grants range from $2,500 to $25,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation concentrates its grantmaking in two primary regions:
- Greater Boston, Massachusetts
- Greater Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania
The foundation specifically targets communities where family members live and work.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $5,055,436
Total Annual Giving: $306,750
EIN: 30-6016982
IRS Filing Requirement: Form 990-PF
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,055,436 | $4,962,873 | $5,068,909 |
| Revenue | $546,676 | $265,799 | $416,914 |
| Expenses | $360,521 | $371,835 | $325,087 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $331,105 | $340,650 | $293,598 |
| Net Investment Income | $312,625 | $276,754 | $407,825 |
| Distributable Amount | $295,795 | $270,184 | $248,356 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
216 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2025 grants, the largest include Nationalities Service Center ($32,500), Share Food Program ($29,500), Health Care Access ($12,500).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 826 BOSTON BOSTON, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| ABORTION LIBERATION FUND OF PA PHILADELPHIA, PA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| ACTION AGAINST HUNGER NEW YORK, NY | ENTITY SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| ADOLESCENT CONSULTATION SERVICES CAMBRIDGE, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $7,500 |
| ANN'S HEART PHOENIXVILLE, PA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $2,500 |
| BATES COLLEGE LEWISTON, ME | ENTITY SUPPORT | $2,500 |
| BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATION BOSTON, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| BOSTON CITY SINGERS DORCHESTER, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $3,750 |
| BOSTON YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BOSTON, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| BREAKTIME BOSTON, MA | ENTITY SUPPORT | $2,500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Stewart Chapin – Trustee
- Thomas Chapin – Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| THOMAS M CHAPIN | TRUSTEE | 1 | $10,000 |
| STEWART B CHAPIN | TRUSTEE | 1 | $10,000 |
Contact Information
Mailing Address: PO Box 381547 Cambridge, MA 02238-1547
Website: bennettfoundation.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 fund?
The foundation's mission is to promote "engaged, inclusive and healthy communities through innovative and sustainable programs." The foundation maintains distinct grantmaking priorities in two geographic regions: **Greater Boston:** Grantmaking focuses on helping teens and young adults reconnect to supportive communities and develop the services and skills needed to become independent adults. **Greater Philadelphia:** Grantmaking emphasizes improving individuals' and underserved communities' ac…
How do I apply for a grant from Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1?
The Bennett Family Foundation awards grants semi-annually, typically in May and November. Most grants are unrestricted and support organizations' general operating expenses. **Grant Sizes:** Typical grants range from $2,500 to $25,000. **Grant Type:** The foundation primarily supports smaller, local organizations addressing specific community needs. **Approach:** The foundation is described as transparent and approachable in its grantmaking practices.
Where does Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 make grants?
The foundation concentrates its grantmaking in two primary regions: • **Greater Boston, Massachusetts** • **Greater Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania** The foundation specifically targets communities where family members live and work.
What size grants does Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 award?
In 2025, Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 awarded 54 grants totaling $307K — an average of about $6K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2025, Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1 reported a distributable amount of $296K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1's EIN?
Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust #1's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 30-6016982. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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