Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation
The Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Established in 2009, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to philanthropic grantmaking in support of its stated mission and focus areas.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.5M
+5.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$422K
-34.3% YoY
Grant Count
28
+7.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$15K
-39.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $449K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation champions environmental protection to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future. The foundation's work is rooted in the belief that protecting the planet is both a moral imperative and a pathway to global prosperity. The foundation emphasizes the coexistence of biodiversity preservation and recreational use as core values in its environmental protection efforts.
Grantmaking
The foundation has demonstrated a commitment to supporting educational institutions and community organizations. Notable grants include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's primary geographic focus is the Williamstown, Massachusetts area and the broader Berkshires region, though it may support organizations beyond this region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $5.5 million
- Revenue: $827,000
- Expenses: $545,000
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation maintains a healthy financial position with assets significantly exceeding annual expenses, indicating capacity for sustained grantmaking.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,502,335 | $5,220,459 | $5,692,968 |
| Revenue | $827,069 | $282,739 | $598,888 |
| Expenses | $545,193 | $755,248 | $637,117 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $449,620 | $666,724 | $549,626 |
| Net Investment Income | $734,732 | $194,215 | $511,397 |
| Distributable Amount | $448,797 | — | $458,582 |
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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
127 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Darrow School ($250,000), Pine Cobble School ($50,000), Smith College ($12,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY PITTSFIELD, MA | OPERATIONS & CAPITAL | $5,000 |
| CANTERBURY SCHOOL NEW MILLFORD, CT | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $3,000 |
| CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION BURLINGTON, VT | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $1,000 |
| DARTMOUTH COLLEGE HANOVER, NH | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $10,000 |
| MILNE PUBLIC LIBRARY WILLIAMSTOWN, MA | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $2,000 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARING HOUSE NISKAYUNA, NY | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $3,000 |
| FRIENDS OF KAYADEROSSERAS BALLSTON SPA, NY | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $2,500 |
| IMAGES CINEMA WILLIAMSTOWN, MA | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $5,000 |
| MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE MIDDLEBURY, VT | OPERATING ASSISTANCE | $7,000 |
| PINE COBBLE SCHOOL WILLIAMSTOWN, MA | OPERATIONS & ENDOWMENT | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
James and Susan Fairbanks Briggs serve as trustees of the foundation. The foundation was named for Susan's parents, Alan and Elaine Fairbanks. James Briggs is a long-time community member with deep ties to the Williamstown area, having attended Pine Cobble School and served on its board of trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSAN BRIGGS | Trustee | 1 | — |
| JAMES BRIGGS | Trustee | 10 | $39,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been active in recent years, with grants supporting food insecurity initiatives and community organizations addressing social needs in the Fairbanks area.
Fairbanks Foundation Awards Grants to Support Food Insecurity Efforts \u2013\Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation fund?
The foundation champions **environmental protection** to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future. The foundation's work is rooted in the belief that protecting the planet is both a moral imperative and a pathway to global prosperity. The foundation emphasizes the coexistence of biodiversity preservation and recreational use as core values in its environmental protection efforts.
How do I apply for a grant from Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation?
The foundation has demonstrated a commitment to supporting educational institutions and community organizations. Notable grants include: • **$1 million pledge** to Pine Cobble School in Williamstown for capital and endowment campaigns, facility improvements, and enhanced athletic and performance spaces The foundation also supports food insecurity efforts and community-based initiatives addressing social challenges.
Where does Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation make grants?
The foundation's primary geographic focus is the Williamstown, Massachusetts area and the broader Berkshires region, though it may support organizations beyond this region.
What size grants does Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation award?
In 2024, Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation awarded 28 grants totaling $422K — an average of about $15K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $449K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation's EIN?
Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1848892. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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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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