Grand Circle Foundation Inc is a private operating foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 1992. The foundation is tax-exempt as a 501(c)(3) organization and has been recognized by the IRS since September 1994. The foundation focuses on philanthropic giving and grantmaking to support educational, charitable, and cultural exchange initiatives globally and domestically.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.3M
-27.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
-32.4% YoY
Grant Count
81
+22.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
-44.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on cultural exchange and giving back to communities around the world. According to the foundation's statement, it was established to support the world that had already given much through travel and cultural experiences.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
Geographic giving priorities span New York, Massachusetts, and California, with international reach across 75 countries.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$200 to $246,000
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds in multiple regions:
- Primary domestic focus: New York, Massachusetts, and California
- International reach: 75 countries across six continents
- Local emphasis: Boston and New Hampshire
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Most Recent Filing (2024):
- Total Assets: $2,274,547
- Total Giving: $1,716,527
Prior Year (2023):
- Revenue: $2.36 million
- Expenses: $3.03 million
- Total Assets: $3.12 million
- Total Liabilities: $623,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,274,547 | $3,122,555 | $4,090,992 |
| Revenue | $1,943,306 | $2,363,287 | $3,767,059 |
| Expenses | $2,253,900 | $3,032,845 | $2,675,065 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,248,311 | $2,977,982 | $2,675,065 |
| Net Investment Income | $61,035 | $59,171 | $12,865 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
173 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Joint Distribution Committee ($246,000), Urr Poland - Joanna Komarnicka Hostel ($245,736), Olmoti Primary School ($99,456).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL | $246,000 |
| URR POLAND - JOANNA KOMARNICKA HOSTEL | GENERAL | $245,736 |
| JEWBELONG NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL | $80,000 |
| OLMOTI PRIMARY SCHOOL | GENERAL | $99,456 |
| WINE TO WATER BOONE, NC | GENERAL | $76,447 |
| MINH TU ORPHANAGE | GENERAL | $70,242 |
| ENDORO PRIMARY SCHOOL | GENERAL | $54,723 |
| AMBOSELI PRIMARY SCHOOL | GENERAL | $52,697 |
| SAFE PASSAGE | GENERAL | $43,676 |
| ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL | GENERAL | $40,321 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
| Name | Title | Hours/Week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Lewis | President | 5 | $0 |
| Janice Byrnes | Vice President, Treasurer & Clerk | 22.5 | $97,000 |
| Charlotte Lewis | Director | 5 | $0 |
| Harriet Lewis | Director | 5 | $0 |
| Barbara Sirigos | Director | 30 | $73,000 |
Harriet Lewis serves as Chair of the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDWARD LEWIS | PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| JANICE BYRNES | VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER & CLERK | 22.5 | $97,431 |
| CHARLOTTE LEWIS | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| HARRIET LEWIS | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation made a significant donation of $240,000 to Rebuilding Together Boston for community projects, with a commitment to provide $30,000 annually for trips to auction.
Grand Circle donates $240,000 to Rebuilding Together Boston for communitySince its establishment in 1992, Grand Circle Foundation together with the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation has pledged or donated $250 million to more than 200 schools and organizations across 75 countries, as well as in Boston and New Hampshire.
Grand Circle donates $240,000 to Rebuilding Together Boston for communitySubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Grand Circle Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission centers on cultural exchange and giving back to communities around the world. According to the foundation's statement, it was established to support the world that had already given much through travel and cultural experiences. Primary funding areas include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services Geographic giving priorities span New York, Massachusetts, and California, with international reach across 75 countries.
How do I apply for a grant from Grand Circle Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • 81 grants reported in the most recent tax year (2024) • Median grant amount: $7,200 • Grant range: $200 to $246,000 • Typical awards historically: $170–$806,192 **Recent Giving:** • Total giving (2024): $1,716,527 • The foundation maintains active grant-making with recent grant activity documented in current filings
Where does Grand Circle Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation funds in multiple regions: • Primary domestic focus: New York, Massachusetts, and California • International reach: 75 countries across six continents • Local emphasis: Boston and New Hampshire
What size grants does Grand Circle Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Grand Circle Foundation Inc awarded 81 grants totaling $1.7M — an average of about $21K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Grand Circle Foundation Inc's EIN?
Grand Circle Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-3175434. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Grand Circle Foundation Inc'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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