Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr is a private foundation based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations, with most grant dollars going to recipients in Massachusetts.
Key facts about Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr
In short: Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr gave $1.1M across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $95K), mostly in Massachusetts. 25% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 04-6382377
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,136,285
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- Average grant
- $94,690
- Median grant
- $27,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (3 of 12, 2025)
- Total assets
- $7,344,513
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (89% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.3M
-11.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
+6.2% YoY
Grant Count
12
+9.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$95K
-2.7% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr reported a distributable amount of $1.1M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 12 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $42K; repeat grants $112K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 75% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 23% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 99% 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 (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 11 grants totaling $1,070,000. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $750,000, with a median of $30,000. The largest awards included $750,000 to Forges Foundation and $60,000 to Pilgrim Society, both for general support. Other notable grants were $50,000 to RI Hospital and $45,000 to Plymouth Philharmonic, also for general support.
Ready to take the next step with Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts (90%), Rhode Island (5%), Virginia (2%), Washington, DC (2%), and Ohio (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $850K (2020) to $1.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Wildlands Trust ($725K). Together the top 10 received $1.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
70 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 38 grants of 70 (54%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlands Trust Plymouth, MA | General Support | $725,000 |
| Pilgrim Hall Museum Plymouth, MA | General Support | $100,000 |
| Bid Plymouth Family Fund Plymouth, MA | General Support | $69,000 |
| RI Hospital Providence, RI | General Support | $50,000 |
| Plymouth Philharmonic Plymouth, MA | General Support | $46,285 |
| Black Feather Horse Rescue Plymouth, MA | General Support | $30,000 |
| Kenyon College Gambier, OH | General Support | $25,000 |
| Manomet Conservation Sciences Plymouth, MA | General Support | $25,000 |
| The Salvation Army Alexandria, VA | General Support | $25,000 |
| Grange Foundation Washington, DC | General Support | $20,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8,277,150 | $371,789 | $1,085,564 | $1,070,000 |
| 2023 | $8,990,908 | $402,502 | $940,259 | $925,000 |
| 2022 | $9,528,665 | $332,349 | $951,710 | $921,416 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,344,513 | $8,277,150 | $8,990,908 |
| Revenue | $252,306 | $371,789 | $402,502 |
| Expenses | $1,184,943 | $1,085,564 | $940,259 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,136,285 | $1,070,000 | $925,000 |
| Net Investment Income | $344,489 | $427,773 | $416,425 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,145,191 | $1,053,255 | $916,329 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 22, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Nathan N Withington, Meghan Knight, and Heather W Ward as trustees.
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's 2025 filing lists 3 officers; 2 of 3 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Meghan Knight
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$4K (2021) → $4K (2025)
Heather W. Ward
Trustee
On filings since 2023
7 hrs/week
$1K (2023) → $4K (2025)
Nathan N. Withington
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $4K, to Meghan Knight (Trustee). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 74 Old Sandwich Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 737-1445
Website: https://pearcefoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr
How much does Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr give each year?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr gave $1.1M across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.1M across 11 grants.
What is Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's typical grant size?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's median grant in 2025 was $27,500, and its average grant was $94,690, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr that year got $42K on average.
Where does Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr give grants?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr gives mostly in Massachusetts: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Plymouth, MA (7 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (12 of 12) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's largest grantees?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's largest 2025 grantees include Wildlands Trust ($725,000), Pilgrim Hall Museum ($100,000) and Bid Plymouth Family Fund ($69,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 79% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr reported $7.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
How do I apply for a grant from Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's EIN?
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-6382377. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr 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 Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Massachusetts
Henry Hornblower Fund Inc
Plymouth, MA
The Henry Hornblower Fund supports varied organizations, including conservation, health care, arts and culture, education, and community groups, primarily in Massachusetts. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,500 to $170,000, with a median of $10,000. Written applications are required; the profile does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.5M
Grants
30
Total Given
$555K
Roberta M Childs Charitable Foundation
Plymouth, MA
The Roberta M Childs Charitable Foundation supports a range of organizations, including those focused on history and education, wildlife, health care, land conservation, and youth equestrian programs. It gave grants of $1,500 to $259,000 in 2024, with a median of $25,000, primarily in Massachusetts and also in Vermont. The profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted; it says to contact Nathan N Withington, with no formal application requirements or deadlines.
Assets
$3.2M
Grants
13
Total Given
$545K
Gardinor-Prunaret Foundation
Plymouth, MA
The Gardinor-Prunaret Foundation supports varied charitable organizations, including cultural, environmental, educational, and community groups. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $230,000, with a median of $22,500; most funding went to Massachusetts, with smaller amounts to organizations in Virginia, Vermont, and Idaho. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5M
Grants
13
Total Given
$486K
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds equity-focused work in 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 awards from up to $15,000 to $50,000; it accepts applications through some competitive initiatives, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
Eastern Bank Foundation
Wakefield, MA
Eastern Bank Foundation funds systemic efforts to advance economic inclusion and mobility, including small-business equity, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Its programs range from $1,000–$10,000 for Community Donations, up to $15,000 for CITC Grants, and $50,000–$150,000 for Impact Grants; it supports organizations primarily in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation accepts online applications, with no specific submission deadlines stated.
Assets
$266.7M
Grants
1,786
Total Given
$19.0M
Barr Foundation
Boston, MA
Barr Foundation funds arts and creativity, climate, education, and related initiatives, primarily supporting organizations and leaders in New England. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $3.275 million, with a median of $80,000. It welcomes inquiries through program pages and occasionally issues open requests for proposals; most grants go to returning partners.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
903
Total Given
$123.2M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
Liberty Mutual Foundation funds nonprofits working on basic needs such as food and shelter, education and workforce development, and climate and community infrastructure, primarily in the Boston area, with grants also made in other states. Its 2024 grants had a median of $35,000 and ranged from $2,500 to $11 million; it accepts online applications on a rolling basis, with no stated deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc (FKA Oneworld Boston Inc)
Woburn, MA
The foundation supports nonprofits focused on human services, education, healthcare, fairness and justice, and environmental causes, primarily in greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts, with limited support for Rwanda’s recovery. 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 for its local grant program.
Assets
$258.2M
Grants
658
Total Given
$38.2M
American Tower Corporation Foundation
Boston, MA
Assets
$15.4M
Grants
632
Total Given
$1.7M
Good Sports Inc
Braintree, MA
Good Sports provides free sports equipment, footwear, and apparel to established schools and community organizations running ongoing youth sports and physical-activity programs in high-need communities; it serves all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,004 to $229,133, with a median of $12,781. Youth programs and schools can apply through its community-organization application process.
Assets
$13.8M
Grants
619
Total Given
$11.2M
The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund Inc
Boston, MA
The Stephen Phillips Memorial funds need- and merit-based scholarships for bachelor’s students, generally awarding $3,000–$17,000 (with typical annual awards of $6,000–$10,000). Applicants must be permanent residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, but may attend college anywhere in the United States. Students apply through the online portal; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$41.6M
Grants
520
Total Given
$5.1M
More Funders in Massachusetts
Mary Elizabeth Pearce Foundation Tr down — hundreds of funders to go?