The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (also known as Mass Humanities) is a public charity and statewide affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Based in Northampton, Massachusetts, the organization uses history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines to enhance and improve civic life throughout the Commonwealth. The foundation creates opportunities for Massachusetts residents to transform their lives and build a more equitable commonwealth through humanities-focused programming and grantmaking.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.9M
+2.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$963K
-55.8% YoY
Grant Count
52
-38.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
-28.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: "We create opportunities for the people of Massachusetts to transform their lives and build a more equitable commonwealth through the humanities."
The organization's core philosophy emphasizes promoting an equitable and inclusive society that recognizes all people's perspectives, especially those who have been historically excluded. The foundation believes the humanities must be part of decision-making from community level to state government.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Humanities projects and programming
- Education
- Philanthropy and grantmaking
- Human services
Grantmaking
Mass Humanities operates a regrants program that allocates funding for the advancement of humanities projects throughout Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds projects in Massachusetts, with some activity in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total assets: $6,920,035
- Total revenues: $4,058,392
- Total expenses: $3,421,703
- Total giving: $1,230,839
- Staff: 13 employees
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization, tax-exempt since March 1984 (EIN: 22-2504778)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,920,035 | $6,755,618 | $5,466,465 |
| Revenue | $4,058,392 | $4,346,368 | $3,451,533 |
| Expenses | $3,421,703 | $4,244,888 | $2,377,075 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $91,207 | $92,245 | $99,454 |
| 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
196 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
10 open opportunities from Massachusetts Foundation for the
Clemente Course in the Humanities
MASSACHUSETTS FOUNDATION FOR THE
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Expand Massachusetts Stories
MASSACHUSETTS FOUNDATION FOR THE
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Expand Massachusetts Stories- Open Track Grant
MASSACHUSETTS FOUNDATION FOR THE
Amount
Up to US $20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARITA RIVERO | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ERIN WILLIAMS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DEBORAH HALL | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| LARRY HOTT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEVE IMMERMAN | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| AARON VEGA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHELLE TONI MCCOMB | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| KRISTIN MCGURN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GAGE MCWEENY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL MELTSNER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JACOB MILLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KYERA SINGLETON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SCOTT CASPER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAVE SLATERY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MUHAMMAD BURHAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DEENA CASWELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL CHAMBERS II | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CJ CROWDER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHRIS GOODE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LEO HWANG | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| IMARI PARIS JEFFERIES | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| BRITTNEY WALLEY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JILL BREVIK | DIR OF DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $110,985 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Massachusetts Foundation for the on Grantable?
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