The Michael T Sherman Foundation is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2011 and designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation operates as a grantmaking entity with assets exceeding $3 million and focuses its philanthropic efforts across multiple U.S. cities and states.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.5M
+10.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$454K
+51.3% YoY
Grant Count
26
+4.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$17K
+45.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Michael T Sherman Foundation reported a distributable amount of $324K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Grantmaking
The foundation makes approximately 25 grants annually, with a median grant size of $12,000 and a grant range between $2,000 and $24,000. Recent grantees have included Perkins School for the Blind ($24,000), Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund ($20,000), and Sierra Club Foundation ($20,000).
Grant Range
of $12,000 and a grant range between $2,000 and $24,000. Recent grantees have included Perkins School for the Blind ($24,000), Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund ($20,000), and Sierra Club Foundation ($20,000).
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds projects across multiple U.S. cities and states, including Atlanta, Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Geographic focus areas also extend to California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $3.49 million (2024); $3.17 million (2023)
Annual Giving: Approximately $300,000 annually
Revenue: $1.05 million (2024); $396,759 (2023)
Expenses: $528,000 (2024); $360,357 (2023)
Liabilities: $0 (2024)
Giving Rate: 9.5% of assets
The foundation reported total grants, contributions, and other revenue of $250,000 in 2023, representing a significant increase from $0 in 2022.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,493,986 | $3,169,650 | $3,136,572 |
| Revenue | $1,052,307 | $396,759 | $240,008 |
| Expenses | $528,349 | $360,357 | $338,040 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $465,588 | $308,935 | $284,216 |
| Net Investment Income | $213,312 | $95,948 | $164,524 |
| Distributable Amount | $323,611 | $254,341 | $253,763 |
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
120 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Greater Boston Food Bank Inc ($30,000), Perkins School for the Blind ($30,000), Compass Working Capital ($27,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ASPCA NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL PURPOSE | $20,000 |
| BOSTON HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER BOSTON, MA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $15,000 |
| CAMFED USA FOUNDATION SAN FRANCISCO, CA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $15,000 |
| COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS INC BOSTON, MA | COMMUNITYWORKS SERVICES | $15,000 |
| COMPASS WORKING CAPITAL BOSTON, MA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $27,000 |
| EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY SUPPORT FUND NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL PURPOSE | $25,000 |
| FRANCISCAN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN INC BRIGHTON, MA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $20,000 |
| FRIENDS OF PROJECT RENEW MCLEAN, VA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $7,500 |
| GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK INC BOSTON, MA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $30,000 |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL INC ATLANTA, GA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is managed by a board of trustees that includes:
- Michael T. Sherman (serves without compensation)
- Arthur B. Page
- Nancy B. Gardiner
- Mark McCloskey
- Lee Bodock
Legal and administrative matters are handled through Hemenway & Barnes LLP.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTHUR B PAGE | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | $16,198 |
| NANCY B GARDINER | TRUSTEE | 0.1 | $16,197 |
| MICHAEL T SHERMAN | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| MARK MCCLOSKEY | TRUSTEE | 0.2 | $1,000 |
| LEE BODOCK | TRUSTEE | 0.2 | $1,000 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a grant from Michael T Sherman Foundation?
The foundation makes approximately 25 grants annually, with a median grant size of $12,000 and a grant range between $2,000 and $24,000. Recent grantees have included Perkins School for the Blind ($24,000), Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund ($20,000), and Sierra Club Foundation ($20,000). The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and operates on an invite-only basis for new applicants.
Where does Michael T Sherman Foundation make grants?
The foundation funds projects across multiple U.S. cities and states, including Atlanta, Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Geographic focus areas also extend to California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
What size grants does Michael T Sherman Foundation award?
In 2024, Michael T Sherman Foundation awarded 26 grants totaling $454K — an average of about $17K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Michael T Sherman Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Michael T Sherman Foundation reported a distributable amount of $324K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Michael T Sherman Foundation's EIN?
Michael T Sherman Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-3842131. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Michael T Sherman 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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