Ploughshares Foundation
Ploughshares Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, and has been tax-exempt since June 1991. As the largest foundation singularly focused on reducing nuclear threats, the organization functions as a hub where thought leaders, innovators, campaigners, and activists convene and take action to move toward a world free from nuclear weapons.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$3.5M
+1.6% YoY
Grant Count
367
-0.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
+2.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Ploughshares Foundation is committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons. The foundation raises awareness about the perils of nuclear weapons development, testing, and use, and works to grow and amplify the impact of the most effective advocates and organizations in the world through critical funding and field building support.
Primary funding areas include:
- Nuclear disarmament and weapons reduction
- Education
- Philanthropy and grantmaking
- Human services
- Human rights
Grantmaking
The foundation has announced multiple grant rounds in recent years, including distributions of $1.27 million, $970,000, $890,000, and $565,000 to support nuclear threat reduction initiatives.
Grant Range
$5,000
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on Massachusetts, New York, and California.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total assets: $63,288,122
- Total revenues: $3,781,347
- Total expenses: $3,766,936
- Total liabilities: $0
- Number of employees: 0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| 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
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include American Friends Service Committee ($55,000), American Jewish World Service ($41,000), Americares Foundation Inc ($40,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 350ORG BOSTON, MA | GENERAL | $30,000 |
| 919 FM RADIO WUMB UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON BOSTON, MA | GENERAL | $3,000 |
| A BETTER CHANCE NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL | $2,000 |
| A FAR CRY JAMAICA PLAIN, MA | GENERAL | $10,000 |
| ABRAHAM INITIATIVES NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL | $12,000 |
| ACADIA CENTER ROCKPORT, ME | GENERAL | $8,000 |
| ACCION INTERNATIONAL CAMBRIDGE, MA | GENERAL | $10,000 |
| ACTION AGAINST HUNGER NEW YORK, NY | FOR WORK IN GAZA, LEBANON AND SUDAN | $10,000 |
| ALL HANDS AND HEARTS SMART RESPONSE MATTAPOISETT, MA | HURRICANE RELIEF IN NORTH CAROLINA | $10,000 |
| ALLIANCE FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL | $8,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is led by three officers and directors:
- Donald M Ephraim
- Eliot S Ephraim
- David M Ephraim
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DONALD M EPHRAIM | OFFICER & DIRECTOR | — | — |
| ELIOT S EPHRAIM | OFFICER & DIRECTOR | — | — |
| DAVID M EPHRAIM | OFFICER & DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced multiple grant rounds reflecting its commitment to nuclear threat reduction:
Ploughshares Fund Announces Over $1 million in New Grants Reflecting theAnnounced over $1 million in new grants emphasizing the need for new voices and bold thinking in the nuclear field
Ploughshares Fund Announces Over $1 million in New Grants Reflecting theAwarded $1,270,000 in grants to eliminate nuclear weapons
Ploughshares Fund Announces $1,270,000 in Grants to Eliminate Nuclear WeaponsDistributed $890,000 in grants to reduce nuclear weapons threats
Ploughshares Fund Announces $1,270,000 in Grants to Eliminate Nuclear WeaponsAwarded $565,000 in grants to counter rising nuclear threats
Ploughshares Fund Announces $1,270,000 in Grants to Eliminate Nuclear WeaponsAnnounced $970,000 in grants to stop nuclear threats
Ploughshares Fund Announces $1,270,000 in Grants to Eliminate Nuclear WeaponsThe foundation maintains an active Story Center featuring content on nuclear disarmament, including interviews with activists and analysis of nuclear policy issues.
Ploughshares Fund Announces $1,270,000 in Grants to Eliminate Nuclear WeaponsSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ploughshares Foundation fund?
Ploughshares Foundation is committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons. The foundation raises awareness about the perils of nuclear weapons development, testing, and use, and works to grow and amplify the impact of the most effective advocates and organizations in the world through critical funding and field building support. Primary funding areas include: • Nuclear disarmament and weapons reduction • Education • Philanthropy and grantmaking • Human services • Human rights
How do I apply for a grant from Ploughshares Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 339-374 grants in recent fiscal years • Median grant size: $5,000 • Grant range: $500–$100,000 • Total giving (2023): $3,452,000–$3.5 million **Recent Grant Examples:** • The Lenny Zakim Fund: $75,000 (Youth Violence Prevention, Social Justice, Human Rights) • Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: $60,000 (Climate Crisis, Central American Migrant Justice) • Earlham College: $60,000 (Student Scholarships, Faculty Development) The foundation has announced multiple g…
Where does Ploughshares Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on Massachusetts, New York, and California.
What size grants does Ploughshares Foundation award?
In 2024, Ploughshares Foundation awarded 367 grants totaling $3.5M — an average of about $10K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Ploughshares Foundation's EIN?
Ploughshares Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3739577. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ploughshares 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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