Richard a Henson Foundation Inc
The Richard A. Henson Foundation is a private foundation based in Salisbury, Maryland, established in 1989 and funded in 1990. The foundation was created by the late Richard A. Henson, who founded Henson Aviation in 1962—the nation's first commuter airline service, which later became Piedmont Airlines. The foundation carries forward Henson's legacy of excellence and community commitment.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$36.7M
+2.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.4M
-33.2% YoY
Grant Count
32
+10.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$45K
-39.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is to enrich the quality of life, particularly in the greater Salisbury, Maryland area. The foundation's philosophy reflects Richard A. Henson's single goal: to excel in every endeavor, large and small.
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Science and technology programs
- Human services
- Philanthropy and voluntarism
Grantmaking
The foundation made 18 grants in 2024. The foundation also provides office space to other exempt organizations at minimal cost, below fair market value.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, with particular emphasis on the greater Salisbury, Maryland area and the Eastern Shore region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $36,674,438
- Total Revenue: $2,595,779
- Total Expenses: $1,792,222
- Total Liabilities: $3,970
- Number of Employees: 1
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since February 1990 EIN: 52-1642558
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $36,674,438 | $35,866,913 | $35,731,783 |
| Revenue | $2,595,779 | $2,602,213 | $1,460,819 |
| Expenses | $1,792,222 | $2,464,683 | $1,953,038 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,522,230 | $2,230,611 | $1,608,795 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,367,641 | $2,271,477 | $1,248,922 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,227,399 | $1,992,488 | $2,052,863 |
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
133 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Director: Stacey Bayline McMichael (appointed May 2021)
McMichael brings 9 years of experience working with local nonprofits, including TidalHealth Foundation and United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, plus over 20 years of small business ownership and management experience.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN R FARROW | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| SUSANNE A HOLLOWAY | VICE CHAIR/TREASURER | 2 | — |
| JON P SHERWELL | SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| THOMAS H EVANS | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| VICTOR H LAWS III | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| GREGORY J OLINDE | CHAIRMAN | 2 | — |
| CYNTHIA MACDONALD | TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2025:** The foundation donated $1 million to support the creation of the grand meeting hall in the new Paul S. Sarbanes Library on Schumaker Pond in Wicomico, with the library expected to open in Summer 2027.
Women Supporting Women Receives Grant from Richard A. Henson Foundation**2025:** Women Supporting Women received a $30,000 grant to provide free services to those affected by breast cancer, with funds distributed over three years.
Women Supporting Women Receives Grant from Richard A. Henson Foundation**2024:** The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore announced the Feeding Our Neighbors Fund, backed by a $250,000 gift from the Richard A. Henson Foundation.
Women Supporting Women Receives Grant from Richard A. Henson Foundation**2017:** The foundation announced a $2.5 million gift for science and mathematics programs at Salisbury University.
Richard A. Henson Foundation Announces $2.5 Million Gift for SU Science and**2014:** The Richard A. Henson Foundation received the Salisbury University President's Distinguished Community Leadership Award.
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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