Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation
The Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its 2024 grants went to organizations including climate research, child and family services, history, and performing arts organizations.
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation at a glance
In short: Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation gave $47K across 67 grants in 2024 (avg $698.284), mostly in Massachusetts. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $46,785
- -35.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 67
- -2.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $698
- -33.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $250
- Total assets
- $55,025
- -44.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (18 of 67, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (84% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It reports no specific application form and no restrictions on awards.
- Contact
Application contact: Robert Iris Fanger 1-617-734-2735
Mailing address: 1010 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 734-2735
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Woodwell Climate Research Center ($8K). Together the top 10 received $30K.
Grant Size Distribution
377 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 377 grants of 377 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 84% of grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts and 11% to recipients in New York. Smaller reported shares went to recipients in Washington, DC (2%) and Florida (2%); New Hampshire accounted for 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 67 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 18 of 67 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $392; repeat grants $811. How we count
Medians: $250 first-time, $300 repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $47K (2024) to $115K (2020). In 2024 it made 67 grants totaling $47K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Woodwell Climate Research Center Falmouth, MA | Unrestricted Use | $8,000 |
| Temple Israel Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $5,540 |
| The Home for Little Wanderers Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $5,000 |
| Museum of Fine Arts Boston Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $2,540 |
| Massachusetts Historical Society Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $2,500 |
| MHS Gala Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $2,250 |
| Boston Ballet Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $1,500 |
| American Ballet Theatre New York, NY | Unrestricted Use | $1,000 |
| Ballet Theater Foundation New York, NY | Unrestricted Use | $1,000 |
| Margaret Jenkins Dance CO Boston, MA | Unrestricted Use | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $55,025 | — | $44,749 | $46,785 | 67 | $46,785 |
| 2023 | $99,774 | — | $77,942 | $72,590 | 69 | $72,590 |
| 2022 | $177,716 | $3,900 | $88,644 | $87,347 | 80 | $87,347 |
| 2021 | $262,460 | $100,605 | $91,179 | $84,505 | 70 | $84,505 |
| 2020 | $253,034 | $200 | $114,901 | $114,901 | 91 | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. For example, Woodwell Climate Research Center says it conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. The Home for Little Wanderers describes its mission as helping vulnerable children and families build permanent, positive change. Massachusetts Historical Society says it promotes understanding of Massachusetts and national history.
Performing arts recipients included Boston Ballet, which describes its work as forging human connections through art; Huntington Theatre Company, which says it engages audiences with theatrical productions and supports theatre artists; and Boston Dance Alliance, which says it works to increase access to dance and support dance in Greater Boston.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 67 grants totaling $46,785. Grants ranged from $50 to $8,000, with a median of $250. Among the largest grants were $8,000 to Woodwell Climate Research Center, $5,540 to Temple Israel, $5,000 to The Home for Little Wanderers, $2,540 to Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and $2,500 to Massachusetts Historical Society. These grants were listed for unrestricted use.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Robert D Fanger and Iris Fanger as trustees.
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's 2024 filing lists 2 officers; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Iris Fanger
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Robert D. Fanger
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation
How much does Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation give each year?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation gave $47K across 67 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $73K across 69 grants.
What is Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $250, and its average grant was $698, across 67 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation that year got $392 on average.
Where does Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation give grants?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation gives mostly in Massachusetts: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (25 grants), New York, NY (11 grants), Cambridge, MA (9 grants) and Falmouth, MA (7 grants).
Does Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (67 of 67) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Woodwell Climate Research Center ($8,000), Temple Israel ($5,540) and The Home for Little Wanderers ($5,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation reported $55K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
What does Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. For example, Woodwell Climate Research Center says it conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation?
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's EIN?
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-3425988. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Massachusetts
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including 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 amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
Eastern Bank Foundation
Wakefield, MA
Eastern Bank Foundation supports economic inclusion and mobility, including small businesses, early childhood development, affordable housing, and workforce development. Its 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $2,002,500, with a median of $2,500, primarily in Massachusetts and also in New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It accepts online applications and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$266.7M
Grants
1,786
Total Given
$19.0M
Barr Foundation
Boston, MA
The Barr Foundation funds arts and creativity, climate, education, and New England’s social sector, primarily through long-term support for organizations in New England. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $3.275 million, with a median of $80,000. Its filing says it accepts only requests from preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests, though its website describes program-page inquiries and occasional open calls.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
903
Total Given
$123.2M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
Liberty Mutual Foundation funds basic needs such as food and shelter, education and workforce development, and climate and community infrastructure, including homelessness and community preparedness programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $35,000, and most funding supports organizations or programs serving the Boston area, though it also gives elsewhere. It accepts unsolicited online requests on a rolling basis, with no submission deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc (FKA Oneworld Boston Inc)
Woburn, MA
Cummings Foundation Grants Inc. funds nonprofits working in human services, education, healthcare, fairness and justice, and the environment, primarily in greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts. 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 during its application cycle, which was not open at the time described.
Assets
$258.2M
Grants
658
Total Given
$38.2M
American Tower Corporation Foundation
Boston, MA
Assets
$15.4M
Grants
632
Total Given
$1.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Massachusetts
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?