Ruby W and Lavon P Linn Foundation
The Ruby W and Lavon P Linn Foundation is a private family foundation established on August 13, 2001, by Ruby W. Linn in Boston, Massachusetts. The foundation operates exclusively for charitable, scientific, educational, and religious purposes, continuing the philanthropic legacy of Ruby and her husband, LaVon.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$68.8M
+5.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.7M
-4.9% YoY
Grant Count
12
-25.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$222K
+26.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports organizations that reflect the legacy left by Ruby and LaVon Linn. Ruby's personal interests, which continue to guide the foundation's work, include:
- Education, particularly her alma mater Simmons College
- Veteran's issues
- Promoting patriotism and Americanism
- Methodist institutions and religious organizations
- Human services
- Education for people who are blind
Grantmaking
Grant sizes vary widely based on organizational need and resources, ranging from $1,500 to $1,000,000. Recent data indicates typical awards between $15,000 and $1,017,165.
Grant Range
s vary widely based on organizational need and resources, ranging from $1,500 to $1,000,000. Recent data indicates typical awards between $15,000 and $1,017,165.
Review Cycle
- Spring: April 1
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Ruby W and Lavon P Linn Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Massachusetts and Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Based on the most recent IRS Form 990 filing (2025):
- Total assets: $68,820,965
- Total giving: $2,667,399
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $68,820,965 | $65,201,899 | $59,396,691 |
| Revenue | $4,626,572 | $2,363,940 | $-250,357 |
| Expenses | $3,114,905 | $3,194,640 | $3,893,760 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,959,323 | $3,067,387 | $3,783,501 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,513,891 | $2,256,634 | $786,618 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,221,176 | $2,981,363 | $2,869,898 |
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
79 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
The foundation is administered by the law firm Choate Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.
Trustees:
- John M. Cornish
- Thomas H. P. Whitney, Jr.
Board of Advisors:
- Brian Cassie
- Libby Herland
- Kathleen McGrath
- Bernard J. McHugh
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Borek | Trustee | 1 | $40,000 |
| Scott G Borek | Trustee | 1 | $40,000 |
| William A Lowell | Trustee | 1 | $40,000 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Charles J Tasker Memorial Scholarship Fund
HANOVER, MA
Assets
$98K
Grants
1
Total Given
$8K
Marshall M & Barbara J Sloane Pvt Found
CHESTNUT HILL, MA
Assets
$1.2M
Grants
11
Total Given
$75K
John J Mcardle Iii & Joan C Mcardle
ANDOVER, MA
Assets
$1.8M
Grants
13
Total Given
$205K
Massachusetts Association of Realtors
FOXBOROUGH, MA
Assets
$18.1M
Grants
2
Total Given
$71K
Communities for Restorative Justice
BOSTON, MA
Assets
$524K
Grants
1
Total Given
$61K
Hingham Historical Society Inc
HINGHAM, MA
Assets
$7.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$10K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Ruby W and Lavon P Linn Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities