Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts, that supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income elders in Greater Boston and providing social services in Massachusetts maritime communities. Its stated geographic priorities include Cape Cod, Gloucester, and New Bedford.
Key facts about Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
In short: Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc gave $399K across 16 grants in 2025 (avg $25K), mostly in Massachusetts. 13% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 04-2104430
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $399,430
- Grants made (2025)
- 16
- Average grant
- $24,964
- Median grant
- $25,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (2 of 16, 2025; small sample)
- Total assets
- $10,378,792
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation accepts requests through its stated application process. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The website lists June 15 as the preferred date for letters of intent and 5 p.m.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$10.4M
+3.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$399K
-8.0% YoY
Grant Count
16
-11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$25K
+3.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc reported a distributable amount of $515K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 16 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. With only 16 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $28K repeat.
- 81% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−1%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 89% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated funding focus is the social-service needs of fishermen and their families, low-income elders in Greater Boston, and social-service providers in Massachusetts maritime communities. Its guidelines give particular preference to programs that prevent homelessness, re-house homeless people, or help individuals and families remain safely housed. It favors operating or program support over capital support.
Examples among its 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Wellspring House describes its work as helping North Shore families and adults achieve employment and financial security through housing, education, and job training. Hearth describes its mission as addressing elder homelessness through prevention, placement, housing, and supportive services. Boston Medical Center says it provides accessible health services to people in need regardless of status or ability to pay. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 16 grants totaling $399,430. Grants ranged from $1,700 to $50,000, with a median of $25,000. The largest awards included $50,000 to Wellspring House; $40,000 each to Homeless Prevention Council and Lower Cape Outreach Council; $35,000 to FriendshipWorks; and $30,000 each to Action Inc., Boston Medical Center, and Immigrants’ Assistance Center. The listed grant purposes were program support.
The foundation’s website describes a two-step process for new applicants and organizations that did not receive a grant in the prior year: submit a letter of intent, preferably by June 15, before proceeding to a full application if invited to do so. Prior-year grantees may proceed directly to the annual application, which uses the Philanthropy Massachusetts Common Proposal Format. Applications are submitted online. The foundation’s 2023 filing also describes a letter of inquiry for a three-year grant request. The filing says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations; the website’s program information says Boston organizations serving low-income elders may apply by invitation only.
Review Cycle
The website lists June 15 as the preferred date for letters of intent and 5 p.m. August 15 as the annual application deadline. Those 2026 dates have passed.
Invitation Only
The foundation accepts requests through its stated application process. New applicants and organizations not funded in the previous year are asked to submit a letter of intent; prior-year grantees may apply directly for an annual grant. The 2023 filing describes a letter of inquiry for a three-year grant request. Boston organizations serving low-income elders are subject to an invitation-only restriction.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston: Annual Grant
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston: Special Three-Year Funding Initiative Grant
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
Amount
Up to US $150,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Greater Boston and Massachusetts maritime communities as its focus, with particular emphasis on Cape Cod, Gloucester, and New Bedford. Its 2025 filing reported that all grant dollars went to Massachusetts recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $348K (2020) to $449K (2023). In 2025 it made 16 grants totaling $399K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Wellspring House Inc ($50K). Together the top 10 received $330K.
Grant Size Distribution
93 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 88 grants of 93 (95%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wellspring House Inc Gloucester, MA | Program Support | $50,000 |
| Homeless Prevention Council Orleans, MA | Program Support | $40,000 |
| Lower Cape Outreach Council Inc Orleans, MA | Program Support | $40,000 |
| Friendshipworks Inc Boston, MA | Program Support | $35,000 |
| Action Inc Gloucester, MA | Program Support | $30,000 |
| Boston Medical Center Boston, MA | Program Support | $30,000 |
| Immigrants' Assistance Center Inc New Bedford, MA | Program Support | $30,000 |
| Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts New Bedford, MA | Program Support | $25,000 |
| Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands South Dennis, MA | Program Support | $25,000 |
| Hearth Inc Boston, MA | Program Support | $25,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10,378,792 | $1,064,694 | $546,154 | $399,430 |
| 2024 | $10,001,163 | $438,443 | $570,665 | $434,350 |
| 2023 | $9,404,305 | $323,544 | $569,144 | $449,300 |
The IRS filing type is Form 990-PF (a private foundation).
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,378,792 | $10,001,163 | $9,404,305 |
| Revenue | $1,064,694 | $438,443 | $323,544 |
| Expenses | $546,154 | $570,665 | $569,144 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $459,706 | $495,308 | $498,302 |
| Net Investment Income | $984,246 | $360,088 | $258,406 |
| Distributable Amount | $515,456 | $467,949 | $452,022 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 28, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists William B. Perkins as president and director. Directors listed on that filing are William C. Eaton, G. West Saltonstall, Amory L. Logan, Arthur B. Page, Thomas Rogerson, Amy E. Saltonstall Isaac, Jo-Ann Watson, Benjamin J. Williams, and Pamela S. Evans. G. West Saltonstall is also listed as assistant treasurer, Amory L. Logan as treasurer, and Arthur B. Page as clerk.
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc is led by William B. Perkins, President & Director since 2025 (on filings since 2019); none of the 21 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
William B. Perkins
President & Director
V.p. & Director → Pres-Appt Vp-Til & Director, 2024
Pres-Appt Vp-Til & Director → President & Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy E. Saltonstall Isaac
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Arthur B. Page
Clerk & Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Benjamin J. Williams
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caroline Gates Slocum
Vice President & Director
Director → Vice President - Appt Director, 2024
Vice President - Appt Director → Vice President & Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles R. Eddy
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Edward B. White
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Edward M. Howland
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Everett Morss Jr.
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
G. West Saltonstall
Assistant Treasurer & Director
Treasurer & Director → Assistant Treasurer & Director, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
George B. Motley
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Herbert P. Dane
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jo-Ann Watson
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Cutrell
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pamela S. Evans
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert W. Loring
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Rogerson
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tristran Eddy
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William C. Eaton
Director
President & Director → Pres-Til Director, 2024
Pres-Til Director → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amory L. Logan
Treasurer & Director
Assistant Treasurer & Director → Treasurer & Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hope Appleton Williams
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Amory L. Logan Asst Treas Til (2022) — Treasurer & Director
- Former: G. West Saltonstall Treasurer Til (2022) — Assistant Treasurer & Director
- Former: E. Amory Loring Logan (2019–2020) — Assistant Treasurer & Director
- Former: William N. Bancroft (2019–2020) — Director · Filing note: Resigned 43019
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Heidi Heinlein
Mailing address: C/O Gma Foundations 2 Liberty Sq, Ste 500, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 391-3073
Email: hheinlein@gmafoundations.com
Website: https://sailorssnugharbor.org
Frequently asked questions about Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc
How much does Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc give each year?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc gave $399K across 16 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $434K across 18 grants.
What is Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's typical grant size?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $24,964, across 16 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc that year got $20K on average.
Where does Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc give grants?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc gives mostly in Massachusetts: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (4 grants), Gloucester, MA (3 grants), Orleans, MA (3 grants) and New Bedford, MA (3 grants).
Does Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 16 grants with a stated purpose on Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (16 grants).
Who are Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's largest grantees?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Wellspring House Inc ($50,000), Homeless Prevention Council ($40,000) and Lower Cape Outreach Council Inc ($40,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc reported $10.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $460K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $515K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated funding focus is the social-service needs of fishermen and their families, low-income elders in Greater Boston, and social-service providers in Massachusetts maritime communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc?
The foundation accepts requests through its stated application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's EIN?
Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-2104430. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Sailors' Snug Harbor of Boston Inc by hand.
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