Sherman Family Foundation
The Sherman Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, it reported 118 grants totaling $18,984,201, with most grant dollars going to organizations in Maryland.
Sherman Family Foundation at a glance
In short: Sherman Family Foundation gave $19.0M across 118 grants in 2024 (avg $161K), mostly in Maryland. 41% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $18,984,201
- -1.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 118
- +11.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $160,883
- -11.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $73,284,172
- -16.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 41% first-time grantees (48 of 118, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (88% 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 Sherman Family Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 650 South Exeter Street 1080, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (305) 604-0500
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Sherman Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Umbcuniversity System of Maryland Foundation Inc ($2.9M). Together the top 10 received $10.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
386 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 210 grants of 386 (54%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 88% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maryland. The remaining reported shares went to recipients in Maine and New York (4% each), and Texas and Pennsylvania (1% each).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 118 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Sherman Family Foundation open to new grantees?
41%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 48 of 118 grantees (41%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $42K; repeat grants $242K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $75K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 251% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 410% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
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 $3.8M (2020) to $19.3M (2023). In 2024 it made 118 grants totaling $19.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Umbcuniversity System of Maryland Foundation Inc Adelphi, MD | General Operations | $2,900,000 |
| Center for Urban Families Inc Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $2,325,000 |
| Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $1,350,000 |
| The Y of Central Maryland Inc Baltimore, MD | General Operstions | $1,000,000 |
| Fund for Educational Excellence Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $740,000 |
| MPT Foundation Inc Owings Mills, MD | General Operations | $525,000 |
| United Way of Central Maryland Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $510,000 |
| Point Source Youth New York, NY | General Operations | $500,000 |
| Roland Park Community Foundation Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $500,000 |
| Teach for America Baltimore Baltimore, MD | General Operations | $500,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Sherman Family Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $73,284,172 | $6,023,024 | $20,227,246 | $18,984,201 | 118 | $19,282,639 | $5,316,336 | $4,703,523 |
| 2023 | $87,496,501 | $3,680,497 | $19,793,246 | $19,300,289 | 106 | $19,520,920 | $3,577,438 | $5,065,047 |
| 2022 | $103,594,473 | $2,263,499 | $13,507,926 | $13,104,796 | 84 | $13,282,890 | $2,221,190 | $5,542,567 |
| 2021 | $114,550,565 | $87,345,670 | $5,938,364 | $5,410,664 | 44 | $5,485,664 | $21,702,692 | $3,102,073 |
| 2020 | $41,941,688 | $6,649,879 | $3,921,481 | $3,783,478 | 34 | — | $6,649,804 | $2,120,344 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Sherman Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations, many based in Baltimore. For example, the Center for Urban Families describes its mission as strengthening urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success. The Fund for Educational Excellence says it works to expand resources and accelerate solutions so that children in Baltimore City Public Schools receive an effective and adequate education. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra describes its mission as maintaining and presenting a symphony orchestra for Baltimore and Maryland.
Other 2024 grantees describe work that includes supporting Maryland public broadcasting, preventing youth homelessness, preserving parks and public spaces, and building relationships with young people facing opportunity and achievement gaps. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not stated missions of the foundation.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 118 grants totaling $18,984,201. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $2,900,000, with a median grant of $50,000. The largest awards included $2,900,000 to UMBCUniversity System of Maryland Foundation Inc., $2,325,000 to the Center for Urban Families Inc., and $1,350,000 to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Each was designated for general operations.
Other notable 2024 grants included $1,000,000 to the Y of Central Maryland Inc. and $740,000 to the Fund for Educational Excellence. Both were designated for general operations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Betsy Sherman, David Sherman, Michael Sherman, Jonathan Sherman, and Matthew Sherman as trustees.
Sherman Family Foundation's 2024 filing lists 5 officers; none of the 5 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Betsy Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Sherman
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
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 Sherman Family Foundation
How much does Sherman Family Foundation give each year?
Sherman Family Foundation gave $19.0M across 118 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $19.3M across 106 grants.
What is Sherman Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Sherman Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $50,000, and its average grant was $160,883, across 118 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Sherman Family Foundation that year got $42K on average.
Where does Sherman Family Foundation give grants?
Sherman Family Foundation gives mostly in Maryland: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Baltimore, MD (64 grants), New York, NY (6 grants), Washington, DC (4 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (3 grants).
Does Sherman Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 99% of Sherman Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (117 of 118) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Sherman Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Sherman Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Umbcuniversity System of Maryland Foundation Inc ($2,900,000), Center for Urban Families Inc ($2,325,000) and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ($1,350,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Sherman Family Foundation?
Sherman Family Foundation reported $73.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $19.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4.7M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Sherman Family Foundation fund?
The foundation’s 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations, many based in Baltimore. For example, the Center for Urban Families describes its mission as strengthening urban communities by helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Sherman Family Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Sherman Family Foundation's EIN?
Sherman Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6723302. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Sherman Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 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 Sherman Family Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Sherman Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Baltimore Community Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Community Foundation supports schools, neighborhoods, and community projects, including work on kindergarten readiness, student well-being, neighborhood vitality, and arts and culture. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $19,800, with amounts varying widely, and its strategic school and neighborhood grants focus on Baltimore City and Baltimore County. It invites applications through its online portal for specified grant programs.
Assets
$314.3M
Grants
604
Total Given
$29.3M
The Abell Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Abell Foundation funds nonprofits, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects addressing health, education, community development, workforce, justice and addiction, the environment, and arts, as well as Baltimore-focused research and catalytic business investments. Its giving is focused on Baltimore City, with a typical grant of about $20,000 (2024 median; awards ranged from $188 to $300,000). It accepts applications: requests of $10,000 or less are reviewed on a rolling basis, while larger requests go through five annual board meetings.
Assets
$296.4M
Grants
391
Total Given
$13.4M
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Associated Jewish Charities of Baltimore supports Jewish life and related charitable, educational, religious, health, humanitarian, cultural, and social-service needs in Baltimore, nationally, in Israel, and worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,020 to $15.25 million, with a median of $18,750; the profile describes specific funding opportunities and donor-advised fund recommendations but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$446.7M
Grants
515
Total Given
$53.0M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
T Rowe Price Foundation
Baltimore, MD
The T. Rowe Price Foundation supports financial well-being and thriving communities, including financial education, youth development, arts and culture, and community leaders and institutions. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5.5 million; it focuses on Baltimore, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, and New York, with grants also reported in Delaware. It reviews unsolicited requests through an inquiry process, but most grants are by invitation and there is no open application process.
Assets
$93.3M
Grants
249
Total Given
$11.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Sherman Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/sherman-family-foundation-morg_4b96b56675e04cd788cbf57aac265ad4
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_526723302_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Sherman Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/sherman-family-foundation-morg_4b96b56675e04cd788cbf57aac265ad4},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Sherman 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.
Sherman Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?