Speramus Foundation
Speramus Foundation is a private foundation based in Hillsborough, California. The foundation provides general support funding to various organizations across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$699K
-6.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$146K
+12.1% YoY
Grant Count
31
+24.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
-9.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Speramus Foundation reported a distributable amount of $124K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's stated purpose is giving for education and hospitals. The foundation provides general support grants to its chosen beneficiaries.
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds organizations primarily in California and beyond, with documented grants to institutions in Massachusetts (Boston College) and California-based organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total assets: $698,626
- Total revenues: $45,983
- Total expenses: $154,253
- Investment income and dividends: $45,983
- Number of employees: 0
As of December 2023:
- Total assets: $748,485
- Total giving: $129,976
- Investment income and dividends: $41,525
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $698,626 | $748,485 | $751,375 |
| Revenue | $45,983 | $84,275 | $153,016 |
| Expenses | $154,253 | $140,071 | $136,150 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $145,715 | $129,976 | $131,100 |
| Net Investment Income | $44,317 | $83,011 | $136,401 |
| Distributable Amount | $124,368 | $111,879 | $115,378 |
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
158 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Boston College ($21,131), Call Primrose ($19,973), Glenbrook Underground Inc ($14,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALZHEIMERS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| BOLD IDEA INC DALLAS, TX | GENERAL SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| BOSTON COLLEGE CHESTNUT HILL, MA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $21,131 |
| BRENT SHAPIRO FOUNDATION FOR ALCOHOL AND DRUG AWARENESS LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| BREWSTER ACADEMY WOLFEBORO, NH | GENERAL SUPPORT | $4,987 |
| BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS BOSTON, MA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| CALL PRIMROSE BURLINGAME, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $19,973 |
| COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS WORCESTER, MA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $4,264 |
| DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN RAFAEL, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $200 |
| EDGEWOOD CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAN FRANCISCO, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $1,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Sheila Burns McWilliams is listed as a member associated with the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHEILA BURNS MCWILLIAMS | PRESIDENT | 0.3 | — |
| SEAN R BURNS | VICE-PRESIDENT | 0.12 | — |
| RODERICK O BURNS | SECRETARY | 0.12 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Speramus Foundation fund?
The foundation's stated purpose is giving for education and hospitals. The foundation provides general support grants to its chosen beneficiaries.
How do I apply for a grant from Speramus Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 25 grants in 2024 • Total giving in 2024: $129,976 • Recent notable grants include: • Boston College: $21,131 (general support) • Call Primrose: $19,973 (general support) • Glenbrook Underground: $14,000 (general support) • Santa Clara Tennis Club: $2,000 (general support) **Grant Type:** General support
Where does Speramus Foundation make grants?
The foundation funds organizations primarily in California and beyond, with documented grants to institutions in Massachusetts (Boston College) and California-based organizations.
What size grants does Speramus Foundation award?
In 2024, Speramus Foundation awarded 31 grants totaling $146K — an average of about $5K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Speramus Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Speramus Foundation reported a distributable amount of $124K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Speramus Foundation's EIN?
Speramus Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3181132. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Speramus Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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