Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation
The Susan A. and Donald P. Babson Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. It supports the enrichment and empowerment of people of all ages around the world, with the stated aim of preventing exploitation, poverty, and injustice.
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation at a glance
In short: Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation gave $289K across 76 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), top state Massachusetts. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $289,380
- +11.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 76
- +8.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $3,808
- +2.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,750
- Total assets
- $5,532,142
- +27.5% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (41% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Competitive grant applications are accepted only from organizations invited to apply; discretionary grants are not open to applications. The foundation does not make capital grants.
- Review Cycle
- February 28 for competitive grant applications. Late submissions are not accepted; if the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.
- Deadline
- February 28 for competitive grant applications.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2 Liberty Square 500, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 426-7080
Website: https://babsonfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Bagly Inc (Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth ($14K). Together the top 10 received $103K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($2,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
319 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 318 grants of 319 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went to organizations in multiple states. Massachusetts received 41%, New York 20%, Washington, DC 10%, Virginia 7%, and California 4%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 76 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation gives
- 58% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−1%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 103% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 $242K (2020) to $305K (2022). In 2024 it made 76 grants totaling $289K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bagly Inc (Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth Boston, MA | General Operating Support | $14,250 |
| Pathway to Possible Newton Centre, MA | Paul T. Babson II Jubilee House | $10,000 |
| Human Rights Watch New York, NY | Children's rights division - working with children in residential institutions and orphanages in ukraine and elsewhere and for work ending life without parole | $10,000 |
| Meenakshi Foundation Inc Great Barrington, MA | Educational for Young Women in South India | $10,000 |
| International Buddhist Center in Wheaton Maryland Wheaton, MA | For educational work with youth on economic crisis, environmental and social justice | $10,000 |
| Point Foundation Los Angeles, CA | General Operating Support | $10,000 |
| University of Virginia - Serpentine Society Charlottesville, VA | General Operating Support | $10,000 |
| United Nations Foundation New York, NY | General Operating Support | $10,000 |
| American Fund for Emmanuel Newton, MA | A recommended grant to emmanuel college, cambridge, in order to fund a post doc | $8,000 |
| Outright Action International New York, NY | General Operating Support | $8,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Susan a & Donald P Babson 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 | $5,532,142 | $1,573,967 | $373,895 | $289,380 | 76 | $326,195 | $1,535,846 | $317,243 |
| 2023 | $4,337,811 | $500,576 | $338,478 | $260,200 | 70 | $328,779 | $490,603 | $301,023 |
| 2022 | $4,177,838 | $475,939 | $386,381 | $305,152 | 91 | $344,557 | $442,420 | $311,958 |
| 2021 | $4,089,228 | $576,259 | $384,385 | $292,536 | 1 | $327,772 | $543,043 | $694,351 |
| 2020 | $3,896,335 | $524,259 | $311,435 | $242,424 | 81 | — | $458,518 | $292,829 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $317K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated focus is “the enrichment and empowerment of people of all ages around the world, so as to prevent exploitation, poverty, and injustice.” It does not make capital grants.
Its 2024 grants illustrate support for a range of organizations and purposes. For example, Human Rights Watch describes its work as investigating abuses and pressing those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Point Foundation says it supports the educational aspirations of LGBTQ+ and ally students. Pathway to Possible describes its mission as providing housing, support, and advocacy for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation made 76 grants totaling $289,380. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $14,250, with a median of $2,750. The foundation’s website separately reports that the 2024 competitive grant range was $1,000 to $10,000, with an average grant size of $3,500; it notes that a limited number of multi-year grants may be considered.
Among the larger 2024 grants were $14,250 to BAGLY Inc. for general operating support; $10,000 each to Pathway to Possible, Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Foundation, Point Foundation, and the United Nations Foundation; and $8,000 each to the American Fund for Emmanuel and Outright Action International. The foundation’s discretionary program accepts no grant applications.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Deborah Babson, Averill Babson, Richard L. Babson, and Maithri B. Babson as family member trustees, and Ray Considine as co-trustee. Wilmington Trust Company is listed as co-trustee until September 2024. The foundation’s website lists Averill Babson, Deborah E. Babson, Richard L. Babson, Maithri Babson, Ray Considine, and Wilmington Trust FSB as trustees.
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's 2024 filing lists 6 officers; 2 of 6 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ray Considine
Co-Trustee
Trustee → Co-Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2021) → $5K (2024)
Wilmington Trust Company
Co-Trustee
Trustee → Co-Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$29K (2021) → $47K (2024)
Averill Babson
Family Member Trustees
Trustee → Co-Trustee, 2023
Co-Trustee → Family Member Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Babson
Family Member Trustees
Trustee → Co-Trustee, 2023
Co-Trustee → Family Member Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard L. Babson
Family Member Trustees
Trustee → Co-Trustee, 2023
Co-Trustee → Family Member Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maithri B. Babson
Family Member Trustees
Co-Trustee → Family Member Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: James A. Babson (2020–2023) — Co-Trustee
- Former: Newell Flather (2020–2021) — Trustee
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $47K, to Wilmington Trust Company (Co-Trustee (Until 9/2024)). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation
How much does Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation give each year?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation gave $289K across 76 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $260K across 70 grants.
What is Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's typical grant size?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,750, and its average grant was $3,808, across 76 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation give grants?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's top state is Massachusetts, with 41% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (20%) and District of Columbia (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (11 grants), Washington, DC (11 grants), New York, NY (10 grants) and Newton, MA (3 grants).
Does Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 57% of Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (43 of 76) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's largest grantees?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Bagly Inc (Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth ($14,250), Human Rights Watch ($11,000 across 2 grants) and Pathway to Possible ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($2,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 12% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation reported $5.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $326K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $317K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated focus is “the enrichment and empowerment of people of all ages around the world, so as to prevent exploitation, poverty, and injustice.” It does not make capital grants. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's EIN?
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-6782460. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Susan a & Donald P Babson 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 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 Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
American Tower Corporation Foundation
Boston, MA
Assets
$15.4M
Grants
632
Total Given
$1.7M
The Yelp Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Assets
$6.2M
Grants
644
Total Given
$886K
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
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Massachusetts
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/susan-a-and-donald-p-babson-foundation-morg_9520d3b30c744a68abf1c33cc9d3c126
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_046782460_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Susan a \& Donald P Babson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/susan-a-and-donald-p-babson-foundation-morg_9520d3b30c744a68abf1c33cc9d3c126},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. 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 Susan a & Donald P Babson 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.
Susan a & Donald P Babson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?