The Shapiro Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation established in 2000 and based in Needham, Massachusetts. The foundation operates as a family foundation with a focus on serving vulnerable populations globally, particularly refugees, internally displaced people, and asylum-seekers.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$123.7M
-1.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.2M
-53.3% YoY
Grant Count
85
+14.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$61K
-59.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation describes itself as "a leader in serving the world's most vulnerable population: The more than 75 million refugees, internally displaced people and asylum-seekers."
The foundation's core programmatic focus areas include:
- Lawful Pathways: Partnering with governments and agencies to create new lawful pathways for the arrival, welcome, and integration of displaced people
- Community Sponsorship: Increasing community-driven resettlement opportunities for displaced people
- Serving Refugee Kids: Supporting access to education and services for refugee children
- Basic Needs: Providing assistance with feeding, housing, and emergency relief for survivors of natural disasters and civil wars
The foundation also funds health care (including children's hospitals), human services, education, research, religious organizations, and medical research.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
s and Activity:**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds primarily in Massachusetts, New York, and California, with significant international grantmaking across six continents supporting refugee resettlement and integration efforts.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2023:
- Total Assets: $125,082,465
- Total Revenue: $4,643,401
- Total Expenses: $14,611,542
- Total Liabilities: $23,300
- Number of Employees: 2
As of 2024 filing:
- Total Assets: $123,741,333
- Total Giving: $5,181,775
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $123,741,333 | $125,082,465 | $136,345,794 |
| Revenue | $7,022,439 | $4,643,401 | $10,733,675 |
| Expenses | $8,385,011 | $14,611,542 | $11,493,755 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,652,722 | $13,325,935 | $9,653,970 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,294,622 | $3,969,041 | $6,724,068 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,124,061 | $7,172,131 | $6,888,475 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Shapiro Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Laura Mayer - Founder
- Katheryn Tatum - Executive Director
- Lawrence L Tobin - Foundation Director ($339,000 compensation, 2023)
- Kayla W Rowe - Executive Assistant ($190,000 compensation, 2023)
The foundation is led by Ed & Barbara (referenced in foundation materials).
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDWARD L SHAPIRO | TRUSTEE | 30 | — |
| BARBARA J SHAPIRO | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Malengo secured $12.9 million from The Shapiro Foundation to expand international education pathways and financial security
Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand InternationalThe foundation granted 18 full-time scholarships to The HOME Project children
The Shapiro Foundation grants 18 full-time scholarships to The HOME ProjectThe foundation participated in the Welcome Fund, which awarded over $8.3 million to 28 organizations supporting the arrival and housing of Afghan evacuees
Malengo Secures $12.9 Million from The Shapiro Foundation to Expand InternationalContact Information
- Website: www.theshapirofoundation.org
- Address: 197 1st Ave Ste 300, Needham, MA 02494-2874
- Telephone: 818-610-2900
- EIN: 04-3541595
- Tax-Exempt Status: Since October 2001
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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