The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc
THE SIDNEY AND BETTY SHAMES was a private foundation based in White Plains, New York. It made charitable distributions, including a 2025 distribution to two donor-advised funds, and dissolved in 2025 after board approval and approval by the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey.
Key facts about The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc
In short: The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc gave $109K across 1 grant in 2025 (avg $109K), mostly in Massachusetts. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 22-3255723
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $108,853
- Grants made (2025)
- 1
- Average grant
- $108,853
- Median grant
- $108,853
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. 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
—
Annual Giving
$109K
-93.9% YoY
Grant Count
1
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$109K
-93.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+16%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Grantmaking
The 2025 filing reports one grant totaling $108,853. The foundation’s filing narrative says it distributed that amount during 2025 to two donor-advised funds maintained at Fidelity Charitable Fund. The itemized grant listing identifies Fidelity Charitable in Boston, Massachusetts, for $108,853 in general support.
The foundation states that it made contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The sole itemized 2025 grant was listed for a recipient in Massachusetts. The filing narrative describes the distribution as going to two donor-advised funds; it does not identify the ultimate recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2025 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $68K (2023) to $1.8M (2024). In 2025 it made 1 grant totaling $109K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Fidelity Charitable ($109K).
Grant Size Distribution
67 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 65 grants of 67 (97%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Charitable Boston, MA | General Support | $108,853 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | $3,600 | $136,618 | $108,853 | 1 |
| 2024 | $140,368 | $459,340 | $1,115,816 | $1,783,598 | 1 |
| 2023 | $796,844 | $253,146 | $88,652 | $68,100 | 18 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $140,368 | $796,844 |
| Revenue | $3,600 | $459,340 | $253,146 |
| Expenses | $136,618 | $1,115,816 | $88,652 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $129,164 | $1,791,481 | $71,812 |
| Net Investment Income | — | $441,939 | $236,337 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,473 | $78,158 | $74,612 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Leila S Maude as president/treasurer and Howard S Shames and Maxwell A Maude as trustees.
The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc is led by Leila S. Maude, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2023; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Leila S. Maude
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Howard S. Shames
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maxwell A. Maude
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Kenneth R. Shames (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Leila S. Shames (2020–2022) — President & Treasurer
- Former: Beatrice Shames (2020) — Trustee & Secretary
- Former: Sidney Shames (2020) — President & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: Co L Maude 6 Pin Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10606
Phone: (914) 874-4289
Frequently asked questions about The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc
How much does The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc give each year?
The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc gave $109K across 1 grant in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.8M across 1 grant.
How do I apply for a grant from The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc?
The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines.
Where does The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc make grants?
The sole itemized 2025 grant was listed for a recipient in Massachusetts. The filing narrative describes the distribution as going to two donor-advised funds; it does not identify the ultimate recipients.
How much is The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2025, The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3255723. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Sidney and Betty Shames Foundation Inc 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.
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