Shames Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Shames Family Foundation is a private foundation in Wilton, Connecticut. In tax year 2024 it gave $366,905 in 52 grants; the typical grant was $3,112 and the largest $95,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$366,905
- Number of grants52
- Typical grant$3,112
- Largest grant$95,000
- Assets$6.8 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2024 was down from $389,255 the year before.
48% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $389,255 | 38 | $6.6 million |
| 2024 | $366,905 | 52 | $6.8 million |
How to apply
Shames Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Shames Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 5 | $106,625 |
| Connecticut | 9 | $88,175 |
| New York | 15 | $83,900 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $41,200 |
| Virginia | 10 | $23,375 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $15,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $2,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $600 |
| Missouri | 1 | $280 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Davidson College Annual Fund | General | $95,000 |
| Family & Childrens Agency Inc | General | $25,000 |
| Norwalk Acts | General | $25,000 |
| Carleton College | General | $15,000 |
| Campaign Legal Center Inc | General | $12,500 |
| Focus for Democracy Foundation | General | $11,000 |
| A Better Chance of Wilton Inc | General | $10,000 |
| Renaissance School Annual Fund | General | $10,000 |
| Pallative Care for Uganda LLC | General | $10,000 |
| West Side Campaign Against Hunger | General | $10,000 |
| Brennan Center for Justice | General | $10,000 |
| Dorot Inc | General | $10,000 |
| Nuvance Health Medical Practice CT Inc | General | $10,000 |
| Anti Defamation League | General | $10,000 |
| Camp Treetops | General | $10,000 |
| Congregation Rodeph Sholom | General | $8,500 |
| Planned Parenthood | General | $7,500 |
| The Voter Participation Center | General | $7,500 |
| Southern Vision Alliance | General | $7,500 |
| Ethical Culture Fieldstone School | General | $5,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | General | $5,000 |
| The Child Study Center of Ny | General | $5,000 |
| Harlem Academy | General | $5,000 |
| Temple Bnai Chaim | General | $4,175 |
| Mount Sinai Health System Inc | General | $4,000 |
| University of Virginia | General | $3,125 |
| 92nd Street Y | General | $3,100 |
| Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue Inc | General | $3,000 |
| League of Women Voters Education Fund | General | $2,500 |
| Tuck School | General | $2,500 |
| Wilton Library Association | General | $2,500 |
| Arts for Life | General | $2,500 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | General | $2,500 |
| Charlottesville Free Clinic | General | $2,000 |
| Buck Squad | General | $1,000 |
| Association of Med School Ped Dept | General | $1,000 |
| Child Health Partnership | General | $1,000 |
| Connecticut Institute for Refugees | General | $1,000 |
| Hospice of the Piedmont Inc | General | $1,000 |
| International Neighbors | General | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ervin R Shames
- Louise G Shames
- Allyson Robyn Shames
- Steven Shames
- Sara Shames
- Curtis Argo
Questions people ask
Does Shames Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Shames Family Foundation give?
$366,905 in tax year 2024, across 52 grants, with a typical grant of $3,112.
Who runs Shames Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Ervin R Shames (Trustee), Louise G Shames (Trustee), Allyson Robyn Shames (Trustee) and Steven Shames (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Shames Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.