Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Nantucket, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $730,000 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $120,000 and the largest $120,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$730,000
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$120,000
- Largest grant$120,000
- Assets$2.5 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was up from $645,000 the year before.
14% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $64,000 | 4 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $645,000 | 6 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $730,000 | 7 | $2.5 million |
How to apply
Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust 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.
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 7 | $730,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A Safe Place | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $120,000 |
| Nantucket Center for Elder Affairs | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $120,000 |
| Nffra Food Bank | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $120,000 |
| The Homestead | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $120,000 |
| Nantucket Preservation Trust | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $100,000 |
| Pascon | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $100,000 |
| The Trustees | Contribution to charitable organization committed to improving quality of life. | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lisa Sziklas
- L Teal Colliton
Questions people ask
Does Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust give?
$730,000 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $120,000.
Who runs Harriet W Backus Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Lisa Sziklas (Trustee) and L Teal Colliton (Trustee).