Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation is a private foundation in Belmont, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $740,500 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $425,000. 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$740,500
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$425,000
- Assets$20.1 million
- New grantees61%
Giving in 2025 was up from $602,500 the year before.
61% of its 2025 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 | $485,000 | 7 | $13.7 million |
| 2024 | $602,500 | 14 | $15.0 million |
| 2025 | $740,500 | 18 | $20.1 million |
How to apply
Robert and Virginia Shiller 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 Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1 | $425,000 |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $130,000 |
| New York | 2 | $85,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $33,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $30,000 |
| Connecticut | 3 | $12,500 |
| California | 2 | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| PBS Foundation | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $425,000 |
| Propublica | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $50,000 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $35,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation America | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $35,000 |
| Brandeis University | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $30,000 |
| Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $30,000 |
| Good Food Institute | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $30,000 |
| American Journalism Project | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $25,000 |
| League of Women Voters | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $20,000 |
| Global Impact | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $20,000 |
| NHPBS | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of Middlesex County | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $5,000 |
| Community Initiatives | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $5,000 |
| Hole in the Wall Gang | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $5,000 |
| Players Philanthropy Fund | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $5,000 |
| Sentient Media | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $5,000 |
| Boston Children's Chorus | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $3,000 |
| Southport School | To assist the recipient in carrying out its charitable purpose. | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert Shiller
- Virginia Shiller
- Derek Shiller
Questions people ask
Does Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation give?
$740,500 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert Shiller (Trustee), Virginia Shiller (Trustee) and Derek Shiller (Trustee).
What does Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, youth programs and education.