The Bigbird Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Bigbird Fund is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $174,941 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $6,700 and the largest $34,000. 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$174,941
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$6,700
- Largest grant$34,000
- Assets$4,626
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was down from $246,875 the year before.
45% 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 | $766,650 | 19 | $357,422 |
| 2024 | $246,875 | 22 | $152,345 |
| 2025 | $174,941 | 20 | $4,626 |
How to apply
The Bigbird Fund 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 The Bigbird Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 13 | $125,361 |
| Rhode Island | 3 | $30,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| New York | 2 | $4,580 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington Theatre Company Inc | General support | $34,000 |
| Phoenix Charter Academy | General support | $28,060 |
| Newport Festivals Foundation | General support | $15,000 |
| Womens Foundation of Boston | General support | $13,400 |
| Aquidneck Land Trust | General support | $10,000 |
| Massart - Massachusetts College of Art and Design Foundation Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| Newton Wellesley Hospital | General support | $10,000 |
| Pioneer Institute | General support | $10,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| President and Fellows of Harvard College | General support | $8,400 |
| Norman Bird Sanctuary | General support | $5,000 |
| Soccer Unity Project | General support | $5,000 |
| The Camphill School | General support | $5,000 |
| Institute of Contemporary Art | General support | $2,500 |
| The Public Theater | General support | $2,330 |
| Friends of the High Line | General support | $2,250 |
| Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund | General support | $1,001 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | General support | $1,000 |
| Gaining Ground | General support | $1,000 |
| Pine Street Inn | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William P McQuillan
- Linda M Criniti
Questions people ask
Does The Bigbird Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bigbird Fund give?
$174,941 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $6,700.
Who runs The Bigbird Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists William P McQuillan (Trustee) and Linda M Criniti (Trustee).
What does The Bigbird Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.