The Colburn Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Colburn Foundation is a private foundation in Manchester, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $96,000 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $33,000. 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$96,000
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$33,000
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was up from $81,000 the year before.
11% 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 | $139,000 | 17 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $81,000 | 18 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $96,000 | 19 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
The Colburn 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 The Colburn Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 14 | $90,200 |
| New York | 2 | $2,400 |
| California | 1 | $1,200 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $1,200 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Fine Arts Boston | General cash donation | $33,000 |
| The National Trust for Scotland Foundation | General cash donation | $10,000 |
| GBH | General cash donation | $9,500 |
| The Trustee of Reservation | General cash donation | $9,000 |
| Massachusetts General Hospital | General cash donation | $8,000 |
| The Boston Symphony Orchestra | General cash donation | $7,000 |
| Beverly Hospital | General cash donation | $2,500 |
| Manchester Essex Conservation | General cash donation | $2,000 |
| Spaulding Rehab Hospital | General cash donation | $2,000 |
| Conservation Law Foundation | General cash donation | $2,000 |
| The United Way of Bay | General cash donation | $2,000 |
| American Foundation for the Courtauld Institute | General cash donation | $1,200 |
| Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | General cash donation | $1,200 |
| Sheldrick Wildlife Trust US | General cash donation | $1,200 |
| Surfride Foundation | General cash donation | $1,200 |
| The Frick Collections | General cash donation | $1,200 |
| Historic New England | General cash donation | $1,000 |
| St John Church | General cash donation | $1,000 |
| The Boston Alhenaeum | General cash donation | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Frances H Colburn
- Clarissa C Hunnewell
- Oliver C Colburn
Questions people ask
Does The Colburn Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Colburn Foundation give?
$96,000 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Colburn Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Frances H Colburn (President), Clarissa C Hunnewell (Treasurer) and Oliver C Colburn (Secretary).
What does The Colburn Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, health and environment and conservation.