The Handshake Foundation Trust
Accepts applications
The Handshake Foundation Trust is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $20,000 in 6 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $4,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$20,000
- Number of grants6
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$4,000
- Assets$449,403
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $20,000 the year before.
33% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $20,000 | 5 | $387,067 |
| 2024 | $20,000 | 5 | $425,220 |
| 2025 | $20,000 | 6 | $449,403 |
How to apply
| Contact | Thomas R Appleton 230 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02110 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (617) 523-6531 |
| What to submit, deadlines | Consult the above. |
| Restrictions | Handshake foundtion is a small family foundation dedicated to making a difference in a world of many needs. There are a number of areas in which we, the trustees, share a common concern: we would like to fund programs which address themselves to 1) the betterment of health and well-being for families, particularly children and teens, with a focus on improving schools and after-school programs, mentoring programs, support for parents and support for all family members at times of crisis; 2) the preservation of the environment, with a focus on conserving energy and natural resources and supporting research in these areas; 3) a dedication to the arts on a democratic basis as a way of enriching the human spirit; 4) the improvement and availability of housing and shelter for the disadvantage. As a family foundation, we seek to support the values we hold high; respect for the individual, reverence for learning and the arts, faith in our ability to help make the world a better place. |
What The Handshake Foundation Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4 | $13,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $4,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bregamos Community Theater | General | $4,000 |
| The Earth School | Gemeral | $4,000 |
| North East Community Center | General | $3,000 |
| Reti Center FBO Brooklyn Bluegreen Jobs for Youth and Environment | Brooklyn blue/green jobs for youth and environment | $3,000 |
| Grandma's Love Inc | General | $3,000 |
| Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition | General | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James V Righter
- Eliot Righter Ramos
- Mark H Righter
- Anne R Righter
- Thomas R Appleton
Questions people ask
Does The Handshake Foundation Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Consult the above..
How much does The Handshake Foundation Trust give?
$20,000 in tax year 2025, across 6 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Handshake Foundation Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists James V Righter (Trustee), Eliot Righter Ramos (Trustee), Mark H Righter (Trustee) and Anne R Righter (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Handshake Foundation Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and community development.