The Humane Society of the Commonwealth
Accepts applications
The Humane Society of the Commonwealth is a private foundation in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $405,579 in 44 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $228,007. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$405,579
- Number of grants44
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$228,007
- Assets$8.0 million
- New grantees88%
Giving in 2025 was up from $265,786 the year before.
88% 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 | $204,819 | 46 | $7.0 million |
| 2024 | $265,786 | 37 | $7.6 million |
| 2025 | $405,579 | 44 | $8.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Kathleen Davis Humane Society of TH 51 Grove Street Suite A, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (617) 232-6242 |
| What to submit | Applicants must submit a one-page concept paper describing the request and its relevance to the humane society's program focus areas. The program focus areas include public education and training programs aimed at safety on the waters, community agencies and volunteer services in coastal communities whose work includes the rescue and treatment of those injured primarily on the waters (e.g. Harbor masters, flotilla commanders in us coast guard auxiliary, state environmental police and others), academic and medical research related to life saving techniques, equipment and other measures to provide greater survivability in the event of accidents and injury, and health sciences research aimed at treatment and recovery from injuries incurred primarily on the waters (e.g. Hypothermia, respiratory injuries, brain injuries from oxygen deprivation, and others). |
| Restrictions | Recipient organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue service code and not a private foundation" under section 509(a) of the code. Alternatively, grants may be made to governmental units for charitable purposes. In addition, the organization must be based in Massachusetts. Grant size may range from $5,000 to $50,000 in a single year - larger grant requests may be considered for funding over multiple years. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Humane Society of the Commonwealth funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 1 | $228,007 |
| Massachusetts | 42 | $172,572 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab Donor Advised Fund | Fund future grant making | $228,007 |
| Hull Lifesaving Museum | To approve the society making a $20,000 grant to the hull lifesaving museum to support the renovation of the former u.s. Coast guard point allerton boathouse. | $20,000 |
| The Samaritans Inc | To support the design and implementation of the enhanced outreach intervention pilot program (eoipp) with mass. General brigham hospital. | $15,000 |
| Scituate Maritime and Irish Mossing Museum | In honor of honorary trustee ross e. Sherbrooke | $12,500 |
| Coast Guard Heritage Museum | To support the installation of the united states coast guard mural in the great hall within the massachusetts state house | $10,000 |
| New Bedford Rowing Center Inc | To help nbrc purchase an automated external defibrillator device and to provide first aid, cpr, and aed certification training for nbrc staff and volunteers. | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $5,000 |
| Egan Maritime Institute | For instructor fees for continuing the boat massachusetts safety course | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $3,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
| Individual | Award for saving a life | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Anthony H Leness
- David Brooks
- David T Lawrence
- Edward P Lawrence
- Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld
- G Neal Ryland
- G West Saltonstall
- Henry B Becton
- Ian H Gardiner
- Kathleen Davis
- Oliver F Ames Jr
- William N Thorndike
- R Newcomb Stillwell
Questions people ask
Does The Humane Society of the Commonwealth accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Humane Society of the Commonwealth give?
$405,579 in tax year 2025, across 44 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Humane Society of the Commonwealth?
Its 2025 filing lists Anthony H Leness (Director/Trustee), David Brooks (Director/Trustee), David T Lawrence (Clerk/Trustee) and Edward P Lawrence (1st Vp/Trustee) among 13 officers and trustees.
What does The Humane Society of the Commonwealth fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.