The Risor Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Risor Foundation is a private foundation in Weston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $80,000 in 28 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $10,000. 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$80,000
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$2.1 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $88,330 the year before.
32% 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 | $109,250 | 27 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $88,330 | 28 | $1.9 million |
| 2025 | $80,000 | 28 | $2.1 million |
How to apply
The Risor 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 Risor Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 5 | $17,750 |
| Virginia | 4 | $17,500 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $13,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 3 | $5,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 1 | $2,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Indiana | 1 | $2,500 |
| Maine | 5 | $1,750 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Massachusetts (Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools) | Community | $10,000 |
| University of Richmond | Education | $10,000 |
| St Andrew's Church | Community | $7,500 |
| Concord Academy | Education | $5,000 |
| Turner Syndrome Society of the United States | Health and welfare | $5,000 |
| Focus New Jersey (Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools) | Community | $3,500 |
| Best Buddies International-Philadelphia Pa Region | Humanitarian | $2,500 |
| Dickinson College | Education | $2,500 |
| Edchoice | Education | $2,500 |
| Epiphany School | Education | $2,500 |
| Institute for Humane Studies | Policy | $2,500 |
| James Wilson Institute | Policy | $2,500 |
| Lundale Farm | Environment | $2,500 |
| New Jersey Conservation Foundation | Environment | $2,500 |
| SMC Foundation | Education | $2,500 |
| The French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust | Environment | $2,500 |
| The Land Conservancy of New Jersey | Environment | $2,500 |
| The Woodson Center | Policy | $2,500 |
| Virginia Tech Foundation - Global Food Security Project | Humanitarian | $2,500 |
| Weston Forest and Trail Association | Environment | $2,500 |
| Mascoma Community Health Center | Health and welfare | $1,500 |
| St James Episcopal Church | Community | $750 |
| Music in the Somerset Hills | Community | $500 |
| Charles E Thomas Memorial Library | Community | $250 |
| Prouts Neck Audubon Society | Environment | $250 |
| The Prouts Neck Conservancy | Environment | $250 |
| The Prouts Neck Historical Society | Community | $250 |
| The Weston Observer | Community | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Finn M W Caspersen Jr
- Emily W S Caspersen
- Alexis O Goltra
Questions people ask
Does The Risor Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Risor Foundation give?
$80,000 in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The Risor Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Finn M W Caspersen Jr (Trustee), Emily W S Caspersen (Trustee) and Alexis O Goltra (Trustee).
What does The Risor Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and faith communities.