The River Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The River Foundation is a private foundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $296,000 in 6 grants; the typical grant was $48,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$296,000
- Number of grants6
- Typical grant$48,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$1.6 million
- New grantees17%
Giving in 2025 was up from $193,000 the year before.
17% 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 | $293,000 | 6 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $193,000 | 5 | $1.7 million |
| 2025 | $296,000 | 6 | $1.6 million |
How to apply
The River 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 River Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 4 | $231,000 |
| New York | 1 | $40,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt Research Associates | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Unrestricted | $60,000 |
| Museum of Fine Arts | Unrestricted | $56,000 |
| Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory | Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Society for Science and the Public | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Harvard Art Museum | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Walter Gilbert
- Celia Gilbert
- Kate Gilbert
- Eric Domeshek
- John R Gilbert
- Valerie Leiter
Questions people ask
Does The River Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The River Foundation give?
$296,000 in tax year 2025, across 6 grants, with a typical grant of $48,000.
Who runs The River Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Walter Gilbert (Trustee), Celia Gilbert (Trustee), Kate Gilbert (Trustee) and Eric Domeshek (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The River Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research and arts and culture.