The Stanton Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Stanton Foundation is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $28.3 million in 76 grants; the typical grant was $80,000 and the largest $19.8 million. 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$28.3 million
- Number of grants76
- Typical grant$80,000
- Largest grant$19.8 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2025 was down from $70.1 million the year before.
63% 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 | $35.7 million | 175 | $98.0 million |
| 2024 | $70.1 million | 166 | $30.0 million |
| 2025 | $28.3 million | 76 | $0 |
How to apply
The Stanton 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 Stanton Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 24 states, the most to Massachusetts. It also paid $154,890 in 2 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 21 | $22.5 million |
| Illinois | 2 | $450,199 |
| Louisiana | 2 | $430,500 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $425,000 |
| Texas | 4 | $403,500 |
| New York | 7 | $391,823 |
| Virginia | 3 | $385,246 |
| Arizona | 2 | $360,500 |
| California | 6 | $333,326 |
| Georgia | 2 | $325,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The First Amendment Stanton Foundation | To achieve charitable purpose | $19.8 million |
| MIT CNSP | To achieve charitable purpose | $500,000 |
| Duke University | To achieve charitable purpose | $345,000 |
| Arizona State University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Cornell University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| George Mason University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Southern Methodist University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Tulane University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| University of Georgia Foundation | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| University of Illinois | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| University of Nebraska | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Vanderbilt University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Washington University | To achieve charitable purpose | $300,500 |
| Town of Acton | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Town of Andover | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Town of Ashland | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Town of Hudson | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Town of Plymouth | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Town of Westborough | To achieve charitable purpose | $250,000 |
| Northeastern University | To achieve charitable purpose | $219,393 |
| Town of West Stockbridge | To achieve charitable purpose | $208,200 |
| Center for Integrity | To achieve charitable purpose | $163,000 |
| Avmf | To achieve charitable purpose | $149,699 |
| Tulane University | To achieve charitable purpose | $130,000 |
| Journal of Free Speech Law | To achieve charitable purpose | $120,000 |
| Carnegie Endowment | To achieve charitable purpose | $90,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University | To achieve charitable purpose | $90,000 |
| The Brookings Institution | To achieve charitable purpose | $90,000 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technologgy | To achieve charitable purpose | $89,997 |
| University of Denver | To achieve charitable purpose | $89,973 |
| University of Pennsylvania | To achieve charitable purpose | $89,296 |
| Center for Integrity | To achieve charitable purpose | $81,500 |
| A Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| City of Weslaco | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| It Takes A Village Animal Rescue & Resources | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| Onslow County van | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| Ruff Start Rescue | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| Start Rescue | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| Southern Pines | To achieve charitable purpose | $80,000 |
| University of Sydney | To achieve charitable purpose | $77,890 |
Officers and trustees
- Andrew H Weiss
- Elisabeth K Allison
Questions people ask
Does The Stanton Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Stanton Foundation give?
$28.3 million in tax year 2025, across 76 grants, with a typical grant of $80,000.
Who runs The Stanton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Andrew H Weiss (Trustee) and Elisabeth K Allison (Trustee).
What does The Stanton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, animals and international.