The Verano Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Verano Fund is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $152,500 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $40,000. 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$152,500
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$3.2 million
- New grantees8%
Giving in 2025 was up from $140,000 the year before.
8% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $139,750 | 27 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $140,000 | 25 | $2.9 million |
| 2025 | $152,500 | 26 | $3.2 million |
How to apply
The Verano Fund 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 Verano Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 16 | $61,000 |
| New York | 1 | $40,000 |
| Iowa | 2 | $15,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $8,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $7,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $5,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $3,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $3,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Water for the South Sudan | 2025 grant | $40,000 |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute | 2025 grant | $12,500 |
| Iowa Public Radio | 2025 grant | $10,000 |
| Wellesley Congregational Church | 2025 grant | $10,000 |
| St Judes Children's Research Hospital | 2025 grant | $8,500 |
| Worcester County Horticultural Society | 2025 grant | $8,000 |
| To Write Love on Her Arms | 2025 grant | $7,000 |
| Tubman | 2025 grant | $7,000 |
| Trustees of Trinty College Class of 1940 | 2025 grant | $5,500 |
| Belmont Day School | 2025 grant | $5,000 |
| Iowa Community Improvements | 2025 grant | $5,000 |
| Newton Wellesley Hospital Charitable Foundation | 2025 grant | $3,500 |
| American Red Cross | 2025 grant | $3,000 |
| Community Servings | 2025 grant | $3,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders USA | 2025 grant | $3,000 |
| Unrwa USA | 2025 grant | $3,000 |
| Maba at Massachusetts Audubon | 2025 grant | $2,500 |
| Mercy Ships | 2025 grant | $2,500 |
| Pan Mass Challenge | 2025 grant | $2,500 |
| Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts | 2025 grant | $2,500 |
| Family Promise Metrowest | 2025 grant | $2,500 |
| Cuttyhunk Steam Academy | 2025 grant | $2,000 |
| Buzzards Bay Coalition | 2025 grant | $1,000 |
| Cuttyhunk Historical Society | 2025 grant | $1,000 |
| Museum of Fine Arts Boston | 2025 grant | $1,000 |
| Wayland Public Schools | 2025 grant | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- A Dix Leeson Jr
- Charles E Clapp III
Questions people ask
Does The Verano Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Verano Fund give?
$152,500 in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Verano Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists A Dix Leeson Jr (Trustee) and Charles E Clapp III (Trustee).
What does The Verano Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and health.