Trefler Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Trefler Foundation is a private foundation in Newton, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.9 million in 19 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.1 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$1.9 million
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$18.7 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.3 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 | $685,500 | 33 | $5.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 13 | $7.7 million |
| 2025 | $1.9 million | 19 | $18.7 million |
How to apply
Trefler 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Trefler Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 19 | $1.6 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital | Unrestricted charitable gift | $1.1 million |
| Year Up | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,000 |
| Ma League of Community Health Centers | Unrestricted charitable gift | $75,000 |
| Noble and Greenough School | Unrestricted charitable gift | $57,000 |
| Ellie Fund | Unrestricted charitable gift | $50,000 |
| Leadership Brainery | Unrestricted charitable gift | $40,000 |
| Union Capital Boston | Unrestricted charitable gift | $40,000 |
| Massachusetts Alliance for Early College | Unrestricted charitable gift | $35,000 |
| The Teachers Lounge | Unrestricted charitable gift | $35,000 |
| Duet Inc | Unrestricted charitable gift | $25,000 |
| Embrace Boston | Unrestricted charitable gift | $10,000 |
| Mspca Angell | Unrestricted charitable gift | $10,000 |
| Philanthropy Ma | Unrestricted charitable gift | $7,620 |
| Center for Teen Empowerment | Unrestricted charitable gift | $5,000 |
| Haley House | Unrestricted charitable gift | $5,000 |
| Necat | Unrestricted charitable gift | $5,000 |
| Social Capital Inc | Unrestricted charitable gift | $5,000 |
| Boston Raiders Youth Football and Cheer Pop Warner Little Scholars | Unrestricted charitable gift | $1,500 |
| One Love Sports Academy | Unrestricted charitable gift | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Alan N Trefler
- Pamela L Trefler
- Daniel Sherman
Questions people ask
Does Trefler Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Trefler Foundation give?
$1.9 million in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Trefler Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Alan N Trefler (Trustee), Pamela L Trefler (Trustee) and Daniel Sherman (President).
What does Trefler Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and youth programs.