The Frances and Townsend Burden Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Frances and Townsend Burden Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $40,000 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 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$40,000
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.3 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was up from $32,000 the year before.
14% 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 | $32,000 | 6 | $870,000 |
| 2024 | $32,000 | 6 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $40,000 | 7 | $1.3 million |
How to apply
The Frances and Townsend Burden 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.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 2 | $14,000 |
| Maryland | 2 | $11,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart | General operations | $10,000 |
| Northwest Harvest | General operations | $10,000 |
| The Virginia Piedmont | General operations | $10,000 |
| George Washington Mount Vernon | General operatings | $4,000 |
| Smithsonian Woman's Committee | Eduacation & research project | $3,000 |
| Metropolitan Club | Preservation of historic culture | $2,000 |
| Friends of Unit 52 | General operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Childs Burden
- Frances Burden
- Henry Burden
- I Townsend Burden
Questions people ask
Does The Frances and Townsend Burden Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Frances and Townsend Burden Foundation give?
$40,000 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs The Frances and Townsend Burden Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Childs Burden (President), Frances Burden (VP), Henry Burden (Treasurer) and I Townsend Burden (VP).