Boston Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
As Greater Boston's community foundation, the Boston Foundation devotes its resources to expanding opportunities, improving lives and strengthening communities. See Schedule OThe Foundation fulfills this mission in three principal ways: (1) Working with nonprofit organizations through grantmaking and deep partnership to address our community's critical challenges;(2) Partnering with donors, nonprofit organizations, and companies to pursue philanthropy that is not only effective, but values-aligned and fulfilling; and (3) Utilizing civic leadership and engagement, through research, convening, and advocacy to advance justice and equity in Greater Boston.
- Income
- $426.7 million
- Spending
- $279.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 92%
- Reserves
- 66.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
- Employees
- 157
- Volunteers
- 260
- Highest pay
- $915,854, president & ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, over $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 66.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 34% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 103% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1592% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, over $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2520 of 20 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $257.8 million spent. Major goals and objectives:We have chosen four interconnected pathways to equity where we believe we can have the greatest impact. See Schedule O-Child Well Being: Ensure that children are physically and emotionally healthy, developmentally on track and well prepared to thrive in school and adulthood.-Economic Opportunity: Every resident will have equitable access to high-quality career exploration and education opportunities, resources, tools and supports.-Community Wealth: Traditionally under-invested residents will build stability and individual and collective wealth through more equitable housing, business and creative systems.-Community Leadership: Movement leaders are equipped to provide crucial leadership and support for marginalized communities and nonprofit organizations.
- Carry out and evaluate philanthropic programs for individual donors, families, foundations, and corporations. Encourage a positive climate for philanthropy and actively promote effective giving through work with community foundations, Regional Associations of Grantmakers and others. Strategy, combined with the values and passionate concerns of donors, brings about giving that makes a difference.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1997.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.