The Handshake Foundation Trust Thomas R Appleton Et Al Trustees
Historical FunderBoston, Massachusetts · EIN 04-6931913 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $3,000 and $4,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | THOMAS R APPLETON |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 CONGRESS STREET, BOSTON MA 02110 |
| Phone | 6175236531 |
| Form and materials | CONSULT THE ABOVE. |
| Deadlines | CONSULT THE ABOVE. |
| Restrictions | HANDSHAKE FOUNDTION IS A SMALL FAMILY FOUNDATION DEDICATED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A WORLD OF MANY NEEDS. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS IN WHICH WE, THE TRUSTEES, SHARE A COMMON CONCERN: WE WOULD LIKE TO FUND PROGRAMS WHICH ADDRESS THEMSELVES TO 1) THE BETTERMENT OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN AND TEENS, WITH A FOCUS ON IMPROVING SCHOOLS AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS, MENTORING PROGRAMS, SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND SUPPORT FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS AT TIMES OF CRISIS; 2) THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WITH A FOCUS ON CONSERVING ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH IN THESE AREAS; 3) A DEDICATION TO THE ARTS ON A DEMOCRATIC BASIS AS A WAY OF ENRICHING THE HUMAN SPIRIT; 4) THE IMPROVEMENT AND AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING AND SHELTER FOR THE DISADVANTAGE. AS A FAMILY FOUNDATION, WE SEEK TO SUPPORT THE VALUES WE HOLD HIGH; RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, REVERENCE FOR LEARNING AND THE ARTS, FAITH IN OUR ABILITY TO HELP MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
100% of grants went outside Massachusetts.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bregamos Community Theater | New Haven, CT | General | $4,000 |
| The Earth School | New York, NY | Gemeral | $4,000 |
| North East Community Center | Millerton, NJ | General | $3,000 |
| Reti Center | Brooklyn, NY | Brooklyn blue/green jobs for youth and environment | $3,000 |
| Grandma's Love Inc | Brooklyn, NY | General | $3,000 |
| Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition | Brooklyn, NY | General | $3,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $20,000 | 6 |
| 2024 | $20,000 | 5 |
| 2023 | $20,000 | 5 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Apr 24, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202631149349100718
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 04-6931913
- Profile updated Nov 8, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.