The Abrams Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Abrams Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of David and Amy Abrams. The foundation’s grantmaking has supported Boston organizations focused on journalism and narrative, arts and creativity, and access and opportunity.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.  

FUNDING AREAS: Journalism and narrative, arts and creativity, access and opportunity

PROFILE: Established in 1997, the Abrams Foundation is the foundation of David and Amy Abrams. Financier David Abrams founded Abrams Capital in Boston. He and his wife Amy, who also has a finance background, move their philanthropy through the Abrams Foundation. The charity keeps a low profile and has a minimal web presence. Grantmaking interests include journalism and narrative, arts and creativity, and access and opportunity.

Historically, the foundation’s grantmaking has mainly supported Boston organizations focused on youth development and related education organizations and initiatives, the arts, and community issues.  The Abrams Foundation gave away more than $4.5 million in a recent year. The Abrams couple via their foundation steadily support select arts institutions in Boston. A big grantee is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which has received millions from the couple. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is another grantee. The family steadily supports schools and youth organizations, such as the Berklee College of Music, KIPP Academy Lynn, Match Charter Public School, and Year Up. The family also supports Jewish organizations, such as Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston. The family has also supported Civic Leadership Fund at the Boston Foundation.

Many grants are in the $10,000 to $50,000 range, but a few far exceed that number. Review the funder’s recent tax records to learn more about its local giving. The foundation’s giving is largely focused on the city of Boston. The foundation does not publicly share its grantmaking guidelines.

This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits, as it only funds pre-selected organizations. The phone number to reach the foundation is 617-646-6140.

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