The Goldberg Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $1,170,826 (2023)
Total Assets: $20.3 million (2023)
Grant Range: $500 - $953,826
Geographic Focus: Massachusetts and Vermont
Number of Grants (2023): 5
Median Grant: $72,000
Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation

Contact Details

Address: c/o KLR, 99 Summer Street, Suite 520, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 248-5266
Contact Person: Kristin Abati, Choate Hall Stewart, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110
Website: None publicly available

Overview

The Goldberg Family Foundation was established in 1963 in Massachusetts and operates as a private family foundation. With total assets of approximately $20.3 million, the foundation has demonstrated consistent philanthropic activity, distributing over $1.17 million in grants in 2023. Since 2016, the foundation has awarded 131 individual grants totaling $6,248,592.

The foundation gives primarily for Jewish organizations, as well as for the arts, education, and children, youth, and social services. The foundation has experienced exceptional growth over the past eight years, with revenue increasing by an average of 13% annually. The foundation's giving is closely aligned with the personal philanthropic interests of the Goldberg family, particularly their connections to Jewish communal organizations, healthcare institutions, and educational establishments.

One notable trustee is Deborah B. Goldberg, who serves as the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General, bringing significant public service experience to the foundation's governance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single general grantmaking program without distinct funding streams. Based on 2023 grants:

Major Gifts: Up to $953,826 (e.g., Combined Jewish Philanthropies)
Substantial Support: $25,000 - $100,000 (e.g., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, The Putney School)
General Support: $20,000 - $72,000 (e.g., Congregation Kehillath Israel, MSPCA-Angell)

Priority Areas

Jewish Organizations: Primary focus, including Jewish communal federations and synagogues
Healthcare: Medical centers and health-related organizations
Education: Independent schools and educational institutions
Animal Welfare: Organizations serving animal welfare causes
Human Services: Community-based social service organizations

Geographic Focus

Massachusetts (primary)
Vermont (secondary)

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are publicly documented. However, based on giving patterns, the foundation appears to focus on established institutions rather than grassroots organizations or start-up initiatives.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is governed by four family trustees who serve with minimal time commitment (0.25 hours per week) and receive no compensation:

Joshua R. Goldberg - Trustee
Deborah B. Goldberg - Trustee (also Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General)
Meredith S. Goldberg Winter - Trustee
Evan L. Goldberg Winter - Trustee

Notable Connections

Deborah B. Goldberg brings significant public and philanthropic experience to the foundation. As Massachusetts State Treasurer, she chairs the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. She is also a trustee emeritus at Beth Israel Lahey Health, has been actively involved with Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and was one of the founders of Berkshire Hills Music Academy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

Statement of grant purpose
Current year operating budget
Most recent audited financial statements
List of board members
Resumes of key staff personnel
Copy of IRS tax exemption letter

There are no publicly documented application deadlines or restrictions. The foundation does not appear to use an online portal and does not list open grant opportunities.

Decision Timeline

No specific decision timelines are publicly documented. Given the foundation's small number of annual grants (5 in 2023), decisions appear to be made on a rolling basis at the discretion of the trustees.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policies are documented.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, successful applications typically demonstrate:

Strong alignment with Jewish communal values: The largest grant ($953,826 to Combined Jewish Philanthropies) reflects the foundation's deep commitment to Jewish community organizations.
Established institutional relationships: Major recipients like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline (where the Goldberg family resides) suggest the importance of pre-existing connections.
Geographic relevance: Organizations serving Greater Boston and the Brookline area appear to be prioritized.
Demonstrated organizational stability: The foundation requires audited financial statements and board member lists, indicating a preference for well-established organizations.
Clear articulation of purpose: The application requirements emphasize a statement of grant purpose, suggesting the foundation values clarity in how funds will be used.
Diverse mission alignment: While Jewish organizations receive the largest gifts, the foundation also supports healthcare (Beth Israel), education (Putney School), and animal welfare (MSPCA-Angell).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is a family foundation with strong personal connections: The foundation's giving reflects the trustees' personal philanthropic interests and community ties. Cold applications without any connection to the family or their networks may face significant challenges.
Jewish organizations receive priority: Combined Jewish Philanthropies alone received over 81% of the foundation's 2023 giving ($953,826 of $1,170,826).
Small number of grants made annually: With only 5 grants in 2023 (down from 17 in 2021 and 51 in 2010), competition is limited but the foundation appears to be consolidating giving into fewer, larger grants.
Brookline and Greater Boston connections matter: Several recipients have ties to the Brookline area where the Goldberg family has roots.
Healthcare and education are secondary priorities: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and The Putney School represent significant but smaller grants.
Submit complete application materials: Ensure all required documents are included, particularly audited financials and clear statements of purpose.
Consider reaching out before applying: Given the family foundation nature and lack of formal application process, initial contact through the listed phone number may be advisable to gauge interest before submitting a full proposal.

Recent Grant Recipients (2023)

Organization	Amount	Focus Area
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston	$953,826	Jewish Community
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center	$100,000	Healthcare
Congregation Kehillath Israel	$72,000	Jewish/Religious
The Putney School	$25,000	Education
MSPCA-Angell	$20,000	Animal Welfare

References

Cause IQ - The Goldberg Family Foundation - Organization profile and financial data
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Goldberg Family Foundation - IRS Form 990-PF filings and financial information
Grantmakers.io - The Goldberg Family Foundation - Grant recipients, trustees, and application requirements
Instrumentl - Goldberg Family Foundation - 990 report data and grant history
Mass.gov - About the Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg - Trustee background information
Massachusetts School Building Authority - About the Treasurer - Trustee philanthropic connections

Last updated: December 2025