Boy in hat smiling
"It is at once a great privilege and a great responsibility to thoughtfully steward our Foundation's resources.  We want to ensure that we give back in the most effective way possible."
-Rhonda S. Zinner, President
Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation

Children’s Museum encourages children to explore and understand the world in which they live through programs and exhibits that stimulate imagination, curiosity, questioning, and fun.

Grantmaking Overview

The Foundation’s funding interests are in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Hospitals, Jewish Causes and Social Welfare.  Its grants are concentrated in Greater Boston area and Palm Beach County, Florida.  The Foundation does not consider endowment requests nor does it accept unsolicited proposals.

The Foundation’s grantmaking falls into four major categories: Capital Support, Multi-Year Project Support, Annual Giving and Strategic Initiatives.  The Initiatives support the efforts of community-based organizations working to improve the quality of life of local residents.  Current initiatives focus on Disability Inclusion, Youth in the Arts,  Empowerment programming and College Scholarships.

Capital Support, Multi-Year Project Grants and Annual Giving are generated by the Trustees.  The Initiatives use a Request for Proposal (RFP) process through which pre-identified organizations are invited to submit a proposal. 

If an organization wishes to be considered for an Initiative’s RFP recipient list, it should call Foundation staff to discuss its work by phone. Please note that funding for the Initiatives is limited to the Greater Boston area and Palm Beach County, Florida.  If there appears to be the possibility of mutual interests, the organization will be encouraged to send information about its work by mail.  This information will then be kept in the Foundation’s files and referred to when the next round of Initiative funding is being planned.  RFP recipients are chosen based on their potential fit, the annual budget of the Initiative and Trustee review of potential organizations.