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The Ceres Foundation provides funding for nonprofit organizations focused on advancing education and employment outcomes for historically underserved youth. The foundation primarily offers general operating support and capacity building investments. While concept papers for new partnerships are currently paused as of early 2026, the foundation continues to accept full proposals from recent grantees during its quarterly review cycles.
The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 is a private corporation based in GROTON, MA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2002. The principal officer is Merrill Lynch Trust Company. It holds total assets of $169.6M. Annual income is reported at $20.4M. Total assets have grown from $24M in 2010 to $169.6M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 6 officers and trustees. The foundation operates in the area of philanthropy & grantmaking. According to its most recent filing, the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2024. The foundation primarily funds organizations in California, District of Columbia and Massachusetts. According to available records, The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 has made 141 grants totaling $14.7M, with a median grant of $75K. The foundation has distributed between $6.7M and $8M annually from 2022 to 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $2M, with an average award of $104K. The foundation has supported 71 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in California, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, which account for 80% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 11 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Smallest Grant
$25K
Median Grant
$83K
Average Grant
$92K
Largest Grant
$300K
Based on 22 grants from the most recent 990-PF filing.
No program descriptions are available for this foundation. Many private foundations report program activities in their annual 990-PF filings — check the Tax Filings section below for the most recent filing.
The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 primarily funds organizations in the area of philanthropy & grantmaking. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 141 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in CA, MA, DC.
The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 has distributed a total of $14.7M across 141 grants. The median grant size is $75K, with an average of $104K. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $2M.
The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 typically selects its grantees rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. We invest in strong leaders and support organizations that range from small grassroots efforts to more established programs. Our grantees are all united in their passion to create long-term positive change for individuals and families. Ceres funds a mix of innovative and proven models, but all organizations must be able to demonstrate or have a plan to demonstrate measurable outcomes. We fund nonprofit organizations in la + orange county, ca, washington, dc, and western, ma focused on advancing education and employment outcomes for disadvantaged youth through college access & success, career pathways, and family strengthening programs. Grantees must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are also described in irs section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2) or (in certain cases) 509(a)(3).
The Ceres Foundation Inc. 43j-74d54 is headquartered in GROTON, MA. While based in MA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 11 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel C Milder | PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Zachary D Milder | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Ryan F Bradley | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Emily B Milder | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Terri L Milder | SECRETARY | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Donald B Milder | TREASURER | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$169.6M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$169.6M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
141
Total Giving
$14.7M
Average Grant
$104K
Median Grant
$75K
Unique Recipients
71
Most Common Grant
$50K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrive ScholarsGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR THE THRIVE SCHOLARS' LOS ANGELES AND BOSTON PROGRAMS | Boston, MA | $2M | 2023 |
| Community Adolescent Resources And Education Center IncSUPPORT AND EXPAND THE BARD MICROCOLLEGE PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME WOMEN | Holyoke, MA | $250K | 2023 |
| Future Link IncSUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF PROGRAMMATIC MODEL | Rockville, MD | $200K | 2023 |
| Stem AdvantageGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Huntington Beach, CA | $200K | 2023 |
| Monument Academy IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $150K | 2023 |
| Capital Partners For Education Dba Spark The JourneySUPPORT MULTI-YEAR EXPANSION PLAN | Washington, DC | $150K | 2023 |
| Dc Volunteer Lawyers ProjectSUPPORT FOR LEGAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS THAT ARE EXPANDING TO MEET INCREASED DEMAND | Washington, DC | $130K | 2023 |
| Schoolhouse ConnectionSUPPORT YOUTH LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUTH HAVING EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS | Washington, DC | $125K | 2023 |
| Orangewood FoundationGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR TRANSITIONAL AGED YOUTH | Santa Ana, CA | $115K | 2023 |
| Friends Of The Children IncSUPPORT LOS ANGELES COUNTY EXPANSION | Los Angeles, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Taller San Jose Hope BuildersSUPPORT THE EXPANSION OF CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM AND TO GROW EARNED REVENUE OVER TWO YEARS | Santa Ana, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Achievement Institute Of Scientific StudiesSUPPORT THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SERVE AN ANNUAL COHORT BY 2024 | Santa Ana, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Corporation Of The Washington Latin SchoolSUPPORT CAMPAIGN TO SERVE AN ADDITIONAL 750 STUDENTS | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| Steadfast - Standing Firm Against Youth HomelessGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Frederick, MD | $100K | 2023 |
| Lift IncEXPAND FINANCIAL COACHING MODEL FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN LOS ANGELES AND D.C. | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| Kid Power IncSUPPORT FOR CONTINUED EXPANSION OF MENTORS INC. AND POWERUP! | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| Jovenes IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Los Angeles, CA | $85K | 2023 |
| Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership IncSUPPORT FOR THE 16 MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IT OPERATES IN SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS | Springfield, MA | $80K | 2023 |
| Youth GuidanceSUPPORT BECOMING A MAN PROGRAM IN D.C. SCHOOLS | Chicago, IL | $75K | 2023 |
| Community PartnersSUPPORT FOR PROJECT SOAR, A COLLEGE AND CAREER ADVISING PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS | Los Angeles, CA | $75K | 2023 |
| Dc Public Charter School Cooperative IncFUND A PILOT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES | Washington, DC | $75K | 2023 |
| Propel AmericaSUPPORT ROLLOUT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANT FELLOWSHIP IN LOS ANGELES | Boston, MA | $75K | 2023 |
| College Bound IncSUPPORT ROLLOUT OF STRATEGIC GROWTH PLAN TO SERVE 500+ STUDENTS ANNUALY BY 2027 | Washington, DC | $75K | 2023 |
| Massachusetts Alliance For Early CollegeGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TO ADVANCE EARLY COLLEGE IN MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOLS | Weston, MA | $75K | 2023 |
| Lost Angels Childrens Project IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM | Lancaster, CA | $75K | 2023 |
| The Harmony ProjectGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Los Angeles, CA | $75K | 2023 |
| Hopewell IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS | Bedham, MA | $75K | 2023 |
| Roca IncSUPPORT YOUNG MOTHERS PROGRAM IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS | Chelsea, MA | $75K | 2023 |
| Casa Of Los AngelesEXPANDED SUPPORT OF FOSTER YOUTH IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY | Monterey Park, CA | $70K | 2023 |
| The Wooden Floor For Youth MovementGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE DANCE AND COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAM | Santa Ana, CA | $70K | 2023 |
| Best Kids IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $70K | 2023 |
| Jobs Have Priority IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS | Washington, DC | $70K | 2023 |
| La Family Housing CorporationGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | North Hollywood, CA | $70K | 2023 |
| Tech Foundry IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR JOB TRAINING PROGRAM THAT PREPARES INDIVIDUALS FOR SUSTAINABLE TECH CAREERS | Springfield, MA | $70K | 2023 |
| ManifestworksGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM | Los Angeles, CA | $65K | 2023 |
| New Directions For Women FoundationFUND NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS IN SUPPORT OF ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES FOR WOMEN | Newport Beach, CA | $65K | 2023 |
| Ada Developers AcademyGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR D.C. LOCATION | Seattle, WA | $60K | 2023 |
| More Than Words IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TO ADDRESS SYSTEMATIC BARRIERS FOR MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH | Waltham, MA | $60K | 2023 |
| Service Workers Training And Education PartnershipSUPPORT FOR CAPACITY BUILDING | Columbia, MS | $60K | 2023 |
| Friendship Shelter IncSUPPORT THE HENDERSON HOUSE FOR SERVING HOMELESS TRANSITIONAL-AGED YOUTH | Laguna Beach, CA | $60K | 2023 |
| Eastside College Prep School IncSUPPORT THE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM PROVIDING A SUPPORTIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS | East Palo Alto, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Fund For Educational Excellence IncSUPPORT CONTINUED EXPANSION OF MENTORING PROGRAM IN THE DMV | Washington, DC | $50K | 2023 |
| New Village Charter School IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Los Angeles, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Per Scholas IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Bronx, NY | $50K | 2023 |
| Covenant House CaliforniaSUPPORT LOS ANGELES ALUMNI PROGRAM | Hollywood, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| College TribeGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Washington, DC | $50K | 2023 |
| Caroline Friess Center IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME WOMEN | Baltimore, MD | $50K | 2023 |
| Convention Of P E Church Of The Diocese Of WashingtonSUPPORT FOR EXPANSION OF THE OUTPLACEMENT AND GRADUATE SUPPORT PROGRAM | Washington, DC | $50K | 2023 |
| La Cocina VaGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | Arlington, VA | $50K | 2023 |