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The Bonus Fund at a glance

· Private foundation

The Bonus Fund

Its FY2025 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$920k
Granted FY2025still arriving
7
Grants FY2025still arriving
4
States reached
$250k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
0196% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2024.

Health$935kInternational$565kArts & Culture$470kPublic Benefit$345kHuman Services$215kCivil Rights$150kCommunity Improvement$150kPublic Safety & Disaster$145kOther$0
02FY2025 · 7 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • $50k–250k6 grants · $670k
  • $250k+1 grant · $250k
$105,000
Median grant
4
States reached
$14M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network$250,000
CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE$175,000
Lower Cape Outreach Council Inc$115,000
Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church$105,000
BREAKTHROUGH T1D$100,000
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee$100,000
CAPE ABILITIES$75,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY17–25, $780k) land where the poverty rate runs at 12%, against an area that typically sits at 9%. 76% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 9%RIP MEDICAL DEBT: $500k → 13%CAPE ABILITIES: $75k → 8%Lower Cape Outreach Council Inc: $115k → 8%PINE STREET INN: $10k → 16%NARAL PRO CHOICE AMERICA: $5k → 14%NARAL PRO CHOICE AMERICA: $5k → 14%PINE STREET INN: $10k → 16%NARAL PRO CHOICE AMERICA: $5k → 14%CASH FOR REFUGEES: $45k → 16%PINE STREET INN: $10k → 16%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

MN
MI
NY
MA
IA
IN
PA
NJ
RI
CA
MD
TN
DC
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

51%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$2.1M · 21 repeat orgs$2.0M to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +64% since the first grant, against +11% for those funded once.

21 repeat relationships: 2 still active in FY2025, 19 since wound down; 5 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

21
19

Total granted

$2.1M
$1.3M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+64%
+11%

Still filing today

81%
68%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 30% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $645k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’24’25
InternationalHuman ServicesCivil RightsHealthEducationEnvironmentOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • PRO PUBLICA INC
    3× · 2018–2020 · $300k · revenue +180%
  • BT
    BREAKTHROUGH T1D
    8× · 2017–2025 · $295k · revenue +49%
  • CC
    CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE INC
    8× · 2017–2025 · $295k · revenue +108%

Funded once

  • MEDICAL DEBT RESOLUTION INCgraduated
    one grant, 2022 · $500k · revenue +46%
  • LC
    LOWER CAPE COD COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT CORPORATION
    one grant, 2021 · $150k · revenue +16%
  • PI
    PEABODY INSTITUTE OF THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    one grant, 2019 · $150k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
International Center for Research On Women

The international center for research for women (icrw) is a global research institute, with a mission to advance rights and opportunities for women, girls, and structurally excluded populations with actionable evidence and solutions.

International
2
International Consortium of Investigative Journalists Inc

International consortium of investigative journalists, inc.'s (icij) mission is to show people how the world really works through stories that rock the world; forcing positive change.

International
3
International Republican Institute

The international republican institute advances democracy and freedom globally. we link people with their governments, guide politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate people to engage in the political process.

Education
4
Center for Strategic and International Studies

The center for strategic and international studies (csis) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world's greatest challenges.

International
5
The Union of Concerned Scientists Inc

The union of concerned scientists puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future.

International
6
Indigenous Peoples Rights Inc

To lead and coordinate the global initiative to address and prevent criminalization, violence, and impunity against indigenous peoples towards strengthening their collectives, solidarity, and actions.

Human Services
7
Open Markets Institute

The open markets institute works to help people relearn how to use competition policy to build stronger democracies, more just and equitable societies, more innovative and sustainable economies, and a more secure and peaceful world.

Education
8
Pew Research Center

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan "fact tank" that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. Pew Research Center generates a foundation of facts that enriches the public dialogue and…

Social Science
9
Center for International Policy Inc

The center for international policy is a woman-led, progressive, independent nonprofit center for research, education, and advocacy working to advance a more peaceful, just, and sustainable u.s. approach to foreign policy. through…

International
10
Actionaid Usa

Actionaid is an international network building a just, equitable, and sustainable world in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of poverty and injustice. actionaid usa is the u.s. branch of actionaid international, which works in…

Social Science
11
City Report Inc

CITY REPORT, INC. serves the people of New York through independent journalism that answers their information needs and holds the powerful to account.

Arts & Culture
12
The International Institute for Strategic Studies - Us

To provide accurate, objective information and analysis on international strategic issues for legislators, diplomats, foreign affairs analysts, international business leaders, economists, the military, defense commentators, journalists,…

International
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Grassroots International Inc; the most unlike its peers is Roland Park Community Foundation Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

34 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 34 of the 45 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
7
Early backer (in before they grew)
34/34
Grantees still filing
21/34
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

The Center for Investigative Reporting Inc: $150,000 · OtherThe Center for Investigative …PEABODY INSTITUTE OF THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: $150,000 · OtherPEABODY INSTITUTE OF THE JOHN…MERCY CORPS HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE FUND: $145,000 · OtherMERCY CORPS HUMANITARIAN RESP…Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church: $105,000 · OtherTheodore Parker Unitarian Uni…MONDOWEISS: $75,000 · OtherMONDOWEISSCASH FOR REFUGEES CO FISCAL SPONSORSHIP ALLIES INC: $50,000 · OtherThe Center for Investigative Reporting formrly Foundation for National Progress: $150,000 · OtherThe Center for Investigative …+13 more: $245,000 · Other+13 moreMEDICAL DEBT RESOLUTION INC: $500,000 · Human ServicesMEDICAL DEBT RESOLUTI…LOWER CAPE OUTREACH COUNCILINC: $115,000 · Human ServicesLOWER CAPE OUTREACH C…CAPE ABILITIES INC: $75,000 · Human ServicesCAPE ABILITIES INCSEE FORWARD UKRAINE INC: $45,000 · Human ServicesSEE FORWARD UKRAINE I…PINE STREET INN INC: $30,000 · Human Services+1 more: $15,000 · Human ServicesInternational Rescue Committee INC: $145,000 · InternationalInternational Rescu…DIRECT RELIEF: $145,000 · InternationalDIRECT RELIEFMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $100,000 · InternationalMEDECINS SANS FRONT…Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Inc: $100,000 · InternationalUnitarian Universal…INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES: $75,000 · InternationalINSTITUTE FOR POLIC…United States Association for UNHCR: $50,000 · InternationalUnited States Assoc…GRASSROOTS INTERNATIONAL INC: $30,000 · InternationalA JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE: $30,000 · International+2 more: $20,000 · InternationalBREAKTHROUGH T1D: $295,000 · HealthBREAKTHROUGH T1DPANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK INC: $250,000 · HealthPANCREATIC CANCE…NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY: $50,000 · HealthNATIONAL MULTIPL…CAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE INC: $295,000 · EducationCAPE COD CH…NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC: $70,000 · EducationNEW ENGLAND…BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC INC: $50,000 · EducationBERKLEE COL…PRO PUBLICA INC: $300,000 · Arts & CulturePRO PUBLI…COMMUNITY MUSICWORKS: $50,000 · Arts & CultureCOMMUNITY…LOWER CAPE COD COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT CORPORATION: $150,000 · Housing & Shelter
Other$1,070,000Human Services$780,000International$695,000Health$595,000Education$415,000Arts & Culture$350,000Housing & Shelter$150,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetMEDICAL DEBT RESOLUTION INC: $500,000 over 1y, 1.2% of budgetPRO PUBLICA INC: $300,000 over 3y, 0.4% of budgetBREAKTHROUGH T1D: $295,000 over 8y, 0.0% of budgetCAPE COD CHILDREN'S PLACE INC: $295,000 over 8y, 5.5% of budgetPANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK INC: $250,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetLOWER CAPE COD COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT CORPORATION: $150,000 over 1y, 4.5% of budgetThe Center for Investigative Reporting formrly Foundation for National Progress: $150,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetThe Center for Investigative Reporting Inc: $150,000 over 3y, 0.6% of budgetInternational Rescue Committee INC: $145,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetDIRECT RELIEF: $145,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetLOWER CAPE OUTREACH COUNCILINC: $115,000 over 1y, 3.2% of budgetMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $100,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUnitarian Universalist Service Committee Inc: $100,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetINSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES: $75,000 over 3y, 0.5% of budgetCAPE ABILITIES INC: $75,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetNEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC: $70,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetCOMMUNITY MUSICWORKS: $50,000 over 1y, 1.2% of budgetNATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY: $50,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUnited States Association for UNHCR: $50,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSEE FORWARD UKRAINE INC: $45,000 over 1y, 26% of budgetPINE STREET INN INC: $30,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetHIGHLANDER RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER INC: $30,000 over 2y, 0.5% of budgetGRASSROOTS INTERNATIONAL INC: $30,000 over 2y, 0.3% of budgetRESIST INC: $30,000 over 2y, 1.2% of budgetA JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE: $30,000 over 2y, 0.4% of budgetROLAND PARK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC: $25,000 over 1y, 15% of budgetINDIVISIBLE CIVICS: $25,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetCOMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS INC: $25,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetREPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM FOR ALL: $15,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetTHE INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE EAST UNDERSTANDING: $15,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetOur Revolution: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetHUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

National Philanthropi…Vanguard Charitable E…American Online Givin…Donor Advised Charita…Fidelity Investments …Amazonsmile Foundation
National Philanthropic TrustPA9.6× affinity5 shared granteesties to 5 of 5Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: National Philanthropic Trust · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund · Amazonsmile Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Bonus Fund funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Bonus Fund. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 30%2%8%17%30%funder's share of their income ↑0%15%30%45%60%share of the org’s income from government →median 2%
  • Cape Cod Children's Place Inc: 47% of income from government
  • Pine Street Inn Inc: 11% of income from government
  • Resist Inc: 2% of income from government
  • Lower Cape Cod Community Develop- Ment Corporation: 1% of income from government
  • New England Conservatory of Music: 1% of income from government
  • Berklee College of Music Inc: 1% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
3get no government money at all
1report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–60%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
05Through Plinth

Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

How do I get to The Bonus Fund?

Find your warmest path to The Bonus Fund through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 45 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Bonus’ filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home