Skip to content
The Silver Tie Fund Inc at a glance

· Private foundation

The Silver Tie Fund Inc

Its FY2021 filing reports that it accepted unsolicited grant applications.

$83k
Granted FY2020
22
Grants FY2020
10
States reached
$10k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2020.

Environment$107kInternational$51kHealth$31kFood & Nutrition$25kArts & Culture$24kCivil Rights$23kPublic Benefit$22kEducation$13kOther$0
02FY2020 · 22 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2020

  • Under $10k19 grants · $53k
  • $10k–50k3 grants · $30k
$2,500
Median grant
10
States reached
$0
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS$10,000
Direct Relief$10,000
Feeding America$10,000
First Nation Development Institute$5,000
conservation law foundation$5,000
Union of Concerned Scientists$4,000
World Resource Institute$4,000
Planned Parenthood$2,500
gilead community services$2,500
Orleans Conservation Trust$2,500
Kestrel Land Trust$2,500
Center for Coastal Studies$2,500
Equal Justice Initiative$2,500
350org$2,500
DEMOCRACY NOW$2,500
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 (FY17–17, $2k) land where the poverty rate runs at 14%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%national farm to school network: $2k → 14%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

ME
VT
IL
NY
MA
CT
RI
CA
CO
VA
MD
AZ
NC
DC
AL
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.

77%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$245k · 29 repeat orgs$73k to everyone else

29 repeat relationships: 17 still active in FY2020, 12 since wound down; 4 grantees were first funded in FY2020 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

29
14

Total granted

$245k
$45k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+45%
+53%

Still filing today

86%
64%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2020, 66% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $28k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20
RenewedFirst-time

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

’17’18’19’20
EnvironmentInternationalCivil RightsArts & CultureFood & NutritionAnimalsOther
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

  • DIRECT RELIEF
    3× · 2017–2020 · $16k · revenue +94%
  • AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC
    3× · 2017–2019 · $16k · revenue +102%
  • CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION INC
    4× · 2017–2020 · $15k · revenue +113%

Funded once

  • FO
    Friends of Virgin Islands National Park
    one grant, 2017 · $6k
  • O
    OneTreePlantedorg
    one grant, 2019 · $4k
  • F
    FAIRVOTEgraduated
    one grant, 2019 · $4k · revenue +69%
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
Native Plant Trust Inc

The organization's mission is to conserve and promote new england's native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse landscapes.

Environment
2
Center for International Environmental Law Inc

To investigate, research, write, publish, present conferences and teach with respect to global, regional, transboundary, and comparative environmental issues and to make the findings from such activities available to the general public; to…

International
3
Environmental Investigation Agency

To establish and promote programs to protect the global climate, forests, wildlife and the natural environment, through research, advocacy, and investigation.

International
4
The Water Research Foundation

The purpose of the water research foundation (wrf) is a definitive research organization to advance the science of all things water to better meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. to engage exclusively in…

Environment
5
Friends of the Earth

Friends of the earth strives for a more healthy and just world by defendng the environment and human health while advancing social and economic justice by conducting research and education, transforming the economy so it protects the…

Environment
6
American Flood Coalition Inc

To drive transformational adaptation to protect communities across the country from higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.

Environment
7
Ceres Inc

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient world. through education and research, we make the business case for action on the most pressing sustainability…

Environment
8
Rainforest Trust

Rainforest trust saves endangered wildlife and protects our planet by creating rainforest reserves through partnerships, community engagement, and donor support.

International
9
The Commons Inc

To partner with individuals and organizations to access, organize, and share data that inspires action that restores our environment.

—
10
National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Nacwa is the national voice of public clean water utilities, shaping water policy, convening a vibrant peer network, and empowering water leaders.

—
11
United States Naval Institute

Provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.

—
12
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

Founded in 1889, the national association of regulatory utility commisioners (naruc) is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing the state public service commisions who regulate the utilities that provide essential services such…

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Save the Bay Inc; the most unlike its peers is International Rescue Committee 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

41 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. 41 of the 50 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.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
8
Early backer (in before they grew)
41/41
Grantees still filing
34/41
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION INC: $15,000 · EnvironmentCONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION INCCHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION INC: $13,000 · EnvironmentCHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIA…SAVE THE BAY INC: $12,000 · EnvironmentSAVE THE BAY INC350ORG: $11,500 · Environment350ORGFRANKLIN LAND TRUST INC: $10,000 · EnvironmentFRANKLIN LAND TRUST INCKESTREL LAND TRUST INC: $8,000 · EnvironmentKESTREL LAND TRUST INCAppalachian Mountain Club: $7,500 · EnvironmentAppalachian Mountain ClubCENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES INC: $7,500 · EnvironmentCENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES INCORLEANS CONSERVATION TRUST: $5,500 · EnvironmentORLEANS CONSERVATION TRUST+1 more: $2,000 · EnvironmentGILEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC: $10,000 · OtherGILEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES INCEPILEPSY FOUNDATION NEW ENGLAND: $9,500 · OtherEPILEPSY FOUNDATION NEW ENGLANDWGBH: $9,000 · OtherWGBHTRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY: $6,000 · OtherTRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITYKestrel Land Trust: $5,500 · OtherKestrel Land TrustFriends of Virgin Islands National Park: $5,500 · OtherFriends of Virgin Islands Natio…PRIMARY SOURCE: $5,000 · OtherPRIMARY SOURCEFIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE: $5,000 · OtherFIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTI…Planned Parenthood: $4,500 · OtherOneTreePlantedorg: $4,000 · OtherPRIMARY SOURCE INC: $4,000 · OtherMy Life My Choice: $4,000 · OtherPOPULATION CONNECTION: $5,000 · OtherPOPULATION CONNECTION+7 more: $16,500 · Other+7 moreDIRECT RELIEF: $16,000 · InternationalDIRECT RELIEFNEW ISRAEL FUND: $13,000 · InternationalNEW ISRAEL FUNDTHE UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS INC: $12,000 · InternationalTHE UNION OF CONCERNED …MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $10,000 · InternationalMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERE…WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE: $7,000 · InternationalWORLD RESOURCES INSTITU…International Rescue Committee INC: $6,000 · InternationalInternational Rescue Co…GLOBALGIVING FOUNDATION INC: $3,000 · InternationalPLOUGHSHARES FUND INC: $3,000 · InternationalAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC: $16,000 · Civil RightsAMERICAN …FAIRVOTE: $4,000 · Civil RightsFAIRVOTENATIONAL IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER: $4,000 · Civil RightsNATIONAL …THE CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS INC: $3,000 · Civil RightsTHE CENTE…EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE: $2,500 · Civil RightsEQUAL JUS…DEMOCRACY NOW PRODUCTIONS INC: $11,500 · Arts & CultureWAMC: $6,000 · Arts & CultureTHE DOROTHY AND CHARLES MOSESIAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC: $4,000 · Arts & CultureFeeding America: $10,000 · Food & NutritionPROJECT BREAD-THE WALK FOR HUNGER INC: $6,000 · Food & NutritionCOMMUNITY INVOLVED IN SUSTAINING AGRICULTURE INC: $5,000 · Food & NutritionTHE POSSE FOUNDATION INC: $7,000 · Education
Environment$92,000Other$93,500International$70,000Civil Rights$29,500Arts & Culture$21,500Food & Nutrition$21,000Education$7,000

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 budgetDIRECT RELIEF: $16,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC: $16,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetCONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION INC: $15,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetNEW ISRAEL FUND: $13,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetCHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION INC: $13,000 over 4y, 0.2% of budgetTHE UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS INC: $12,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetSAVE THE BAY INC: $12,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetDEMOCRACY NOW PRODUCTIONS INC: $11,500 over 4y, 0.0% of budget350ORG: $11,500 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetFeeding America: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGILEAD COMMUNITY SERVICES INC: $10,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetMEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES USA INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFRANKLIN LAND TRUST INC: $10,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetEPILEPSY FOUNDATION NEW ENGLAND: $9,500 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetAppalachian Mountain Club: $7,500 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetCENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES INC: $7,500 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetTHE POSSE FOUNDATION INC: $7,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetWORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE: $7,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetTRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY: $6,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetPROJECT BREAD-THE WALK FOR HUNGER INC: $6,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetWAMC: $6,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetInternational Rescue Committee INC: $6,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetORLEANS CONSERVATION TRUST: $5,500 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetPOPULATION CONNECTION: $5,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetFIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCOMMUNITY INVOLVED IN SUSTAINING AGRICULTURE INC: $5,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetFAIRVOTE: $4,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetPRIMARY SOURCE INC: $4,000 over 2y, 0.3% of budgetTHE DOROTHY AND CHARLES MOSESIAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC: $4,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetNATIONAL IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER: $4,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGLOBALGIVING FOUNDATION INC: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS INC: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetEQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGovernment Accountability Project: $2,500 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTIDES CENTER: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetEAST COAST GREENWAY ALLIANCE INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetSAVE A DOG INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.4% 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.

Boston Foundation IncThe Lorber FoundationVanguard Charitable E…The Pfizer Foundation…Jewish Communal FundAetna Foundation IncVerizon FoundationJpmorgan Chase Founda…American Online Givin…Morgan Stanley Global…The Bank of America C…Donor Advised Charita…
Boston Foundation IncMA14.2× affinity5 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Boston Foundation Inc · The Lorber Foundation · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · The Pfizer Foundation Inc · Jewish Communal Fund · Aetna Foundation Inc · Verizon Foundation · Jpmorgan Chase Foundation · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc

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 Silver Tie Fund Inc funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Silver Tie Fund Inc. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 50%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%25%50%75%100%share of the org’s income from government →median 12%
  • Watertown Community Foundation Inc: 95% of income from government
  • Gilead Community Services Inc: 62% of income from government
  • Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture Inc: 35% of income from government
  • Center for Coastal Studies Inc: 26% of income from government
  • Primary Source Inc: 23% of income from government
  • Trustees of Boston University: 12% of income from government
  • Epilepsy Foundation New England: 11% of income from government
  • Charles River Watershed Association Inc: 8% of income from government
  • Franklin Land Trust Inc: 7% of income from government
  • Orleans Conservation Trust: 2% of income from government
  • Appalachian Mountain Club: 1% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
5get no government money at all
8report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
2rely on government for over half their income
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.

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 50 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 2020, released 2020. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Possibly out of date. A more recent filing (FY2021) is on record but names no grant recipient in the published copy, so the figures above are from FY2020, the most recent year this funder’s grantee list reached the public record.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Silver Tie’s 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