Private foundation · EIN 51-0644921 · New York, New York · Philanthropy & grantmaking

John J McDonell Margaret T O Brien Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 21 grants paid, $756K total, median $20K. 33% of grants stayed in New York.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
21
$756K
Median grant
$20K
Stays in NY
33%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$7.6M

Grants paid in 2025

21 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Medicines for HumanityRockland, MAGeneral$145K
Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MAGeneral$120K
Notre Dame Cristo Rey High SchoolLawrence, MAGeneral$85K
University of MiamiMiami, FLGeneral$65K
Christian Appalachian ProjectLancaster, KYGeneral$50K
Madison Square Boys and Girls ClubNew York, NYGeneral$50K
Americans Indian CollegeDecatur, GAGeneral$26K
Grace InstituteNew York, NYGeneral$25K
Ricardo O' Gorman GardenNew York, NYGeneral$25K
Piegan InstituteBrowning, MTGeneral$25K
Covenant HouseNew York, NYGeneral$20K
Rosie's PlaceBoston, MAGeneral$20K
Plebeian Helpers IncBabylon, NYGeneral$20K
St Josephs Indian SchoolChamberlain, SDGeneral$15K
Sister Celeste Child DevelopmentTulita, CAGeneral$15K
Bread of LifeRye, NYGeneral$10K
Ma's House and Bipoc StudioSouthhampton, NYGeneral$10K
Melrose Alliance Against ViolenceMelrose, MAGeneral$10K
National Indian Child Welfare AssociationPortland, ORGeneral$10K
Follow Your Art CommunityMelrose, MAGeneral$5,000
The Food DriveMelrose, MAGeneral$5,000

By state: Massachusetts 7 · New York 7 · Florida 1 · Kentucky 1 · Georgia 1 · Montana 1

About this foundation

John J McDonell Margaret T O Brien Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in New York, New York, administered in care of Eric Freegood Pinnacle Assoc, tax-exempt since 2007. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does John J McDonell Margaret T O Brien Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does John J McDonell Margaret T O Brien Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $756K across 21 grants, a median of $20K.

Where does John J McDonell Margaret T O Brien Foundation give?

Massachusetts (7 grants), New York (7 grants), Florida (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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