The McCarthy Family Foundation Charity Fund, established in 1956, provides philanthropic support to organizations that align with its core focus areas of education, food, health, housing, and shelter. The fund operates with a particular geographic preference for Massachusetts, specifically north of Boston, east of Route 93 to the Atlantic Ocean, and south of the New Hampshire border. Communities such as Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Gloucester, Ipswich, Newburyport, and Salisbury are especially emphasized in the foundation’s giving.
This private foundation considers proposals from nonprofit organizations serving the outlined geographic and thematic interests. Funding is available for a range of needs, including general operating support, program-specific expenses, and capital improvements that enable program delivery. Although rare, emergency grant needs may also be considered by the trustees. The foundation supports organizations that are well-aligned with its mission and that demonstrate impact in areas such as youth development, human services, health, education, nutrition, and the arts.
Applications are accepted twice annually, with proposal deadlines on March 31 and September 30. Site visits may be conducted prior to the biannual decision-making meetings, which occur in June and December. The foundation may consider multi-year grants and proposals that include matching requirements. Prior grant recipients are required to submit a one-page expenditure report before being considered for additional funding.
The application portal is currently open, and proposals may be submitted directly in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the foundation. The review process is overseen by a team including Bank of America, which serves as co-trustee alongside individual trustees Elton McCausland, Claudia Luck, David Moran, Esq., and Kevin Stiles, Esq.
Communication regarding proposals or inquiries can be directed to the foundation’s email address at [email protected]. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they align with the foundation’s mission and geographic preferences and should be prepared for potential site visits and reporting obligations as part of the review process.
