The Frederick McDonald Trust, established in 1950, is administered by Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions division through its Connecticut office. This charitable foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote quality education, healthcare, and human services for underserved communities, specifically targeting the residents of Albany, New York. The Trust aims to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations by providing resources to programs that directly address the needs of the community.
The funding scope of the McDonald Trust includes general operating support, project or program-specific grants, and capital support. The foundation emphasizes flexibility in the type of funding it offers, acknowledging the varied needs of nonprofit organizations serving Albany. While most grants are provided for a one-year duration, there is potential for multi-year funding in select cases. All proposals must demonstrate a direct benefit to individuals living in Albany City, and organizations applying must either be located in or serve this geographic area.
Eligible applicants must submit their proposals by June 30 each year. All applicants are notified of grant decisions by October 31. The Trust does not support organizations or projects outside Albany, emphasizing its localized impact. Applications are submitted online, and support documents are available in PDF and Microsoft Word formats to assist applicants in understanding procedures and expectations.
All interested applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed procedural documents available through the Bank of America Private Bank’s philanthropic platform. Additional help with the online application process is accessible via a downloadable PDF. For direct inquiries or assistance with the application, applicants are advised to contact the foundation via email at ct.grantmaking@bofa.com, making sure to include the foundation's name in the subject line.
The Frederick McDonald Trust remains a valuable resource for organizations focused on improving educational outcomes, expanding access to health care, and providing essential human services within the City of Albany. With a transparent application process and a commitment to equitable support, the Trust exemplifies targeted philanthropy aimed at fostering systemic community upliftment.
