The Bulens Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bulens Family Foundation is a private foundation in Needham, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 56 grants; the typical grant was $2,526 and the largest $370,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.2 million
- Number of grants56
- Typical grant$2,526
- Largest grant$370,000
- Assets$3.6 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $956,393 the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.4 million | 72 | $4.1 million |
| 2024 | $956,393 | 68 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 56 | $3.6 million |
How to apply
The Bulens Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Bulens Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 41 | $1.1 million |
| Oregon | 2 | $82,017 |
| Maryland | 1 | $5,125 |
| Ohio | 1 | $3,605 |
| New York | 1 | $2,564 |
| Illinois | 1 | $2,551 |
| Florida | 2 | $1,250 |
| California | 2 | $1,212 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
| New Hampshire | 2 | $750 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Childrens Hospital | General | $370,000 |
| Bellesini Academy | General | $294,150 |
| Brigham & Womens Hospital | General | $100,000 |
| Lewis & Clark | General | $57,017 |
| The Sports Museum | General | $35,600 |
| Family Services of the Merrimack Valley | General | $27,700 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence | General | $25,580 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts | General | $25,000 |
| Drupal Association | General | $25,000 |
| Hopewell Inc | General | $25,000 |
| Womens Fund of Essex County | General | $25,000 |
| Notre Dame Cistro Rey High School | General | $20,200 |
| The Ellie Fund | General | $20,000 |
| Bagly | General | $15,000 |
| West Parish Garden Cemetery | General | $14,678 |
| Lazarus House Ministries | General | $10,000 |
| Umass Amherst Annual Fund | General | $10,000 |
| Neighbors in Need | General | $8,698 |
| Pan Mass Challenge | General | $8,212 |
| Essex County Community Foundation | General | $7,580 |
| Proctor Academy | General | $5,150 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | General | $5,125 |
| 617 Rocks Foundation Inc | General | $5,000 |
| St Mary of Assumption Parish | General | $4,250 |
| Schwarber Family Foundation | General | $3,605 |
| Boston University | General | $3,025 |
| A Chance in Life | General | $2,564 |
| Alzheimers Association | General | $2,551 |
| First Parish Newbury Food Pantry | General | $2,500 |
| Service Club on Andover | General | $2,500 |
| Dana Farber Cancer Institute | General | $2,303 |
| Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund Inc | General | $1,030 |
| Market Basket | General | $1,009 |
| Express Yourself | General | $1,000 |
| Fireaid la - Annenberg Foundation | General | $1,000 |
| Scott W Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Foundation | General | $1,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | General | $1,000 |
| YWCA of Lawrence | General | $1,000 |
| Lucy's Love Bus | General | $800 |
| Avis | General | $750 |
Officers and trustees
- Donald Bulens
- Lynne Bulens
Questions people ask
Does The Bulens Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bulens Family Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 56 grants, with a typical grant of $2,526.
Who runs The Bulens Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Donald Bulens (Trustee) and Lynne Bulens (Trustee).
What does The Bulens Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and education.