The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $756,250 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $145,000. 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$756,250
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$145,000
- Assets$18.0 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was up from $667,450 the year before.
43% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $545,000 | 19 | $13.3 million |
| 2024 | $667,450 | 18 | $15.1 million |
| 2025 | $756,250 | 21 | $18.0 million |
How to apply
The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien 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 John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Massachusetts. It also paid $15,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 7 | $390,000 |
| New York | 7 | $160,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $65,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $50,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $26,250 |
| Montana | 1 | $25,000 |
| South Dakota | 1 | $15,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines for Humanity | General | $145,000 |
| Massachusetts General Hospital | General | $120,000 |
| Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School | General | $85,000 |
| University of Miami | General | $65,000 |
| Christian Appalachian Project | General | $50,000 |
| Madison Square Boys and Girls Club | General | $50,000 |
| Americans Indian College | General | $26,250 |
| Grace Institute | General | $25,000 |
| Ricardo O' Gorman Garden | General | $25,000 |
| Piegan Institute | General | $25,000 |
| Covenant House | General | $20,000 |
| Rosie's Place | General | $20,000 |
| Plebeian Helpers Inc | General | $20,000 |
| St Josephs Indian School | General | $15,000 |
| Sister Celeste Child Development | General | $15,000 |
| Bread of Life | General | $10,000 |
| Ma's House and Bipoc Studio | General | $10,000 |
| Melrose Alliance Against Violence | General | $10,000 |
| National Indian Child Welfare Association | General | $10,000 |
| Follow Your Art Community | General | $5,000 |
| The Food Drive | General | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Landergan
- Eric Freedgood
Questions people ask
Does The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation give?
$756,250 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Landergan (Trustee) and Eric Freedgood (Trustee).
What does The John J McDonnell Margaret T O'Brien Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.