Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of Boston area couple James and Lisa Mooney. The couple's giving through their foundation strongly focuses in on Catholic education and other Catholic organizations in and around Boston.  

FUNDING AREAS: Catholic education, health, human services, youth

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. Networking is key here, and Catholic education organizations may have a leg up. 

PROFILE: Established in 2001, the Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Massachusetts. Founder James F. Mooney III graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and received his MBA from Georgetown University before going on to work for Baupost Group. His wife, Lisa, meanwhile, received her MBA from Boston University. This Boston area couple moves their philanthropy through the Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation. Grantmaking interests include Catholic education, health, human services, and youth.

This foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. However, Catholic organizations, particularly Catholic schools, are a top priority for this couple. Years ago, the Mooneys gave a $1 million gift to College of Holy Cross to endow the Jim '90 and Lisa Mooney Scholarships targeting middle-class students from Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Boston. Not only did James attend the school, but so did his father. James and his father also established The Joan Marie Mooney Scholarship Fund. Apart from James' alma mater, James and Lisa Mooney, via their foundation, have supported Catholic Schools Foundation, Campaign for Catholic Schools, Nativity Preparatory School, and St. Sebastian's School. Other Boston area education grantees have included New England Conservatory of Music, and Newton Country Day School. The Mooneys also support health in the Boston area.

Grants tend to be fairly large at this foundation, with quite a few exceeding $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s giving by examining its tax records. The Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation's grantmaking heavily features Boston organizations. Grantees have included Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, Mt. Auburn Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The family has also supported youth organizations, such as Year Up and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Another important grantee is JESUITS USA Northeast Provence. Arts and culture does not seem to be a major component of this couple's philanthropic work.

The foundation does not publish its grant application guidelines nor does it accept unsolicited proposals. The foundation’s phone number is 617-439-2498.

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