Denis and Carol Kelleher

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Ruane Cunniff & Co , Wall Street Access

FUNDING AREAS: Catholic/Irish Causes, Education & Youth, NYC Community

OVERVIEW: Denis and Carol Kelleher conduct their philanthropy through The Denis P. and Carol A. Kelleher Charitable Foundation, whose grantmaking centers on New York City. Catholic and Irish causes are a top interest for this funder. Available tax filings indicate that the foundation awarded close to $240,000 in grants in 2017.

BACKGROUND:  Born in Ireland, Denis Kelleher graduated from St. Brendan’s College and St. John’s University. Kelleher got his start on Wall Street in 1958 as a messenger at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith while still at St. John’s. He then moved on to become a founder of the investment firm Ruane Cunniff & Co., Inc. He went on to form Wall Street Access.

ISSUES:

CATHOLIC/IRISH CAUSES: Kelleher has been a major contributor to the American Ireland Fund, and has a scholarship fund in his native Kerry. He was also once Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. The couple supports these causes via their foundation, recently giving a seven-figure gift to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Other grantees have included American Irish Historical Society, Catholic Charities, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

EDUCATION & YOUTH: The Kellehers also support education and youth via their foundation, with a particular eye on Long Island. Grantees have included Bay Ridge Preparatory School, Catholic School Region Staten Island, Inner City Scholarship Fund, Staten Island Academy, New World Preparatory Charter School, Staten Island University, and Columbia University.

NYC COMMUNITY: Other New York City grantees have included Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Meals on Wheels of Staten Island.

LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the Kellehers to continue to steadily fund their established interest areas.

CONTACT:

The Denis P. and Carol A. Kelleher Charitable Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact, but below is an address:

The Denis P. and Carol A. Kelleher Charitable Foundation
17 Battery Pl., 11th Fl.
New York City, NY 10004