Donohue Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: Donohue Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health and human services, and community and economic development. It also earmarks funds for religious institutions.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This is not a transparent or approachable funder, but reach out at the contact information below to learn more about their grantmaking opportunities and how to get on their radar.
Expect family giving to continue to track with established interest areas. Down the line, Donohue’s three sons — John, Thomas Jr., and Keith — should be watched as giving shifts to the next generation.
PROFILE: Established in 1997, the Donohue Family Foundation is steered by Thomas J. Donohue and his sons John, Thomas Jr., and Keith. Thomas was president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations and went on to work at U.S. Chamber of Commerce, rising to the position of CEO. Born in New York City, Thomas J. Donohue earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and an M.B.A. from Adelphi University. Earlier in his career, he was deputy assistant postmaster general of the U.S. and vice president of development at Fairfield University in Connecticut.
The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information on its grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Donohue Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health and human services, and community and economic development. It also earmarks funds for religious institutions.
Grants for Diseases and Health
Donohue’s late wife Liz passed away from cancer and these forces appear to animate philanthropy. The family have supported places like University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Donohues are also involved with National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. Other grantees have included So Others Might Eat (Liz was involved with the organization), Alzheimer’s Association, Mayo Foundation, Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, and YWCA Boulder County.
Grants for Education
Donohue supports his alma maters St. John’s University and Adelphi University. Liz also graduated from St. John’s. Donohue has supported Marymount University, where he’s spoken. Other grantees have included KIPP D.C. The couple largely supports schools with which they are affiliated or charter schools.
Grants for Economic Development
The foundation recently directed a 7-figure grant to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Donohue’s son Thomas Donohue Jr. is involved with the National Chamber Foundation, the research arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Other grantmaking opportunities:
The family have also supported religious institutions like Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle and St. Bartholomew's Church.
Important Grant Details:
This foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. It typically conducts grants for general operations. Its health grantmaking addresses cancer research. The forces here are personal as Thomas’ late wife Liz passed away from the disease. The foundation’s grants towards religious institutions are modest, but appear to prioritize Catholic organizations.
Grants range from $1,000 to $1 million. In a recent fiscal year the foundation gave away around $1.5 million. The foundation’s giving focuses on Washington D.C. and the Mid-Atlantic, as well as other states like New York, Colorado, and Illinois. Past local grantees include So Others Might Eat (Liz was on the board), U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Children's Hospital Foundation, KIPP D.C., Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, and Marymount University.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
The Donohue Family Foundation
4109 N. Randolph Court
Arlington, VA 22207
(202) 296-3680
