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Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.0M

Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,041,913 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $42,194,866 (2023)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly specified
  • Geographic Focus: Malden, Massachusetts and surrounding communities
  • Application Deadline: Second Tuesday in February (5:00 PM)

Contact Details

Overview

The Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established on December 12, 1927, in Malden, Massachusetts. It was created by Frank A. Bayrd, publisher of the Malden Evening News, as a memorial to his mother, Adelaide Breed Bayrd (1843-1927), who descended from Allen Breed, one of Lynn's founders in 1634. With total assets of approximately $42.2 million and annual giving exceeding $2 million, the Foundation provides financial support to local hospitals, social welfare concerns, libraries, youth-oriented programs, and cultural activities. The Foundation's mission focuses specifically on benefiting the citizens of Malden and surrounding communities in Massachusetts. Since 1928, the Foundation has distributed substantial funds across health, education, youth services, elderly care, and religious organizations. The Foundation also operates a scholarship program for Malden residents pursuing higher education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Grants: Awards to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Malden and surrounding communities (no specified amount range)
  • Scholarships: Up to $3,000 per year for Malden residents attending college (renewable for up to four years)
  • Birthday Gifts: Special annual donations distributed on February 24th (Adelaide Breed Bayrd's birthday) as trustee-designated charitable contributions

Priority Areas

  • Culture and Education
  • Healthcare Services
  • Youth Recreation and Programs
  • Elderly Assistance
  • Poverty Relief
  • Disability Assistance
  • Social Welfare Concerns
  • Libraries
  • Churches and Religious Organizations

Note: The Foundation generally favors grants toward capital improvements over operating deficits.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual grants (except through scholarship program)
  • Endowment funds
  • Performing arts scholarships (excepting educational projects and programs)
  • Research grant requests
  • Operating deficit funding (generally disfavored)

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

  • President/Chairman of the Board: C. Henry (Hank) Kezer
  • Vice President: Richard R. Burns Jr.
  • Treasurer: Susan C. Mansur

Foundation History

The original Officers and Trustees elected at the first Corporation meeting on February 14, 1928, were: Frank A. Bayrd (President), Blanche S. Bayrd (Clerk), Edna L. Henneberry (Treasurer), Judge Elbridge G. Davis, Rev. John W. Ward, Joseph Wiggin, and David P. Rossiter.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by mail to:

The Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148

Required Documentation:

  1. Cover Letter containing:
    • Contact information
    • Organization name and address
    • Statement of purpose/mission
    • Requested amount
    • Detailed explanation of how funds will be used
  2. Grant Proposal
  3. IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
  4. Financial Documents (financial statements, budget, and/or IRS Form 990)
  5. Supplementary Materials supporting the organization's mission

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: January 1
  • Deadline: 5:00 PM, Second Tuesday in February
  • Notification: Not publicly specified

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Based on the February deadline and scholarship decisions being finalized in December, grant decisions likely occur within several months of the deadline.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Emphasizes

The Foundation specifically states they appreciate hearing from applicants about "the specific methods in which your organization fulfills the purpose of benefiting citizens of Malden and surrounding communities."

Types of Organizations Previously Funded

The Foundation has supported diverse organizations including:

  • Health: Malden Hospital, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, Hallmark Health
  • Social Services: Bread of Life, Caritas Communities, Community Family, Mission of Deeds
  • Education: Malden Public Library, National Braille Press
  • Youth: Agassiz Village, Malden Teen Center, YMCA, Girl Scouts
  • Arts & Culture: Greater Boston Stage Company
  • Employment: Tailored for Success, Inc.
  • Community: Pine Banks Dog Park, Fairy House Festival, twenty-three Malden churches

Success Strategies

  1. Demonstrate Malden Impact: Clearly articulate how your organization benefits Malden and surrounding communities
  2. Capital Projects: The Foundation explicitly favors capital improvement grants over operating deficit funding
  3. Provide Comprehensive Documentation: Include all required materials plus any supplementary documents that support your mission
  4. Local Connection: Organizations headquartered elsewhere should demonstrate substantial benefits to the Malden area

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Strong Geographic Focus: Applicants must demonstrate clear impact on Malden, Massachusetts and surrounding communities—this is the primary criterion for funding
  • Capital Projects Preferred: The Foundation explicitly favors capital improvement projects over operating deficit funding
  • Mail-Only Submission: Applications must be submitted by postal mail; there is no online application portal
  • Single Annual Deadline: Applications are only accepted January 1 through the second Tuesday in February
  • Comprehensive Documentation Required: Ensure all required materials are included, as incomplete applications may not be considered
  • Long History of Local Giving: The Foundation has deep roots in Malden since 1927 and supports a wide range of community organizations
  • No Research or Endowment Funding: Individual grants, endowments, performing arts scholarships, and research requests are generally excluded

References

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