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Saquish Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.1M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M

Saquish Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,105,000 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $19.7 million
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $75,000
  • Typical Grant: $20,000 (median)
  • Number of Grants: ~40 annually
  • Geographic Focus: Massachusetts (primary), New York, New Hampshire
  • Application Process: Does not accept unsolicited requests

Contact Details

  • Address: 10 High St, Suite 305, Boston, MA 02110-2051
  • Phone: (617) 542-8695
  • Website: None publicly listed
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Saquish Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1966, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Named after the historic Saquish peninsula in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the foundation has been a consistent philanthropic presence in New England for nearly six decades. With total assets of approximately $19.7 million, the foundation distributes approximately $1.1 million annually across 38-46 grants.

The foundation operates as a classical private grantmaking foundation, deriving its income primarily from investment returns (dividends, interest, and asset sales) rather than ongoing contributions. It has maintained stable grantmaking levels over the years, demonstrating consistent commitment to its charitable mission. The foundation is also known by its previous name variation, "Hunter Associates," reflecting its origins as a family-managed philanthropic vehicle.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Saquish Foundation provides general charitable support across several program areas:

  • Human Services: $20,000 - $55,000 (support for organizations addressing homelessness, poverty, and social welfare)
  • Education: $10,000 - $55,000 (science education, youth development, educational programming)
  • Arts & Culture: $40,000 - $75,000 (museums, public media, cultural institutions)
  • Health Organizations: Variable (hospitals and health-related nonprofits)
  • Conservation & Environment: $20,000 - $55,000 (land trusts, environmental education)

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking patterns, the foundation actively supports:

  • Homeless services and housing stability organizations
  • Youth development and educational programs
  • Public media and broadcasting (WGBH)
  • Museums and cultural heritage sites
  • Environmental education and conservation
  • Boston-area charitable organizations

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has indicated it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. This suggests they do not fund:

  • Unsolicited grant requests
  • Organizations without established relationships or referrals
  • Activities outside their geographic focus areas

Governance and Leadership

The Saquish Foundation is governed by three trustees who actively manage the foundation's grantmaking activities:

  • Arthur A. Nichols (Trustee) - Dedicates approximately 7 hours per week; $58,000 compensation (2024)
  • Robyn Borges (Trustee) - Dedicates approximately 7 hours per week; $85,000 compensation (2024)
  • Scott Werly (Trustee) - Dedicates approximately 7 hours per week; $85,000 compensation (2024)

The trustees collectively oversee all grantmaking decisions, with total officer compensation of $228,000 annually (13.6% of expenses). The foundation maintains no additional staff, operating as a trustee-managed family foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation has explicitly indicated it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the three trustees, typically to organizations they have identified through personal networks, existing relationships, or trustee involvement in the nonprofit sector.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, potential strategies include:

  • Multi-year relationship building: The Lloyd Center for the Environment has received funding from Saquish Foundation since 2014, demonstrating the foundation's preference for sustained relationships with proven organizations
  • Matching grant structures: The foundation has made matching grants (such as the $50,000 matching grant to Lloyd Center), suggesting they value opportunities to leverage their giving
  • Boston-area presence: Organizations with strong ties to the Greater Boston nonprofit community may have greater visibility to the trustees
  • Demonstrated impact in focus areas: Organizations excelling in education, human services, arts, or conservation in Massachusetts align with the foundation's established priorities

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented. As a trustee-discretion foundation, decisions are made internally without published timelines.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Recent Grant Recipients (2023)

RecipientAmountFocus Area
The Red Sox Foundation$75,000Youth/Community
Boys & Girls Club of Boston$55,000Youth Development
Heritage Museums & Gardens$55,000Arts & Culture
Old Sturbridge Village$55,000Cultural Heritage
Rosie's Place$55,000Human Services
The Trustees of Reservations$55,000Conservation
Crossroads for Kids$40,000Youth Services
WGBH Music$40,000Public Media
Lloyd Center for the Environment$50,000Environmental Education
Lend A Hand Society$20,000Human Services
Project Place$20,000Human Services
Pine Street Inn$20,000Homeless Services

Application Success Factors

Since the Saquish Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success depends on relationship-building and organizational positioning:

What the Foundation Values (Based on Giving Patterns):

  • Long-term partnerships with consistent grantees
  • Organizations with established track records in Massachusetts
  • Programs that serve vulnerable populations (homeless, at-risk youth)
  • Cultural and educational institutions with broad community impact
  • Environmental education, particularly programs serving schools

Lloyd Center Example: The foundation's multi-year support of the Lloyd Center for the Environment demonstrates their approach. They funded a pilot program at Gomes Elementary School, then provided a $50,000 matching grant for full implementation. Executive Director Rachel Stronach noted: "We are thrilled to have the generous support of the Saquish Foundation in this important initiative."

Characteristics of Funded Organizations:

  • Established Boston-area nonprofits with strong reputations
  • Organizations where trustees may have personal connections
  • Programs demonstrating measurable community impact
  • Mix of direct service and institutional support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. No public application process - This foundation preselects grantees and does not accept unsolicited requests. Cold applications will not be considered.

  2. Relationship-based giving - The foundation values long-term partnerships; the Lloyd Center has received support since 2014, demonstrating multi-year commitment to proven organizations.

  3. Massachusetts focus - While some grants go to New York and New Hampshire, the vast majority support organizations in Massachusetts, particularly the Greater Boston area.

  4. Consistent grant sizes - Most grants fall between $20,000 and $55,000, with the median at $20,000. Only exceptional circumstances warrant grants at the $75,000 level.

  5. Matching grants available - The foundation has structured matching grants to maximize impact, suggesting they value leveraged giving opportunities.

  6. Broad charitable focus - Unlike many foundations with narrow programmatic priorities, Saquish supports diverse causes including human services, education, arts, and conservation.

  7. Network-dependent access - Organizations seeking funding should focus on building visibility in Boston's philanthropic community and exploring potential connections to the trustees through board members, partners, or peer organizations.

References

Research compiled December 2025

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