← Back to US Funders Directory

Grimshaw Gudewicz Charitable Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M

Grimshaw Gudewicz Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,600,000
  • Total Assets: $33,000,000
  • Grant Range: $500 - $150,000
  • Median Grant: $5,000
  • Total Grants (2024): 85
  • Geographic Focus: Bristol County MA, proximate Rhode Island, Peterborough NH and vicinity
  • Foundation Type: Private Non-Operating Foundation

Contact Details

Primary Contact:
Jason Marshall
Phone: (401) 732-8070
Address: 7 Lupine Court, Wakefield, RI 02879

Foundation Address:
263 Walnut Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Phone: (508) 672-2182

Overview

The Grimshaw Gudewicz Charitable Foundation was established by Brother George E. Grimshaw and his long-time companion, Irene Gudewicz, following their success in business at Continental Screw Company. Grimshaw grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the foundation reflects his commitment to the Southeastern Massachusetts region. Since receiving IRS tax-exempt status in 1995, the foundation has grown to manage assets of approximately $33 million and distribute $1.6 million annually. The foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation, with trustees managing both mandated distributions to designated charitable organizations (80% of annual giving) and discretionary grants (20% of annual giving). The foundation emphasizes lasting named memorials whenever possible and maintains a strong focus on education, arts, healthcare, and cultural preservation within its geographic service area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Distribution Policy

The foundation operates under a structured distribution framework:

  • Designated Grants (80%): At least 80% of annual distribution goes to charitable organizations designated in the trust instrument
  • Discretionary Grants (20%): Trustees have discretion over up to 20% of annual distribution
  • Grant Range: $500 - $150,000
  • Median Grant: $5,000
  • Total Annual Distribution: Approximately $1,600,000
  • Number of Grants: 85 grants awarded in 2024

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily for:

  1. Education: Particularly education aimed at the enhancement of business and entrepreneurial skills

    • University scholarships and programs
    • Support for students from New Bedford High School or Bristol County residents

  2. The Arts: Support for artistic organizations and programs that benefit the region

  3. Healthcare: Medical research and healthcare institutions

    • Medical research (e.g., macular degeneration research)
    • Healthcare facilities

  4. Preservation of Local Culture: Programs that maintain and celebrate regional heritage

Geographic Focus

The foundation's policy is to support charitable organizations in:

  • Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • Proximate Rhode Island areas
  • Peterborough, New Hampshire and vicinity
  • Locations that can affect or benefit the inhabitants of Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire areas

What They Fund

Based on recent grants, the foundation supports:

  • University endowments and scholarship funds
  • Medical research institutions
  • Educational programs emphasizing business and entrepreneurial skills
  • Arts and cultural preservation initiatives
  • Organizations that provide lasting named memorials

Recent Grant Recipients (2024)

  • Brown University: $150,000 (rowing scholarships)
  • Franklin Pierce University: $150,000 (Pierce Fund)
  • Schepens Eye Research Institute: $150,000 (macular degeneration research)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The foundation is governed by five trustees, each serving at 10 hours per week with compensation of $53,406:

  • Andrew Shabshelowitz - Co-Trustee
  • Jason Marshall - Co-Trustee (Primary Contact)
  • Anne Fazendeiro - Trustee
  • Bernard AG Taradash - Trustee
  • Stephen J. Hanna - Trustee

The trustees collectively manage the foundation's grantmaking priorities, with particular authority over the discretionary 20% of annual distributions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

  • A letter indicating the purpose for which funds are requested
  • A copy of the federal exemption letter (501(c)(3) determination letter)
  • Evidence that the organization is currently in good standing

Application Deadline: No deadline - applications accepted on a rolling basis

Submission Address:
Contact Jason Marshall at (401) 732-8070 or submit to:
7 Lupine Court, Wakefield, RI 02879

Decision Timeline

The foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis. Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions have been published. Organizations may submit requests as appropriate for their funding needs.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's structure and priorities, successful applications should:

  1. Demonstrate geographic alignment: Clearly show how the organization serves Bristol County MA, nearby Rhode Island areas, or Peterborough NH, or how the project benefits inhabitants of these regions

  2. Align with priority areas: Focus on education (especially business/entrepreneurial skills), arts, healthcare, or cultural preservation

  3. Provide named memorial opportunities: The trustees favor organizations that will provide a lasting named memorial whenever possible

  4. Show organizational stability: Submit evidence of good standing and proper tax-exempt status

  5. Be specific about fund use: Clearly articulate the purpose for which funds are requested in the application letter

  6. Consider the grant range: With a median grant of $5,000 and most grants falling between $500-$150,000, tailor requests appropriately (note: larger grants of $150,000 appear reserved for major institutional partnerships)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Two-tier grantmaking structure: 80% of funding goes to pre-designated organizations; competition exists primarily for the 20% discretionary pool
  • Strong regional focus: Geographic connection to Bristol County MA, proximate RI, or Peterborough NH is essential
  • Memorial emphasis: Organizations able to offer named memorial opportunities may have an advantage
  • Rolling applications: No deadline pressure, but thorough documentation of tax-exempt status and good standing is required
  • Wide grant range: Most grants cluster around $5,000 median, but strategic institutional partnerships can receive up to $150,000
  • Education priority: Programs enhancing business and entrepreneurial skills receive particular attention
  • Simple application process: No complex forms or portals; straightforward letter-based application

References

← Back to US Funders Directory