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TriMix Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.9M
Grant Range
$25K - $0.1M

TriMix Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $874,812 (2023)
  • Assets: $45+ million
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island, Massachusetts (especially Berkshire County), and select national causes
  • Application Method: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) required
  • Recent Grant Activity: 5 awards in 2023, 9 awards in 2022, 17 awards in 2021

Contact Details

Address: C/O Pathstone Family Office (formerly Rex Capital Advisors), 50 Park Row West, Suite 113, Providence, RI 02903

Phone: (401) 383-5370

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website.

Overview

Established in 1997, the TriMix Foundation is an independent private foundation created by David and Gail Mixer. With over $45 million in assets, the foundation has contributed more than $60 million in philanthropic capital to community causes since its inception. The foundation focuses on programs and initiatives designed to improve the lives of children, build cohesive neighborhoods and communities, improve animal welfare, and provide limited support for the arts. The foundation is managed by Pathstone Family Office (previously managed by Rex Capital Advisors) and operates as a low-profile funder without an online presence. Their giving is concentrated primarily in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with occasional grants to organizations in Miami, Florida, and other national causes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formally named grant programs but provides general operating and project support. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, with applications accepted on a rolling basis through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process.

Priority Areas

Children and Youth

  • Early childhood education programs
  • After-school programs and youth development
  • Educational initiatives for primary and secondary school-age students

Community Development

  • Affordable housing initiatives
  • Community revitalization efforts
  • Programs addressing urban blight, particularly in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
  • Building cohesive neighborhoods and communities

Animal Welfare

  • Animal welfare programs and initiatives

Limited Arts Support

  • Select arts and cultural organizations

Social Services

  • Programs serving low-income communities
  • Community health initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has not published explicit exclusions. Based on their stated priorities and grant history, the foundation appears to focus on direct service organizations in their geographic areas of interest rather than national advocacy or research organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Founders: David and Gail Mixer

Management: The foundation is managed by Pathstone Family Office (previously Rex Capital Advisors), which handles the administrative and grant-making operations.

The foundation maintains a low profile with minimal public communications, and specific information about trustees or board members is not publicly available.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The application process requires:

  1. Initial Contact: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the foundation address
  2. LOI Format: Applications should be written requests on organization letterhead
  3. Required Information:
    • Documentation of qualified charitable status (501(c)(3) determination letter)
    • Detailed description of the intended use of grant funds
    • Organization background and mission alignment with foundation priorities

Important Note: The foundation does not have a website or online application portal. All applications must be submitted via traditional mail.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's grant activity (5 awards in 2023, 9 in 2022), awards appear to be made selectively throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Success Rates

Based on publicly available data, the foundation has significantly reduced its number of annual grants in recent years (from 17 awards in 2021 to 5 awards in 2023), suggesting an increasingly selective approach or potential shift in strategy. This indicates a competitive application environment.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not published a specific reapplication policy. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at (401) 383-5370 to inquire about reapplication procedures if initially unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's lack of public guidelines and low-profile approach, the following factors appear important based on their grant history:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations based in or serving communities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts (particularly Providence and Berkshire County), appear to receive priority consideration.

Direct Service Focus: Past grantees suggest the foundation favors organizations providing direct services to children, families, and communities rather than advocacy, research, or intermediary organizations.

Established Organizations: Past grantees include well-established organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence, United Way of Rhode Island, and Amos House, suggesting the foundation may prefer organizations with proven track records.

Community Impact: Grants appear focused on organizations addressing tangible community needs—housing, education, youth development, and basic services—particularly for low-income populations.

Size Considerations: With grants typically in the $25,000-$100,000 range and only 5-9 awards per year, the foundation appears to make substantial investments in a small number of carefully selected organizations.

Relationship Building: As a private family foundation without public application deadlines or guidelines, developing a relationship with foundation staff through the initial LOI may be crucial to advancing an application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Submit a strong Letter of Inquiry: This is your first and potentially only opportunity to make a case; ensure your LOI clearly demonstrates alignment with foundation priorities and includes all required documentation.

  • Geographic fit is critical: Focus on the foundation's core geographic areas—Providence, Rhode Island, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts—with strongest prospects for locally based organizations.

  • Emphasize direct community impact: Highlight tangible outcomes for children, families, neighborhoods, or animal welfare with measurable community benefits.

  • Be prepared for a highly selective process: With grant activity declining from 17 awards (2021) to 5 awards (2023), competition has intensified; only submit if there is strong alignment.

  • Consider the grant size: Typical grants of $25,000-$100,000 suggest the foundation prefers to make meaningful investments; ensure your request matches this range and demonstrates appropriate use of substantial funding.

  • Exercise patience and professionalism: Without published timelines or a website, responses may take time; follow up professionally by phone if needed after a reasonable waiting period.

  • Phone contact is acceptable: The foundation has published a phone number (401-383-5370), suggesting they are open to inquiries; consider calling with questions before submitting an LOI.

References

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