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Turrell Fund

Annual Giving
$6.7M
Decision Time
3mo

Turrell Fund

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.7 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $120.4 million
  • Decision Time: Decisions made after application windows close
  • Geographic Focus: New Jersey and Vermont
  • Grant Application Windows: January 1-February 1 and July 1-August 1

Contact Details

Overview

Established in 1935 by Herbert and Margaret Turrell, the Turrell Fund is a private foundation with over $120 million in assets that distributes approximately $6.7 million annually in grants. The foundation focuses on improving the lives of children and families in New Jersey and Vermont, with particular emphasis on the youngest and most underserved populations. Herbert Turrell had a "special affinity for the health and well-being of children and families," which continues to guide the foundation's mission today. The Fund financially and strategically supports organizations providing quality services to children, especially those addressing systemic barriers to educational and developmental opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Turrell Fund focuses on five core areas:

  • Early Childhood: Supporting quality early learning and development programs
  • K-12 Education: Enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes
  • Music & Arts: Providing access to cultural and artistic experiences for children
  • Family Support: Strengthening families to better support their children
  • Systems Change: Addressing systemic barriers and advocating for policy improvements

Strategic Initiatives

The Fund supports several targeted initiatives:

  • Reimagine Childcare
  • HealthySteps
  • Safe Babies Court Team
  • New Jersey ACEs Collaborative
  • Let's Grow Kids

What They Fund

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations
  • Programs serving children under 12 and their families
  • Organizations in New Jersey and Vermont
  • Projects emphasizing the youngest and most at-risk children
  • Advocacy and policy initiatives benefiting children

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership:

  • Curtland E. Fields - President & CEO
  • Richard A. Ribeiro - CFO/Treasurer
  • Evan Delgado - President of Programs

The foundation operates with a vision "that need will be eliminated as a barrier to the access of quality educational and developmental experiences by all children, especially the youngest and their families."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Turrell Fund accepts applications through specific windows:

  • Winter Window: January 1 - February 1
  • Summer Window: July 1 - August 1

Organizations must:

  1. Confirm 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  2. Review application guidelines on the website before applying
  3. Submit applications within the designated windows
  4. Focus proposals on projects serving children in NJ or VT

Decision Timeline

The foundation reviews applications after each window closes. Specific decision timelines are not published, but organizations should expect decisions within 2-3 months after the application window closes.

Application Success Factors

To strengthen your application to the Turrell Fund:

  • Focus on the youngest children: The Fund prioritizes programs serving children under 12, with special emphasis on early childhood (0-5 years)
  • Demonstrate impact in NJ or VT: Clearly show how your program serves children and families in these two states
  • Address systemic barriers: Projects that tackle root causes and systemic issues align with their systems change priority
  • Show collaboration: The Fund values strategic initiatives and collaborative approaches
  • Highlight underserved populations: Emphasize how your program reaches at-risk and disadvantaged children
  • Connect to strategic initiatives: If your work aligns with their named initiatives (HealthySteps, ACEs Collaborative, etc.), make this connection explicit

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Turrell Fund has substantial assets ($120M+) and makes significant annual distributions ($6.7M)
  • They only accept applications during two specific windows - timing is crucial
  • Focus exclusively on children under 12 and their families in New Jersey and Vermont
  • The foundation takes a strategic approach, supporting both direct services and systems change
  • They fund advocacy and policy work in addition to direct service programs
  • With 90% of expenses going to charitable disbursements, they maintain a strong commitment to grantmaking
  • Contact application@turrellfund.org with specific questions about guidelines and requirements

References

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