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Quentin J Kennedy Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $992,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $500 - $60,000
  • Geographic Focus: New Jersey, New York, Florida

Contact Details

  • Phone: (201) 567-5936
  • Address: 22 Old Smith Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670
  • Website: No public website
  • Application Contact: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Quentin J Kennedy Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1986 with current assets of approximately $21.5 million. The foundation distributes nearly $1 million annually through 70-80 grants to preselected charitable organizations. Founded by Quentin J. Kennedy, who passed away in 2024 at age 90, the foundation is now led by his son, Quentin J. Kennedy Jr. The foundation operates as a traditional family philanthropy, supporting established nonprofits primarily in New Jersey, New York, and Florida across education, healthcare, human services, and community development sectors. Kennedy was deeply involved in Bergen County community leadership, including serving on the Board of Trustees of Holy Name Hospital Foundation and with the Boy Scouts of America.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs but makes discretionary grants ranging from $500 to $60,000. In 2024, they made 82 grants totaling $992,000, with a median grant size of $10,000. Larger institutional grants of $40,000-$60,000 are typically reserved for established medical centers and major charitable organizations.

Priority Areas

  • Higher Education institutions
  • Healthcare and medical centers
  • Human services organizations
  • General education initiatives
  • Philanthropy and community development
  • Youth development programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's giving history shows they do not typically fund:

  • Individual requests
  • International organizations
  • Political organizations
  • For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (as of 2024):

  • President: Quentin J. Kennedy Jr. (appointed May 23, 2024)
  • Secretary: Mary Kate Kennedy
  • Former President: Quentin J. Kennedy (founder, served until May 22, 2024)

The foundation is managed by family members who maintain the philanthropic legacy established by Quentin J. Kennedy. The founder was known for his active community involvement in Bergen County, New Jersey, including board service with Holy Name Hospital Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation has explicitly stated that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." All grants are made through trustee discretion to organizations within their established network.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and leadership connections:

  • Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ receives consistent major support, suggesting healthcare organizations in Bergen County may have existing relationships
  • The foundation has deep roots in the Tenafly/Bergen County community, with grants frequently going to local organizations
  • Organizations connected to board members' interests in education, youth development, and healthcare may be considered for support
  • The foundation appears to maintain long-term relationships with grantees, with many organizations receiving annual support

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed; grants appear to be made throughout the year based on trustee discretion.

Success Rates

Not applicable as the foundation does not accept open applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable; the foundation maintains ongoing relationships with preselected organizations.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates by invitation only, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, based on their giving patterns:

  • Geographic proximity matters: Organizations in Bergen County, NJ have the strongest representation in their grant portfolio
  • Established credibility is essential: Recipients include well-known institutions like American Red Cross ($55,000 in 2024) and Habitat for Humanity
  • Long-term relationships are valued: Many organizations appear to receive support year after year
  • Size alignment is important: Most grants fall between $5,000-$20,000, suggesting mid-sized requests align best with their giving capacity
  • Mission alignment with founder's interests: Organizations serving youth, healthcare, and community development reflect the founder's personal involvement in these sectors

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder with no public application process - do not pursue through traditional grant applications
  • The foundation makes 70-80 grants annually with a total giving capacity around $1 million
  • Typical grants range from $5,000-$20,000, with occasional larger institutional grants up to $60,000
  • Strong preference for organizations in New Jersey, particularly Bergen County
  • Family-managed foundation now in second generation of leadership following founder's passing in 2024
  • Best suited for established nonprofits with existing connections to the foundation or Bergen County community
  • Healthcare, education, and human services organizations align most closely with their funding priorities

References

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