Joy In Childhood Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,954,839 (2024; over $10 million awarded in 2024 and 2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (competitive process)
• Decision Time: Varies by program; Community Impact Grants awarded in September
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $65,000 per year (multi-year grants max $150,000 total)
• Geographic Focus: United States (near Dunkin' locations)

Contact Details

• Website: joyinchildhoodfoundation.org
• Grants Page: joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/grants
• Address: 130 Royall St., Canton, MA 02021
• EIN: 26-0593784

Overview

The Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable foundation supported by Dunkin', launched in 2006. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, it brings together Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins franchisees, suppliers, crew members, employees, and guests to fundraise and make grants to organizations providing joy to sick and hungry children. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $70 million to hundreds of national and local charities. In 2024, it distributed more than $10 million in grants to over 500 nonprofit organizations across 43 states, supporting 2.6 million children. The Foundation holds a 97% score and 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Signature Impact Programs (open application):

• Dunkin' Dogs for Joy: $25,000-$65,000/year - Funds full-time facility dogs in children's hospitals
• Dunkin' Connecting Joy: $25,000-$65,000/year - Gaming equipment and technology for hospitalized pediatric patients
• Dunkin' Prom: $25,000-$65,000/year - Complete prom experience for in-patient teenagers who cannot attend their own
• Dunkin' Joyful Spaces: $25,000-$65,000/year - Creation/revitalization of playgrounds, healing gardens, teen rooms in pediatric settings

Community Impact Grants (nomination only):

• Support for food pantries, food banks, and hunger-relief organizations
• Must be nominated by Dunkin' franchisees, crew members, or employees
• Approximately $970,000 awarded to 78 organizations in Northeast region alone (2024)

Priority Areas

• Childhood hunger relief through food pantries, food banks, and meal programs
• Children's hospitals and community health centers with dedicated pediatric departments
• Joyful experiences for pediatric patients including facility dogs, technology, milestone events
• Organizations in communities with Dunkin' presence

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the United States
• Organizations not within geographic proximity to a Dunkin' location
• General operating support for organizations not aligned with childhood hunger or illness
• Individual applicants (only registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits)
• Community Impact Grants without Dunkin' franchisee/crew nomination

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Mollie Collum - Seasoned philanthropy professional with over two decades of nonprofit experience, including VP of Development at Sandy Hook Promise.

"Our goal is simple: ensure that every grant we award creates a meaningful and lasting impact for children in the communities we serve." — Mollie Collum

Board Chair: Victor Carvalho - Northeast-based Dunkin' franchisee

Board Members: Composed primarily of Dunkin' franchisees and corporate representatives, all serving without compensation, including Kristen Fitzpatrick (Treasurer), Kelly Fish, Dave Baumgartner, Ashley Coneff J.D., and others.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Signature Impact Programs:

• Apply directly at joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/grants
• No nomination required
• Must be children's hospital, general hospital with pediatric department, or nonprofit serving children battling illness
• Located within geographic proximity to Dunkin' location
• Each program has specific application windows

Community Impact Grants:

• Organizations cannot apply directly - nomination required
• Must be nominated by Dunkin' franchisee, crew member, or employee
• Selected organizations invited to submit further information after nomination

Getting on Their Radar

For Community Impact Grant consideration, cultivate relationships with local Dunkin' franchisees or crew members who can nominate your organization. The Foundation deliberately uses this model to ensure grants reach communities the Dunkin' network knows well. Consider joint events, volunteer opportunities, or partnerships with local Dunkin' locations. The Foundation also hosts a Manhattan Gala (raised $1.3 million) offering networking opportunities with board members who are active franchisees.

Decision Timeline

• Community Impact Grants: Nominations through May, awards announced September
• Signature Impact Programs: Varies by program, check specific program pages
• Direct notification to selected organizations

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Foundation acknowledges: "This is a competitive grant process. We receive many great applications and, unfortunately, due to availability of funding, we cannot award them all." Made 500+ grants in 2024, up from 136-237 awards annually in 2019-2021.

Reapplication Policy

No formal reapplication policy stated. Programs fund single- or multi-year work (up to three years). Contact Foundation directly for reapplication guidance.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate direct impact on children: Clearly articulate how the program directly reaches children "battling hunger or illness"
• Align with specific Signature Program: Tailor application to one specific program rather than submitting general proposal
• Confirm proximity to Dunkin': Geographic proximity to Dunkin' location is required; reference this in application
• Emphasize joyful experiences: Use language of fun, milestone moments, play, and comfort rather than just clinical outcomes
• Show lasting impact: Mollie Collum emphasizes grants creating "meaningful and lasting impact" - include clear metrics
• For Community Impact Grants - build franchise relationships: Grassroots relationship-building with local Dunkin' operators is essential
• Read guidelines carefully: Misalignment with guidelines is common reason for non-award

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Two separate tracks: Signature Impact Programs (open application) vs Community Impact Grants (nomination only)
• Grant range $25,000-$65,000/year with $150,000 cap for multi-year grants
• Proximity to Dunkin' location is hard requirement for all grants
• Community Impact Grants have no direct application route - relationship with Dunkin' franchisee/crew essential
• 500+ grants per year totaling over $10 million makes this one of more active corporate foundations
• Foundation's identity built around "joy" - use their vocabulary in applications
• Direct contact recommended for reapplication guidance

References

1. Joy in Childhood Foundation Official Website: joyinchildhoodfoundation.org - Accessed February 2026
2. Foundation Grants Page: joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/grants - Accessed February 2026
3. Letter from the Director: joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/letterfromdirector - Accessed February 2026
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS 990 data: projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/260593784 - Accessed February 2026
5. Dunkin' Press Release - 2025 Grant Announcement: news.dunkindonuts.com - Accessed February 2026
6. Inspire Brands Story - 2025 Grants: stories.inspirebrands.com - Accessed February 2026
7. Charity Navigator Rating: charitynavigator.org/ein/260593784 - 97% score, 4-star rating - Accessed February 2026
8. Instrumentl 990 Report - Award history: instrumentl.com/990-report/joy-in-childhood-foundation-inc - Accessed February 2026
9. GrantStation Profile: grantstation.com/grantmakers/joy-childhood-foundation - Accessed February 2026