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Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$100K - $1.0M

Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,600,000 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $66.1 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: $100,000 - $1,000,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Boston/Massachusetts, occasional national grants
  • Application Method: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited proposals
  • EIN: 26-1388142

Contact Details

Address:
Crimson Lion Foundation
31 St. James Ave., Suite 740
Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617) 933-3600
Email: info@crimsonlion.org
Website: www.crimsonlion.org

Philanthropic Advisor: Jeremy Cramer, CEO, Exponential Philanthropy

Overview

Established in 2007 by Jonathan and Jeannie Lavine, the Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to "leveraging philanthropy to level the playing field" by supporting nonprofit organizations that "expand opportunity, protect democracy, and repair the world." With total assets exceeding $66 million and annual giving around $1.6 million, the foundation makes substantial, multi-year grants typically ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million. Jonathan Lavine is co-managing partner of Bain Capital and founder of Bain Capital Credit. The foundation has provided transformational support to organizations including LIFT (close to $10 million since 2012), City Year ($50 million lifetime giving), and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ($35 million+). The foundation operates with minimal staff and proactively identifies partner organizations rather than accepting unsolicited proposals.

Funding Priorities

Core Focus Areas

1. Education & Economic Mobility The foundation views education as the key to economic opportunity. Jonathan Lavine states: "There is no greater way to improve someone's future than giving them access to postsecondary education." They fund organizations that promote education equity and access to postsecondary education.

2. Healthcare Considering healthcare a fundamental human right, the foundation invests in large institutions that can scale efforts, particularly Boston-area hospitals and cancer research. Previous health grantees include Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

3. Democratizing Information The foundation believes information is crucial for democracy and supports organizations working to expand access to information and promote civic engagement.

4. Social Justice & Human Services Supports organizations addressing discrimination, poverty, criminal justice reform, and human services. Notable grantee: Equal Justice Initiative ($1 million in 2016).

5. Jewish Community Supports Jewish organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, Hebrew Union College, and American Jewish World Service.

6. Workforce Development Invests in organizations that provide pathways to economic opportunity and career advancement.

Major Grantees (Organizations receiving over $50,000 in lifetime giving)

The foundation has supported 100+ organizations including:

  • LIFT (close to $10 million since 2012)
  • City Year ($50 million lifetime giving)
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ($35 million+)
  • Equal Justice Initiative ($1 million)
  • uAspire
  • Cradles to Crayons
  • Best Buddies
  • NAACP
  • Reproductive Equity Now
  • Immigration Equality
  • Cycle for Survival
  • American Red Cross
  • United Way
  • Make-a-Wish Foundation

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation:

  • Does not accept unsolicited proposals
  • Prioritizes organizations with which family members have personal connections
  • Focuses primarily on Massachusetts-based organizations (though makes occasional national grants)
  • Prefers established organizations with proven track records that can demonstrate measurable impact

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Jonathan S. Lavine - Co-Managing Partner of Bain Capital, Chief Investment Officer of Bain Capital Credit
  • Jeannie B. Lavine - Previously worked with Boston Consulting Group
  • Jacqueline R. McCoy - Trustee
  • Sally Fassler Dornaus - Trustee

Philanthropic Advisor

Jeremy Cramer - Founder and CEO of Exponential Philanthropy. Previously served as Vice President of Major Gifts for City Year nationally, leading their successful $150M 25th Anniversary Campaign. Started his career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Key Quotes from Leadership

Jonathan Lavine on their mission:
"Jeannie and I want to level the playing field for parents from all walks of life who simply want a shot at building the best possible life for themselves and their children."

On their motivation:
"It's simple — we're parents. Jeannie and I are extraordinarily fortunate to be in the position to give back to families who need our support, and we never want any parent to feel like they're in this alone."

On educational equity:
"We know that intellect is not distributed based on income, and neither should education."

Jeannie Lavine on their approach:
"Jonathan and I have watched LIFT grow into an innovative organization that is a model for how social services can serve families in need."

Jeremy Cramer on their funding strategy:
"One of our core beliefs as a foundation is that philanthropic capital at some level should serve as the risk capital that the social sector uses to prove what works, and then government systems can scale them."

On LIFT partnership:
"[LIFT is] one of our signature investments toward our mission of leveling the playing field."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. According to their official website, the Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation "does not accept unsolicited proposals" and "proactively seeks out partner organizations."

The foundation operates with minimal staff and identifies potential grantees through:

  • Personal connections with family members
  • Board member recommendations
  • Philanthropic advisor outreach
  • Existing relationships in their network

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's approach is highly selective and relationship-driven. While they don't accept cold applications, organizations might increase visibility through:

1. Demonstrate Proven Impact and Scale Potential
Jeremy Cramer stated the foundation seeks organizations that have "spent their first years developing proof of concept and that now is the time to scale." They view philanthropic capital as "risk capital that the social sector uses to prove what works, and then government systems can scale them."

2. Align with Core Mission Areas
The foundation is deeply committed to "leveling the playing field" through education, healthcare, social justice, and economic mobility. Organizations that can demonstrate measurable impact in these areas and articulate how they create opportunity and fairness are more likely to attract attention.

3. Connection to Boston/Massachusetts
While the foundation makes occasional national grants, it prioritizes Massachusetts-based organizations. Organizations with strong ties to the Boston community may have better visibility.

4. Board and Network Connections
Jonathan Lavine serves on numerous boards including City Year (Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus) and Boston Public Library. Jeannie Lavine is involved with various Boston-area organizations. Organizations connected to their existing network of grantees and board service may gain visibility through these relationships.

5. Multi-Year Partnership Approach
The foundation prefers deep, long-term partnerships over one-time grants. They "invest in the same grantees each year" and have provided sustained support over many years (e.g., LIFT since 2012, City Year since 1991).

Decision Timeline

Given the invitation-only nature of grantmaking, there are no fixed decision timelines. The foundation:

  • Makes grants on a rolling basis
  • Typically commits to multi-year partnerships (4-year commitments documented)
  • Maintains long-term relationships with core grantees
  • Revisits funding annually for existing partners

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available, as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. The foundation has supported 100+ organizations with over $50,000 in lifetime giving, but new organizations enter the portfolio infrequently, as the foundation "leaves some room for new grantees" while primarily maintaining existing partnerships.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, understanding their funding philosophy can help organizations assess alignment:

Key Success Factors

1. Proven Model with Scale Potential
The foundation seeks organizations that have demonstrated proof of concept and are ready to scale. Their philanthropic advisor emphasized supporting organizations that have "spent their first years developing proof of concept and that now is the time to scale."

2. Personal Connection to the Lavine Family
The foundation "tends to give large grants in the millions of dollars to organizations with which family members are personally connected." The Lavines' personal experiences drive their giving (e.g., Jonathan's mother was successfully treated at Dana-Farber for non-Hodgkin lymphoma).

3. Alignment with "Leveling the Playing Field"
Organizations must clearly demonstrate how they "help level the playing field, create opportunity and support fairness" (Jonathan Lavine). The foundation prioritizes eliminating barriers based on income, race, or circumstance.

4. Multi-Dimensional Approach
The foundation values organizations that support comprehensive approaches. For example, LIFT provides coaching, direct cash assistance, and systems-level advocacy—not just one service.

5. Innovation and Risk-Taking
The foundation views itself as providing "risk capital" for the social sector. They're willing to fund innovative approaches that can later be scaled through government systems.

6. Strong Leadership and Governance
Organizations with professional leadership, clear metrics, and strong board governance are more likely to receive sustained support.

7. Long-Term Partnership Mindset
The foundation prefers deep, multi-year commitments. Organizations should be prepared for sustained engagement rather than transactional relationships.

8. Commitment to Educational and Economic Equity
"Economic and educational equity are at the core of Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine's philanthropy." Organizations that address both dimensions—not just one—may be particularly attractive.

Seven Guiding Principles

The foundation operates according to seven principles: Trust, Transformation, Grace, Access, Celebration, Rigor, and Joy. Organizations that embody these values may resonate with the foundation's approach.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. This is an invitation-only funder - The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and proactively identifies partners. Traditional grant writing approaches will not work.

  2. Personal connections are paramount - The foundation "tends to give large grants to organizations with which family members are personally connected." Relationship-building through board networks is essential.

  3. Think big and long-term - Grants typically range from $100,000 to over $1 million and often span multiple years. The foundation has committed $50 million to City Year over 30+ years and $10 million to LIFT since 2012.

  4. Prove your model first, then approach for scale - The foundation seeks organizations that have demonstrated proof of concept and are ready to scale their impact. Early-stage organizations are unlikely to be funded.

  5. Educational and economic equity are central - If your organization doesn't directly address barriers to education or economic opportunity, alignment may be limited.

  6. Boston/Massachusetts location matters - While national organizations receive occasional funding, the foundation prioritizes Massachusetts-based organizations.

  7. Be prepared for deep partnership - The foundation doesn't just write checks—they engage deeply with grantees through board service, strategic guidance, and multi-year commitments. Organizations should be ready for sustained engagement.

  8. Innovation plus rigor - The foundation values innovative approaches but expects rigorous evidence of impact. Be prepared to demonstrate measurable outcomes and scalability potential.

References

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