Quonochontaug Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (pre-selected grantees)
• Grant Range: Varies from smaller institutional support to $10 million+
• Geographic Focus: Greater Boston/Massachusetts area

Contact Details

No public contact information available. The foundation operates through:

• P.O. Box 81053, Wellesley, MA 02481
• No public website
• No public phone or email

Overview

The Quonochontaug Foundation is a private family foundation established by Daniel E. Smith Jr. and Elizabeth Riley, funded through Smith's success as co-founder of Cascade Communications and Sycamore Networks. Smith, a Lehigh University alumnus (B.S. 1971) and Harvard MBA (1976), built his wealth in the technology sector, particularly in data communications and optical networking. The foundation, while classified as a private independent foundation with 501(c)(3) status, operates as a vehicle for the couple's personal philanthropy, focusing on education, arts & culture, and health causes in the Greater Boston area. Recent giving through the foundation has been described as "modest" though an uptick may be forthcoming.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants in:

• Major Educational Gifts: Multi-million dollar commitments to higher education institutions
• Institutional Support: Ongoing support to Boston-area educational and cultural organizations
• Health Initiatives: Support for specialized health causes and medical research

Priority Areas

• Higher Education and K-12 Independent Schools
• Boston-area Museums and Cultural Institutions
• Health and Medical Research
• Animal Welfare

What They Don't Fund

As an invitation-only funder, they do not fund:

• Unsolicited requests
• Organizations without existing relationships
• General operating support to unknown entities

Governance and Leadership

Principals: Daniel E. Smith Jr. and Elizabeth Riley

Daniel Smith brings extensive business experience from co-founding two successful technology companies. His philanthropy reflects his educational background and business success, with major support directed to his alma mater and institutions in their home region of Greater Boston.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation makes grants exclusively to pre-selected organizations with whom the donors have existing relationships. They do not accept unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, organizations may consider:

• Building connections through Boston-area philanthropic networks where the donors are active
• Engaging with other organizations they support (Lehigh University, Museum of Science, USS Constitution Museum) for potential introductions
• Participating in Boston-area educational and cultural initiatives where the donors have demonstrated interest

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at the discretion of the donors to pre-selected organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only funder.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations they have supported share these characteristics:

• Strong presence in Greater Boston area
• Excellence in education, arts, or specialized health causes
• Established institutional reputation
• Connection to the donors' personal interests or history (particularly Lehigh University connection)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals to this foundation
• Focus on relationship-building if your organization aligns with their interests
• The foundation makes significant commitments when engaged ($10M to Lehigh)
• Geographic proximity to Boston/Massachusetts is important
• Educational institutions, particularly those with STEM focus, align with donor interests
• Consider this a long-term cultivation prospect rather than immediate funding opportunity

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Quonochontaug Foundation (EIN: 274129667). Accessed February 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/274129667
• Inside Philanthropy - Daniel Smith and Elizabeth Riley Donor Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/major-donors/daniel-smith-and-elizabeth-riley
• Foundation Directory Online/Candid - Quonochontaug Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2026
• GuideStar/Candid Database - EIN 27-4129667. Accessed February 2026