The Linda And Lenny Bell Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.9 million (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Varies widely
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

• Website: Not available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Application Contact: Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Linda And Lenny Bell Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in May 2013 with assets of approximately $54 million as of 2023. Founded by Dr. Leonard Bell, the former CEO and founder of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and his wife Linda Bell, the foundation distributes approximately $1.9 million annually to charitable organizations across the United States. Dr. Bell, who led Alexion from 1992-2015 and was instrumental in developing the breakthrough drug Soliris®, brings a background in biotechnology and medicine to the foundation's philanthropic work. The foundation operates through trustee discretion, funding preselected organizations without maintaining a public application process.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs but makes discretionary grants to preselected charitable organizations across diverse sectors. Annual grantmaking totals approximately $1.9 million.

Priority Areas

The foundation has not specified particular subject areas or thematic priorities. Historical giving patterns show support for organizations across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, arts and culture, and social services.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Co-Trustees:

• Dr. Leonard Bell: Co-founder and former CEO of Alexion Pharmaceuticals (1992-2015). Holds an A.B. in Philosophy from Brown University and M.D. from Yale School of Medicine. Previously served as Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pathology at Yale University School of Medicine.
• Linda Bell: Co-trustee, serves alongside Dr. Bell in overseeing foundation operations.

Both trustees serve without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion to organizations the trustees have identified.

Getting on Their Radar

Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of publicly available contact information or engagement opportunities, organizations cannot directly approach for funding. The foundation identifies grant recipients through trustee networks and relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

As this foundation does not accept applications, traditional success factors do not apply. Organizations selected for funding are identified through:

• Pre-existing relationships with the trustees
• Alignment with trustee interests and values
• Demonstrated impact in their fields
• Geographic or programmatic connections to the trustees' networks

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation is not accessible through traditional grant application processes
• With $1.9 million in annual giving from a $54 million asset base, the foundation has significant capacity
• Dr. Bell's background in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals may influence funding interests
• The foundation's broad geographic scope suggests openness to funding initiatives nationwide
• Without a public application process, organizations cannot directly seek funding
• Grant recipients are selected through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Linda And Lenny Bell Family Foundation Profile (Accessed March 2024)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for The Linda And Lenny Bell Family Foundation (2023)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - The Linda And Lenny Bell Family Foundation (Accessed March 2024)
• Alexion Pharmaceuticals corporate history and leadership records
• Yale School of Medicine faculty records