Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $13,000,000-$15,200,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000 (up to $13+ million for major initiatives)
• Geographic Focus: Boston area primary, also New York and California

Contact Details

Phone: 716-666-3080
Mailing Address:
Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari
C/O McNulty CPA
1350 6th Ave 2300
New York City, NY 10019
Website: None
Email: Not available

Overview

Established in 2011, Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari (formerly the Grousbeck Trust) is the private philanthropic foundation of Wycliffe K. Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari, with assets totaling approximately $295.5 million. The foundation distributes $13-15 million annually in grants. Grousbeck, managing partner and CEO of the Boston Celtics since 2002, and Fazzalari, CEO of Cincoro Tequila, personally oversee all grantmaking decisions as the foundation's only trustees. Their approach focuses on long-term partnerships with exceptional organizations and leaders, particularly in the Boston area, with the philosophy to "make commitments to the best people and places we can find and stick with it over the long term."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not maintain formal grant programs but typically awards:

• Small grants: $1,000 - $50,000 for community organizations
• Mid-level grants: $50,000 - $500,000 for established nonprofits
• Major commitments: $1,000,000+ for transformational initiatives (multi-year possible)
• Capital campaigns and naming opportunities at major institutions

Priority Areas

• Education and Youth Development: Universities, schools, youth organizations
• Health and Medical Research: Hospitals, medical research, disease-specific organizations
• Boston Community Development: Local nonprofits, cultural institutions, social services
• Criminal Justice Reform: Support for initiatives like REFORM Alliance
• Arts and Culture: Museums, performing arts organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on 501(c)(3) organizations and does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or organizations outside their geographic focus areas.

Governance and Leadership

Wycliffe K. Grousbeck - Trustee (uncompensated)

• Managing Partner, Governor, and CEO of the Boston Celtics since 2002
• Former General Partner at Highland Capital Partners
• Princeton University Class of 1983, Stanford MBA

Emilia G. Fazzalari - Trustee (uncompensated)

• CEO and co-founder of Cincoro Tequila
• Board member of multiple nonprofits

The foundation has no additional staff or directors. Grousbeck and Fazzalari personally review all requests and make all funding decisions. Both are known to be accessible to grantseekers who understand their philanthropic approach.

Grousbeck describes their philosophy: "Our approach to philanthropy is to make commitments to the best people and places we can find and stick with it over the long term." Fazzalari adds that they "seek out innovative and exceptional people who are tackling groundbreaking endeavors that are simply too compelling to refuse."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation accepts unsolicited requests but provides no formal application procedures. Grantseekers should:

• Send typewritten information and proof of nonprofit status by mail to the New York address
• Call 716-666-3080 with general questions (Wycliffe Grousbeck is also available by phone)
• Note that not all unsolicited requests will receive acknowledgement

Getting on Their Radar

Based on their giving patterns, organizations can increase visibility by:

• Building connections through Boston-area nonprofit boards where the trustees serve (Mass Eye and Ear, Dana-Farber, Children's Hospital Boston)
• Participating in Boston Celtics community initiatives and the Shamrock Foundation
• Demonstrating innovation in addressing education, health, or community challenges in Boston
• Leveraging connections through Princeton University or Stanford University alumni networks
• Showing measurable impact in areas they've previously supported

Decision Timeline

No specific timeline is published. The foundation reviews proposals on a rolling basis with no application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation awarded approximately 50 grants in recent filings.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified, though their philosophy of "sticking with it over the long term" suggests they value ongoing relationships with grantees.

Application Success Factors

Based on their giving history and stated philosophy:

• Long-term potential: They value sustained partnerships over one-time grants
• Leadership quality: They invest in "exceptional people" and innovative leaders
• Boston connection: Strong preference for organizations serving the Boston community
• Transformational impact: Support for "groundbreaking endeavors that are simply too compelling to refuse"
• Institutional excellence: Major gifts go to top-tier institutions (Princeton, Stanford, Mass Eye and Ear)
• Personal connection: Many recipients have board or leadership connections to the trustees
• Prevention focus: Particularly in health, Fazzalari notes "the key word is prevention"

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder with no formal application process - personal connections matter significantly
• Focus proposals on long-term partnership potential rather than one-time needs
• Emphasize innovative approaches and exceptional leadership in your organization
• Boston-area organizations have the strongest chance of support
• Large transformational gifts are possible for the right opportunities (they've given $10+ million to single organizations)
• Be prepared for minimal communication - they don't acknowledge all requests
• Consider connecting through their existing grantee network or board service

References

• Inside Philanthropy - "Giving | Grousbeck Fazzalari" profile (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari Form 990 filings (accessed February 2026)
• Mass Eye and Ear - Donor Profile: Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari (accessed February 2026)
• Princeton University - "Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari support undergraduate student expansion with new dormitory" (May 18, 2021)
• Charity Navigator - Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari profile (accessed February 2026)
• GuideStar - Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari EIN 30-6284986 (accessed February 2026)