Turtle Pond Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,281,757 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (No public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (Trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Not publicly available
• Geographic Focus: Not publicly specified

Contact Details

• Website: None
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Mailing Address: c/o Goldman Sachs Ayco, PO Box 15201, Albany, NY 12212

Overview

The Turtle Pond Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2018 with tax-exempt status granted in February of that year. Based in Albany, New York, the foundation holds approximately $17.4 million in assets as of 2024 and distributes roughly $1.2-1.3 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation is managed by Dennis P. Lynch Jr. (who goes by Marshall Lynch professionally), the Head of Morgan Stanley Counterpoint Global who manages $130 billion in assets and was recognized by The Wall Street Journal in 2020 as the best stock picker in the United States. As a private foundation classified under "Named Trusts/Foundations N.E.C.," it operates without a public application process, making grants at the trustees' discretion. The foundation's assets have grown significantly since inception, from $3.3 million in 2019 to $17.4 million in 2024, demonstrating strong financial management and commitment to philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not maintain publicly accessible grant programs. All grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application process.

Priority Areas

The foundation's mission is described as supporting "general charitable purposes." Specific focus areas are not publicly documented. To understand actual funding priorities, interested parties would need to review Part XV of the foundation's 990-PF tax forms to identify grant recipients and patterns.

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Dennis P. Lynch Jr. (also known professionally as Marshall Lynch)
• Marshall T. Lynch

Dennis P. Lynch Jr. is the primary trustee and the driving force behind the foundation. As Head of Morgan Stanley Counterpoint Global, Lynch manages $130 billion in assets and has achieved notable recognition in the investment community. His professional success has enabled the foundation's substantial charitable activities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Turtle Pond Foundation operates as a private family foundation where grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees. There is no application portal, no published guidelines, and no solicitation for proposals. All charitable disbursements are initiated by the trustees based on their personal charitable interests and relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the private nature of this foundation, organizations interested in potential funding should:

• Review Historical Grants: Download and review the foundation's 990-PF forms from ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer to identify past grant recipients listed in Part XV. This can reveal patterns in giving priorities and types of organizations supported.
• Research Trustee Connections: Investigate Dennis P. Lynch Jr.'s professional and personal networks, including his ties to Rumson, New Jersey (hometown) and Albany, New York (foundation location)
• Identify Common Board Members: Look for board overlap between your organization and those previously funded by the foundation
• Professional Networks: Consider connections through Morgan Stanley's corporate philanthropy initiatives or financial services industry charitable activities

Decision Timeline

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

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since the Turtle Pond Foundation does not accept public applications, traditional success factors do not apply. However, organizations that align with the trustees' charitable interests should focus on:

• Understanding Past Giving Patterns: Thoroughly analyze the foundation's 990-PF forms to identify what types of organizations have received support
• Building Authentic Relationships: Focus on developing genuine connections within the trustees' professional and personal networks rather than cold outreach
• Demonstrating Impact: Organizations known to the trustees should ensure their impact and effectiveness are well-documented and visible
• Geographic Relevance: Consider whether your organization has ties to areas of importance to the trustees (Rumson, NJ; Albany, NY; or areas where Morgan Stanley has significant presence)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Turtle Pond Foundation is a well-resourced private foundation with over $17 million in assets, distributing approximately $1.2-1.3 million annually
• There is no public application process - all grants are made at trustee discretion
• The foundation is managed by Dennis P. Lynch Jr. (Marshall Lynch), a highly successful investment professional at Morgan Stanley
• Organizations cannot apply directly but should research past giving through 990-PF forms to understand funding patterns
• Building relationships within the trustees' networks is the only viable path to potential funding
• The foundation's assets have grown significantly since 2018, suggesting expanding philanthropic capacity
• Administrative services are handled through Goldman Sachs Ayco, indicating professional management of philanthropic activities

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Turtle Pond Foundation Profile. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/357173091 (Accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ - Turtle Pond Foundation Overview. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/turtle-pond-foundation,357173091/ (Accessed February 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for Turtle Pond Foundation, Tax Years 2017-2024. Available through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• CEOWORLD Magazine - Article on Dennis P. Lynch Jr. (Marshall Lynch) professional achievements (Accessed February 2026)
• The Wall Street Journal - Recognition of Marshall Lynch as best stock picker in the United States, 2020