← Back to US Funders Directory

Telemachus And Irene Demoulas Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.0M
Grant Range
$15K - $3.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,968,250 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $15,000 - $3,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Massachusetts and New Hampshire (primarily Greater Boston and Lowell areas)

Contact Details

Address: 286 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824

Phone: (978) 244-1024

Website: No public website

Tax ID (EIN): 04-3582759

Overview

The Telemachus and Irene Demoulas Family Foundation was established in 2001 as a private family foundation named in honor of Telemachus "Mike" Demoulas (1920-2003) and his wife Irene (1925-2020). Telemachus Demoulas co-founded the Market Basket supermarket chain with his brother George in 1954, transforming their parents' small grocery store into a regional supermarket empire. The foundation holds approximately $201 million in assets and distributed $7,968,250 in charitable grants in 2024. The foundation operates with minimal public profile, reflecting the family's characteristically low-key approach to philanthropy. Managed by the Demoulas family, the foundation supports a diverse range of organizations across Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, with particular emphasis on healthcare institutions, Greek Orthodox churches, educational organizations, youth programs, and cultural institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not offer structured grant programs with defined funding tiers. Instead, it operates as a traditional private family foundation making grants on a discretionary basis. Grant amounts vary significantly based on the project and organization, ranging from $15,000 to $3,000,000.

Application Method: Letter requests accepted on a rolling basis

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant-making patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Healthcare: Major grants to hospitals including Massachusetts General Hospital ($3,000,000 in 2022), along with senior care facilities like D'Youville Senior Care
  • Greek Orthodox Churches: Strong support for Hellenic religious institutions, including Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ($950,000 in 2022), reflecting the family's Greek heritage
  • Youth Organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley ($25,000) and similar youth development programs across the region
  • Cultural Organizations: Metropolitan Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Whistler House Museum of Art, and Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England ($25,000)
  • Education: Schools, colleges, and universities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire
  • Community Development: Greater Lowell Family YMCA and civic organizations serving local communities

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's funding restrictions are not publicly documented, but as a private family foundation with strong ties to the Lowell and Chelmsford communities, grants typically support organizations within Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Arthur T. Demoulas (son of Telemachus and Irene)
  • Frances I. Demoulas (daughter of Telemachus and Irene)

Administrator:

  • Susan M. Dufresne

Arthur T. Demoulas is the well-known CEO of Market Basket supermarket chain and was central to the famous 2014 employee protests that garnered international attention when employees walked out in support of his leadership. The family maintains a notably private approach to their philanthropy, rarely seeking publicity for their charitable contributions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited letter requests from nonprofit organizations. According to tax records, local nonprofits should submit grant requests by mail to the attention of Arthur T. Demoulas.

Letter requests should:

  • Describe the organization's need for the contribution
  • Be sent to: 286 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824
  • There are typically no submission deadlines or restrictions on when to apply

The foundation does not publish extensive grantseeker guidelines and does not have a website or online application portal. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation with trustee-driven grant decisions, the review process likely varies depending on the grant request size and nature.

Success Rates

The foundation made 11 grants in 2024, 11 grants in 2023, and 14 grants in 2022. Success rates and total number of applications received are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly documented. Organizations that have received past funding include repeat grantees, suggesting that reapplication is acceptable.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not publish specific application guidance, the following factors appear important based on grant-making patterns:

  • Geographic connection: Organizations based in or serving the Greater Lowell area, Chelmsford, and surrounding Massachusetts and New Hampshire communities appear to have an advantage, reflecting the foundation's roots
  • Greek heritage: Greek Orthodox churches and Hellenic cultural organizations receive significant support, honoring the Demoulas family's Greek immigrant heritage
  • Established institutions: Major grants go to well-established healthcare, cultural, and educational institutions (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera)
  • Youth and community development: Local youth organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs receive consistent support
  • Letter quality: Since applications are submitted via letter, a well-written request that clearly identifies the specific need and community impact is essential
  • Low-key approach: The foundation values privacy and does not seek publicity for its grants, so applicants should focus on substantive program needs rather than recognition opportunities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation accepts unsolicited letter requests on a rolling basis—no formal deadlines to navigate
  • Grant amounts vary dramatically from $15,000 to $3,000,000, suggesting flexibility based on organizational needs and relationships
  • Organizations with ties to the Greater Lowell/Chelmsford area or serving Greek-American communities may have strategic advantages
  • Healthcare institutions, youth programs, Greek Orthodox churches, and cultural organizations align well with funding priorities
  • The foundation operates with minimal public profile—expect limited communication and private decision-making processes
  • With only 11-14 grants made annually from significant assets, competition is likely intense despite accepting unsolicited applications
  • Long-term relationships appear valuable, as several organizations receive repeat funding

References

🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.

Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.

✓

Data privacy and security by default

✓

Your organisation's past successful grants and experience

✓

AI analysis of what reviewers want to see

✓

A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours

Join the Launch ListLearn More
← Back to US Funders Directory