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Jonathan M Nelson Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.9M
Grant Range
$0K - $6.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,930,250 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $174+ million
  • Grant Range: $250 - $6,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Rhode Island, with funding also in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California, and Virginia
  • Application Method: No public application process (invitation only/trustee discretion)

Contact Details

Jonathan M. Nelson Family Foundation 50 Kennedy Place, 18th Floor Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 751-0588

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or formal contact avenue for grantseekers.

Overview

The Jonathan M. Nelson Family Foundation was established in 1999 by Jonathan M. Nelson, founder and executive chairman of Providence Equity Partners. With over $174 million in assets, the foundation distributed $3.93 million in grants in 2023 across 24 awards. Nelson is a Giving Pledge signatory who has committed to donating at least half his wealth to philanthropic causes. The foundation's mission focuses on education, health, environment, and human services, with the majority of funding concentrated in Rhode Island. Recent major gifts include a $6 million grant to Brown University in 2022. Nelson's philanthropy is driven by his belief that "those with challenges either at their start or along the way get a helping hand," reflecting his commitment to creating opportunities and social mobility.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal, publicly advertised grant programs. Funding is awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on the foundation's strategic priorities.

Grant Range: Awards range from $250 to $6,000,000, with typical grants in the mid-five to six-figure range.

Priority Areas

Education

  • Higher education institutions (particularly Brown University, Harvard Business School, Rockefeller University)
  • Youth development and education access organizations (Year Up, Girls Inc.)
  • Scholarships for disadvantaged students (Ruth J. Simmons Scholarship Fund at Brown)
  • Entrepreneurship education (Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown)

Health

  • Cancer research and treatment (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Melanoma Research Foundation, American Cancer Society)
  • Healthcare facilities (South County Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital)
  • Hospice and end-of-life care (Hospice Care of Rhode Island)

Environment

  • Watershed and estuary conservation (Narrow River Preservation Association, Save the Bay)
  • Wildlife protection (Rhode Island Zoological Society)

Arts and Culture

  • Museums and arts organizations (Newport Art Museum, Newport Festivals Foundation)

Human Services

  • Youth and social services organizations
  • Education support (The Fund for Public Schools)

Geographic Focus

While the foundation's giving has "largely centered on Rhode Island," it also supports organizations in Boston, New York, and other locations across Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California, and Virginia.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation's track record indicates:

  • Organizations outside the foundation's core priority areas
  • International organizations (focus is domestic U.S.)
  • General operating support for organizations without a direct connection to the foundation or its trustees

Governance and Leadership

Jonathan M. Nelson - Founder

  • Founder and Executive Chairman, Providence Equity Partners (manages $40+ billion in assets)
  • Brown University alumnus (1977), Harvard Business School MBA (1983)
  • Trustee of The Rockefeller University (elected 2013)
  • Member of the Board of Dean's Advisors at Harvard Business School
  • Recipient of Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award (2014)
  • Member of the Corporation of Brown University
  • Net worth: $3.4 billion (Forbes, September 2023)

Nelson's Philanthropic Philosophy (from his Giving Pledge letter):

  • "In America giving is not unusual; it is mainstream."
  • "I always thought if I were lucky enough to be in a position to help others, I would."
  • "We should make sure that those with challenges either at their start or along the way get a helping hand."

Nelson's philanthropy is motivated by gratitude for his own opportunities and a belief in creating social mobility and perpetuating the benefits of democracy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or maintain a public-facing website for grantseekers.

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, typically to organizations with which Nelson or other trustees have existing relationships or personal connections. The foundation's giving reflects Nelson's personal interests, board memberships, and ties to Rhode Island and his alma maters.

Getting on Their Radar

Brown University Connections: The foundation's largest beneficiary is Brown University, where Nelson serves on the Corporation. Organizations partnering with Brown or working in areas that complement Brown's initiatives (particularly entrepreneurship, education access, and scholarships for disadvantaged students) may have indirect pathways to visibility.

Rhode Island Community Presence: Nelson has demonstrated commitment to Rhode Island-based organizations, particularly in environmental conservation (Narrow River Preservation Association, Save the Bay), healthcare (South County Hospital, Hospice Care of Rhode Island), and arts (Newport Art Museum, Newport Festivals Foundation). Established Rhode Island nonprofits working in the foundation's priority areas may come to the trustees' attention through community networks.

Board Connections: Nelson serves as a trustee of The Rockefeller University and is involved with Harvard Business School. Organizations connected to these institutions may have potential access through these networks.

Providence Equity Partners: As founder of Providence Equity Partners, Nelson's professional network in the private equity and business community may provide relationship-building opportunities for organizations working in education, entrepreneurship, or related fields.

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines are not publicly available, as the foundation does not operate on a formal application cycle. Grants appear to be made on a rolling basis throughout the year at the discretion of the trustees.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of the foundation's grantmaking.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach, success in securing funding depends primarily on:

Alignment with Nelson's Personal Interests

  • Organizations should align closely with education (especially access for disadvantaged students), health (particularly cancer research), environment (watershed/coastal conservation), or Rhode Island community development
  • Nelson's giving reflects personal experiences, including loss of his first wife to cancer, which drives his health philanthropy

Connection to Rhode Island

  • The foundation has shown strong preference for Rhode Island-based organizations or those serving Rhode Island communities
  • Nelson is Rhode Island's wealthiest resident and has stated his philanthropy "has largely centered on Rhode Island"

Institutional Relationships

  • Major grants have gone to institutions where Nelson has formal roles (Brown University, Rockefeller University, Harvard Business School)
  • Organizations with existing ties to these institutions may have better visibility

Focus on Opportunity Creation

  • Nelson's Giving Pledge letter emphasizes helping "those with challenges either at their start or along the way get a helping hand"
  • Programs demonstrating measurable impact on social mobility, educational access, and opportunity creation align with his stated values

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

  • Nelson's $25 million gift to create the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown signals interest in fostering entrepreneurial thinking and innovation
  • Organizations promoting entrepreneurship education or economic opportunity may resonate

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation operates exclusively through trustee discretion and existing relationships—traditional grant proposals are not accepted
  • Rhode Island is the sweet spot: While the foundation gives beyond Rhode Island, local organizations have received the lion's share of support
  • Think big, but start connected: Grants range from $250 to $6 million, but transformational gifts go to institutions where Nelson has deep personal ties
  • Education access is paramount: The Ruth J. Simmons Scholarship Fund and support for Year Up demonstrate commitment to educational equity and opportunity for disadvantaged students
  • Personal experience shapes priorities: Nelson's cancer philanthropy was motivated by losing his first wife—understanding the personal drivers behind his giving is crucial
  • Quality over quantity: With only 24 grants made in 2023 from $174+ million in assets, the foundation is highly selective
  • Relationship building is long-term: Organizations should focus on building visibility within Rhode Island philanthropic networks, Brown University partnerships, and connections to Nelson's professional circles rather than seeking immediate funding

References

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