Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 06-6141242
• Trust Assets: ~$16 million (as of 2018)
• Original Trust: $3 million (established 1972)
• Application Process: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications
• Geographic Focus: Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut only
• Contact: c/o Bank of America, N.A., P.O. Box 653067, Dallas, TX 75265-3067
• Phone: (860) 952-7405 (Hartford) / 888-866-3275 (Bank of America Grantmaking)

Contact Details

Mailing Address (Trust Services):
c/o Bank of America, N.A.
P.O. Box 653067
Dallas, TX 75265-3067

Alternative Contact (Hartford):
c/o Bank of America, N.A.
777 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 952-7405

Bank of America Grantmaking:
Phone: 888-866-3275
Website: www.bankofamerica.com/grantmaking

Note: The foundation does not maintain its own website or direct contact information. All inquiries are handled through Bank of America's trust services.

Overview

The Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation was established in 1972 by Ray H. Sullivan, a former vice president at Ford Motor Company. Mr. Sullivan and his wife Pauline grew up in southeastern Connecticut and valued Catholic education. After Ray's successful career in the automotive industry in Detroit, the couple's charitable interests remained focused on their home region. The foundation was initially funded with a $3 million trust designated for the Norwich Diocese for educational, religious, and charitable work. As of 2018, the trust has grown to approximately $16 million.

The foundation's relationship with Catholic education in Connecticut predates its formal establishment—in March 1965, Mr. Sullivan contributed $100,000 to St. Bernard Boys' High School to construct a chapel in memory of his late wife, Pauline. The foundation is administered by Bank of America, N.A., which serves as co-trustee alongside four local individuals. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. In 2018, the foundation was honored with the Clairvaux Medal from Saint Bernard School in recognition of its prominent financial support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Focus Areas

Primary Mission: The foundation gives exclusively to Roman Catholic charities and educational institutions located within the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut.

Geographic Boundaries: The Diocese of Norwich encompasses Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham counties in Connecticut, plus Fishers Island (part of Suffolk County, New York).

Documented Grantmaking Activities

Educational Support:

• Over $3 million distributed to Saint Bernard School for scholarships and operational expenses
• $250,000 in additional college scholarships for Saint Bernard School students
• Ongoing matching gift challenges to encourage alumni giving
• Student loans and scholarships for graduates of St. Bernard High School in Uncasville, CT

Religious and Charitable Work:

• Support for Catholic charities within the Diocese of Norwich
• Religious institutions and programs serving the four-county region
• Community-focused Catholic organizations

Known Recipients

• Saint Bernard School, Uncasville, CT (major beneficiary)
• Catholic schools within the Diocese of Norwich
• Catholic charities within the Diocese of Norwich
• Students from the Diocese of Norwich pursuing higher education

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the Diocese of Norwich, CT
• Non-Catholic institutions
• Individuals (except through established scholarship programs)
• Organizations attempting to influence policy or political campaigns
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is managed by five co-trustees:

• Bank of America, N.A. (Corporate Trustee) - Serves as the primary administrator through their Philanthropic Solutions division
• Four Local Individuals - Specific names not publicly disclosed

Foundation History

Founder: Ray H. Sullivan, former Vice President at Ford Motor Company, established the foundation in 1972 after a successful career in Detroit's automotive industry.

Founding Principles: The Sullivans valued Catholic education and wanted to ensure ongoing support for educational, religious, and charitable work in their home region of southeastern Connecticut.

Recognition: In 2018, the foundation received the Clairvaux Medal from Saint Bernard School, presented alongside alumni Fred Smith '64 and Sean Kaylor '86, honoring the foundation as a "prominent financial supporter."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important: This foundation does not have a public application process.

According to IRS Form 990-PF filings, the foundation "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

The foundation operates under a trustee-directed model where Bank of America, N.A. and the co-trustees proactively identify and select organizations to support based on the foundation's mission and geographic focus.

For Scholarship Applicants

Student Scholarships: The foundation does offer scholarships to students in the Diocese of Norwich through specific programs:

Eligibility:

• Students must be from the Diocese of Norwich, CT
• Open to college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Graduates of St. Bernard's High School in Uncasville, CT are eligible for specific scholarship and loan programs

Scholarship Contact: Ray & Pauline Sullivan Foundation
c/o Bank of America, N.A.
777 Main St.
Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 952-7405

Note: Specific application procedures, deadlines, and award amounts for scholarships should be obtained by contacting Bank of America directly or through Saint Bernard School's financial aid office.

Getting on Their Radar

For Catholic Organizations in the Diocese of Norwich:

1. Diocesan Connections: The foundation works closely with the Diocese of Norwich. Organizations should ensure they are in good standing with the Diocese and participate actively in diocesan initiatives and gatherings. The Diocese's Development Office may be aware of the foundation's giving priorities.

2. Saint Bernard School Relationship: The foundation has a particularly strong, multi-generational relationship with Saint Bernard School dating back to 1965. Organizations serving similar educational missions within the Diocese might position themselves as complementary to this long-standing commitment.

3. Bank of America's Philanthropic Solutions: Since Bank of America serves as corporate trustee, understanding their grantmaking process is valuable. Bank of America manages over 160 charitable foundations and has established protocols for evaluating potential beneficiaries. Their Philanthropic Solutions group "proactively seek[s] grant opportunities that promote foundations' goals."

4. Long-term Institutional Presence: The foundation's documented support shows a preference for established institutions with long-term presence in the Diocese. Organizations should emphasize their history, stability, and ongoing commitment to the region.

5. Catholic Educational Focus: Given the foundation's clear emphasis on Catholic education (particularly scholarships and operational support for Catholic schools), educational institutions should highlight their role in continuing Catholic education traditions in southeastern Connecticut.

6. Matching Gift Opportunities: The foundation has shown interest in matching gift challenges that encourage broader community support (as demonstrated by their recent alumni giving challenge at Saint Bernard School). Organizations might consider how they could structure matching opportunities that align with this approach.

Diocese of Norwich Contact:
Development Office
Diocese of Norwich
331 Main Street, Floor 2
Norwich, CT 06360-5836

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Insights

Geographic Alignment is Absolute: The foundation has a clearly defined geographic focus. Organizations must be located within or primarily serve the four counties of the Diocese of Norwich (Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham) plus Fishers Island, NY. This is non-negotiable.

Catholic Identity is Essential: The foundation's mission explicitly focuses on "Roman Catholic charities and educational institutions." Organizations must demonstrate authentic Catholic identity and mission alignment with diocesan priorities.

Long-term Relationships Matter: The foundation's 60+ year relationship with Saint Bernard School (beginning in 1965, formalized through the trust in 1972) demonstrates a preference for sustained, multi-generational partnerships rather than one-time grants.

Educational Excellence and Access: The foundation's substantial scholarship support ($3.25 million+ to Saint Bernard School alone) indicates strong interest in making Catholic education accessible through financial aid and in supporting institutional sustainability through operational funding.

Trustee Discretion Model: As Bank of America and local co-trustees proactively identify beneficiaries, organizations should focus on institutional excellence and visibility within the Diocese rather than direct solicitation. The foundation finds organizations rather than organizations finding the foundation.

Measurable Impact on Students: The foundation tracks specific outcomes—scholarship recipients, college attendance, operational stability of supported schools—suggesting that organizations should be prepared to demonstrate concrete impact on students and families in the Diocese.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do Not Apply Directly: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Direct solicitation is not productive and goes against the foundation's stated policy.

• Focus on Diocesan Presence: Strengthen relationships with the Diocese of Norwich and ensure your organization is well-known and highly regarded within diocesan circles. The Diocese's Development Office and Bishop's office may be aware of the foundation's priorities.

• Catholic Education is the Clear Priority: The overwhelming majority of documented grants support Catholic schools and student scholarships. Educational organizations have the strongest alignment with the foundation's demonstrated giving patterns.

• Geographic Boundaries are Strict: Must serve the Diocese of Norwich, CT (four counties: Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham, plus Fishers Island, NY). Organizations outside these boundaries will not be considered.

• Institutional Stability Matters: The foundation supports established institutions with proven track records. New organizations or programs may find it difficult to gain consideration.

• Think Long-term: The foundation's giving pattern suggests multi-year, sustained support rather than single grants. Organizations should consider how they would steward a long-term relationship.

• Bank of America is the Gatekeeper: Understanding Bank of America's Philanthropic Solutions division and their approach to foundation management may provide insights into the selection process. They manage over 160 foundations and have established evaluation criteria.

References

1. Candid Foundation Directory. "Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation." Foundation Profile (EIN: 06-6141242). Profile last updated 09/05/2025, grant information last updated 02/11/2022. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SULL002

2. GuideStar by Candid. "Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation." Nonprofit Profile. http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/06-6141242/ray-h-pauline-sullivan-foundation.aspx

3. Patch. "Saint Bernard School Honors Three With Clairvaux Medal." Montville, CT Patch, April 23, 2018. https://patch.com/connecticut/montville-ct/saint-bernard-school-honors-three-clairvaux-medal

4. The Day. "Saint Bernard School looking for donations from alumni." January 4, 2023. https://www.theday.com/local-news/20230104/saint-bernard-school-looking-for-donations-from-alumni/

5. CollegeScholarships.com. "Ray & Pauline Sullivan Foundation Scholarship." Scholarship profile. https://www.collegescholarships.com/scholarships/detail/106287

6. Foundation Search. "Return of Private Foundation - Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation 2006 Form 990-PF" (EIN: 066141242). https://www.foundationsearch.com/990/ARCHIVE/0/RAY%20H%20&%20PAULINE%20SULLIVAN%20FOUNDATION%202006%20066141242.PDF

7. Bank of America. "Philanthropic Solutions - Grantmaking." Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.bankofamerica.com/grantmaking

8. CitizenAudit.org. "Ray H & Pauline Sullivan Foundation." Tax Document Archive (EIN: 066141242). https://citizenaudit.org/organization/066141242/RAY%20H%20&%20PAULINE%20SULLIVAN%20FOUNDATION

9. Diocese of Norwich. "About the Diocese." Official website of the Diocese of Norwich. https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/About-the-Diocese

10. Historic Images. "1950 Press Photo Ray H. Sullivan Vice President." Photograph confirming Ray H. Sullivan's role as Vice President. https://historicimages.com/products/dfpa44665

All sources accessed February 13, 2026.