The Alexander And Linda Milley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $311,050 (2023)
• Total Assets: $11.1 million (2024)
• Grant Range: $50 - $103,000
• Number of Grants: 117 grants (2024), 108 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: National, with primary focus on New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland
• Foundation Type: Private Independent Foundation

Contact Details

Address: 1056 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870

Phone: (212) 297-0400

Contact Person: Linda Milley

EIN: 83-2877497

Website: No public website identified

Note: No email address publicly available

Overview

The Alexander And Linda Milley Foundation is a private independent foundation established in May 2019 and based in Rye, New Hampshire. Founded and led by Alexander and Linda Milley, the foundation has grown its assets to approximately $11.1 million as of 2024. The foundation demonstrates consistent grant-making activity, distributing approximately $311,050 to $349,675 annually across over 100 organizations.

As a family foundation, it operates with a straightforward structure, with Alexander Milley serving as Chair and Treasurer, and Linda Milley as Vice Chair and Secretary, both without compensation. The foundation's giving has steadily increased, supporting organizations across more than 20 states, though it maintains a particular focus on the Northeast corridor. The foundation's income derives primarily from investment activities, with 87.4% from sales of assets, 9.9% from dividends, and 2.6% from interest revenue.

The Milley family has roots in Winchester, Massachusetts, and the foundation appears to continue a family tradition of charitable giving established by Alexander's parents, Al and Mary Milley.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no formal program structure or deadlines. Applications are accepted via letter throughout the year.

• Typical Grant Range: $50 - $103,000
• Average Grant Activity: 108-120 grants annually
• Application Method: Letter of inquiry on rolling basis

Priority Areas

The foundation's grant-making focuses on three primary areas:

1. Education: Supporting educational institutions and programs
2. Human Services: Funding organizations providing direct services to communities
3. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking: Supporting other charitable organizations and foundations

Geographic Distribution: While the foundation has supported organizations across 20+ states (including Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia), it demonstrates particular concentration in:

• New York
• Massachusetts
• Maryland

The foundation does not specify narrow subject areas, indicating a relatively broad approach to grant-making within these general categories.

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions have been publicly documented by the foundation. As a private independent foundation, standard exclusions would typically apply (individuals, political campaigns, lobbying activities), but the foundation has not published a formal list of restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Alexander Milley - Chair and Treasurer

• Serves without compensation
• Winchester, Massachusetts connections
• Brother of General Mark Milley, 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Linda Milley - Vice Chair and Secretary

• Serves without compensation
• Primary contact for grant applications

The foundation operates as a family foundation with a lean governance structure. Both trustees serve without compensation, indicating a personal commitment to the foundation's charitable mission rather than a professional philanthropic operation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications via letter of inquiry submitted on a rolling basis with no formal deadlines.

Application Method:

• Submit a written letter of inquiry
• Address correspondence to Linda Milley
• Mail to: 1056 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870
• Phone inquiries: (212) 297-0400

No Formal Application Form: The foundation does not require a specific application form or online portal submission.

No Published Restrictions: The foundation reports "no restrictions" in its public filings, suggesting openness to a wide range of charitable purposes within its general areas of interest.

Decision Timeline

No specific decision timeline has been published. As a rolling application process with no deadlines, decisions are likely made on an ongoing basis throughout the year. The foundation files its Form 990-PF annually in November, suggesting grants are reviewed and approved throughout the preceding fiscal year.

Success Rates

Based on available data:

• 108-120 grants awarded annually (2022-2023)
• Success rate data not publicly available
• The relatively high number of grants suggests the foundation maintains an active grant-making program relative to its asset size

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy has been published. Given the rolling application process and lack of formal restrictions, reapplication appears to be permitted, though specific timing guidance is not available.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation has not published specific guidance for applicants, several factors can be inferred from its operational profile:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations based in or serving communities in New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland appear to receive particular attention, though the foundation has demonstrated willingness to support organizations in 20+ states.

Mission Fit: Focus on education, human services, and philanthropic/grantmaking organizations aligns with the foundation's documented priorities.

Grant Size Expectations: With typical grants ranging from $50 to $103,000 and over 100 grants made annually, the foundation appears to favor a portfolio approach of multiple modest-to-moderate grants rather than fewer large awards. Organizations should consider requesting amounts within this range.

Simplicity of Process: The foundation's preference for letter applications rather than lengthy formal proposals suggests a streamlined approach. Clear, concise communications about organizational mission, specific program needs, and anticipated impact are likely valued.

Family Foundation Characteristics: As a family foundation run by the founding donors, grant decisions likely reflect the personal interests and values of Alexander and Linda Milley. Building understanding of those interests (education, human services, support for other charitable organizations) is valuable.

No Published Deadlines: The rolling application process suggests the foundation reviews requests throughout the year, allowing applicants flexibility in timing their submissions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Accessibility: The foundation's rolling application process with no deadlines and simple letter-based application makes it relatively accessible to organizations of various sizes
• Geographic sweet spot: While nationwide giving is possible, organizations in New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland should consider this foundation a strong prospect
• Moderate grant size: Request amounts in the $50,000-$103,000 range align with the foundation's typical giving patterns, though smaller grants are also common
• Broad but focused: The foundation supports education, human services, and philanthropy/grantmaking but doesn't restrict to narrow program areas within these categories
• High volume approach: With 100+ grants annually from approximately $350,000 in giving, the foundation clearly prefers supporting many organizations rather than making a few large investments
• Family foundation dynamics: As a family foundation with volunteer leadership, relationship-building and alignment with the trustees' values may be more important than in larger institutional foundations
• Limited public information: The foundation does not maintain a website or publish detailed guidelines, so understanding its giving patterns requires reviewing 990-PF tax forms

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Alexander And Linda Milley Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/832877497 (Accessed February 11, 2026)

2. Instrumentl 990 Report - The Alexander and Linda Milley Foundation. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/alexander-and-linda-milley-foundation (Accessed February 11, 2026)

3. Cause IQ - Alexander and Linda Milley Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/alexander-and-linda-milley-foundation,832877497/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)

4. Charity Navigator - The Alexander and Linda Milley Foundation. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/832877497 (Accessed February 11, 2026)

5. GuideStar Profile - The Alexander and Linda Milley Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/83-2877497 (Accessed February 11, 2026)

6. Foundation Directory (Candid) - Alexander and Linda Milley Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=7766310 (Accessed February 11, 2026)

7. Grantmakers.io Profile - ALEXANDER AND LINDA MILLEY FOUNDATION. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/832877497-alexander-and-linda-milley-foundation/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)

8. Legacy.com - Alexander Milley Obituary (2015). https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/alexander-milley-obituary?n=alexander-milley&pid=174667004&fhid=25338 (Accessed February 11, 2026)