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Wilson-Oconnor Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.7M

Wilson-Oconnor Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.67 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $92.29 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Average Grant: $150,000 (estimated)
  • Geographic Focus: Boston, Massachusetts (historical focus)
  • Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: Reston, VA

Note: No website, email, or phone number publicly available

Overview

The Wilson-Oconnor Family Foundation is a private independent foundation that received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in January 2024. Based in Reston, Virginia, the foundation was established with a substantial initial contribution of $90 million in 2022 by Edward J. Wilson and Barbara Wilson. With total assets of $92.29 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $4.67 million in charitable grants during that year. The foundation operates as a classic family foundation with two directors who serve without compensation. While based in Virginia, the foundation has historically focused its grantmaking activities in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not publicize specific grant programs or funding streams. Based on available tax filings, the foundation made charitable disbursements totaling $4.67 million in 2024, representing 92.7% of total expenses.

Priority Areas

The foundation's specific funding priorities are not publicly documented. It is classified as a general philanthropy and grantmaking organization, suggesting a broad charitable mandate.

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by two directors:

  • Edward J. Wilson - Director
  • Barbara Wilson - Director

Both directors serve without compensation. The foundation maintains a lean operational structure with minimal administrative overhead, allowing the vast majority of expenditures (92.7% in 2024) to go directly to charitable disbursements.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Wilson-Oconnor Family Foundation operates as a private family foundation and does not advertise grant opportunities or accept unsolicited applications. Grants appear to be awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees based on their philanthropic interests and established relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process.

Application Success Factors

This section is not applicable as the foundation does not accept public applications. Grants are made through trustee discretion, likely to organizations already known to the Wilson family or identified through their networks, particularly in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Private Foundation Structure: This is a family foundation without a public application process, making it unsuitable for most grant seekers
  • Boston Geographic Focus: Historical evidence suggests a focus on Boston-area organizations despite Virginia headquarters
  • Substantial Resources: With $92.29 million in assets and $4.67 million in annual giving, this is a well-funded foundation
  • Established in 2022: This is a relatively new foundation, having been established with a $90 million initial contribution in 2022
  • Lean Operations: The foundation maintains minimal administrative costs, directing over 92% of expenses to charitable purposes
  • Limited Public Information: The foundation maintains privacy around its grantmaking decisions and does not publish grant lists or funding priorities
  • Not Suitable for Cold Applications: Organizations without existing connections to the Wilson family are unlikely to receive funding

References

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