Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) is a private foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations working in areas including cancer care, reproductive health, employment and education, youth services, and environmental and marine conservation.
Key facts about Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)
In short: Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) gave $35.7M across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $2.1M), mostly in Connecticut. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 85-3945419
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $35,658,156
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- Average grant
- $2,097,539
- Median grant
- $425,000
- Total assets
- $307,946,189
- Primary geography
- Connecticut (71% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$307.9M
+158.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$35.7M
+537.3% YoY
Grant Count
17
+30.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2.1M
+387.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) reported a distributable amount of $7.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) gives
- 76% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 2171% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 497% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied missions. Dana-Farber Inc., which received $4,060,000, states that it supports the exempt missions of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and provides investment management services. Upstream USA, which received $1,000,000, says its mission is to make equitable, patient-centered contraceptive care basic healthcare. Social Finance Inc., also receiving $1,000,000, says it builds partnerships and investments to measurably improve lives.
Other recipients include Year Up Inc., whose mission is to help young adults build skills and access careers and higher education; Duet Inc., which says it helps college students earn degrees through support and coaching; Horizons for Homeless Children, which works to improve the lives of homeless children and their families; and New England Aquarium Corporation, which describes its work in ocean conservation, research, education, and advocacy.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 17 grants totaling $35,658,156. Grant amounts ranged from $200,000 to $25,047,906, with a median of $425,000. The largest reported grant was $25,047,906 to Jerome Avenue Fund Co the Boston Foundation; its filing purpose refers to general-purpose support and 90,885 shares of VTI. Other notable grants included $4,060,000 to Dana-Farber Inc.; $1,000,000 each to Upstream USA and Social Finance; and $540,000 to Year Up Inc.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, recipients in Connecticut received 71% of grant dollars, recipients in Massachusetts received 25%, and recipients in California and New York each received 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.6M (2021) to $35.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $35.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Jerome Avenue Fund Co the Boston Foundation ($25.0M). Together the top 10 received $34.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
45 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $250–500K range: 20 grants of 45 (44%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jerome Avenue Fund Co the Boston Foundation East Haven, CT | General purpose - 90,885 sh vti book value $19,385,886mean fmv used for deduction | $25,047,906 |
| Dana-Farber Inc Boston, MA | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Projects and Initiatives | $4,060,000 |
| Upstream USA Boston, MA | Support upstream usa's mission to expand opportunity by reducing unplanned pregnancy | $1,000,000 |
| Social Finance Boston, MA | Support training for the unemployed or underemployed to gain access to high-demand jobs that pay family sustaining wages | $1,000,000 |
| Year up Inc Boston, MA | Direct Service Programs and New Pilots and Initiatives | $540,000 |
| Focusing Philanthropy Santa Monica, CA | Jewish vocational service / focusing philanthropy matching gift campaign | $537,000 |
| Youth Villages Woburn, MA | Provide Young Adults with Lifeset Services | $500,000 |
| Milford Public Schools Milford, MA | Support evidence based 1:1 virtual tutoring through ignite reading to support 1st and 2nd grade students in high poverty | $445,500 |
| St Vincent's Medical Center Bridgeport, CT | Establish the neil and diane mellen critical care fund | $425,000 |
| Waltham Public Schools Waltham, MA | Support evidence based 1:1 virtual tutoring through ignite reading to support 1st and 2nd grade students in high poverty | $402,750 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $307,946,189 | $220,762,397 | $37,827,806 | $35,658,156 | 17 |
| 2023 | $119,349,577 | $5,437,727 | $7,399,373 | $5,595,000 | 13 |
| 2022 | $121,311,223 | $2,206,921 | $5,410,831 | $5,035,000 | 11 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $307,946,189 | $119,349,577 | $121,311,223 |
| Revenue | $220,762,397 | $5,437,727 | $2,206,921 |
| Expenses | $37,827,806 | $7,399,373 | $5,410,831 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $35,907,541 | $5,746,834 | $5,074,857 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,923,915 | $2,684,278 | $2,302,181 |
| Distributable Amount | $7,220,593 | $5,474,953 | $5,742,788 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Michael Eisenson as president and director, Neil Mellen as chair and director, and Jane Goldstein as treasurer, secretary, and director.
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) is led by Michael Eisenson, President & Director on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Michael Eisenson
President & Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Neil Mellen
Chair & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Goldstein
Treasurer, Secretary & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 31 St James Ave 740, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 933-3620
Frequently asked questions about Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)
How much does Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) give each year?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) gave $35.7M across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.6M across 13 grants.
What is Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s typical grant size?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s median grant in 2024 was $425,000, and its average grant was $2,097,539, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) give grants?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) gives mostly in Connecticut: 71% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Massachusetts (25%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boston, MA (6 grants) and New York, NY (3 grants).
Does Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) give general operating support?
Occasionally: 6% of Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 17) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s largest grantees?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s largest 2024 grantees include Jerome Avenue Fund Co the Boston Foundation ($25,047,906), Dana-Farber Inc ($4,060,000) and Upstream USA ($1,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 84% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) reported $307.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $35.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $7.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied missions. Dana-Farber Inc., which received $4,060,000, states that it supports the exempt missions of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and provides investment management services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s EIN?
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-3945419. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn)'s focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Reeder Foundation
Boston, MA
The Reeder Foundation funds education, career access, college success, and youth-serving organizations; in 2025, grants ranged from $50,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $275,000. Most funding went to organizations in Massachusetts, with the remainder going to Washington, DC. It funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$63.6M
Grants
12
Total Given
$5.0M
ONE8 Foundation
Boston, MA
ONE8 Foundation funds applied learning in K–12 and postsecondary education, Jewish communities and Israel, local community support, and epilepsy research and care, with grants concentrated in Massachusetts but also reaching organizations nationally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $3 million, with a median of $50,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected 501(c)(3) organizations, though it may periodically invite small grant proposals.
Assets
$401.1M
Grants
188
Total Given
$48.8M
The Shapiro Foundation
Needham, MA
The Shapiro Foundation funds refugee resettlement and integration, including lawful pathways, community sponsorship, education for displaced children, and urgent basic needs. In 2024, grants ranged from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000; its work spans six continents, with substantial funding going to organizations in Massachusetts and other U.S. states. It funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$123.7M
Grants
85
Total Given
$5.2M
Fidelity Non-Profit Management Foundation
Boston, MA
Fidelity Non-Profit Management funds eligible public charities working in arts and culture, education, and medical research and healthcare, with an emphasis on strong nonprofit management. Its 2024 grants ranged from $75,000 to $25 million, with a median of $700,000; most funding went to Massachusetts, with grants also made elsewhere in the U.S. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.6B
Grants
108
Total Given
$135.2M
Lovett-Woodsum Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including those in education and career development, the arts, animal welfare, family support, conservation, and ecology. Its 2024 grants had a median of $8,000 and ranged from $7 to $400,000; most funding went to Massachusetts, followed by New Hampshire. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$87.6M
Grants
85
Total Given
$1.9M
The Edgerley Family Foundation
Overland Park, KS
The Edgerley Family Foundation supports education, youth development, health care, and charitable organizations, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Massachusetts and Kansas. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $13 million, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$239.1M
Grants
101
Total Given
$35.4M
Liberty Mutual Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
Liberty Mutual Foundation funds basic needs such as food and shelter, education and workforce development, and climate and community infrastructure, including homelessness and community preparedness programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $35,000, and most funding supports organizations or programs serving the Boston area, though it also gives elsewhere. It accepts unsolicited online requests on a rolling basis, with no submission deadlines.
Assets
$46.1M
Grants
706
Total Given
$50.6M
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
FJC
New York, NY
FJC supports nonprofits and fiscally sponsored charitable projects across areas including arts, education, social services, health, religion, and the environment, with grantmaking concentrated in New York and also reaching other U.S. states. In 2025, grants had a median of $17,200 and ranged from $5,040 to $2.8 million. The profile does not state whether FJC accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$462.3M
Grants
747
Total Given
$41.7M
Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco the Peninsula Marin & Sonoma
San Francisco, CA
The Federation funds Jewish life and identity, antisemitism response, crisis relief, human services, and justice and inclusion, with work in the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,050 to $2,405,915, with a median of $22,750. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about new Bay Area programs; no current organization grant opportunities were listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
TD Charitable Foundation
Portland, ME
TD Charitable Foundation funds education, human services, housing and eviction prevention, nonprofit training, and community initiatives, with emphasis on inclusion and underserved and low-to-moderate-income communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000; its filing lists a typical award range of $135–$475,000. It focuses primarily on Florida, New Jersey, and New York, and its 2023 filing says applications are available online; applicants must be eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in states with a TD Bank branch.
Assets
$9.1M
Grants
1,003
Total Given
$24.9M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
More Funders in Massachusetts
Mellen Charitable Fdn (FKA TF Fdn) down — hundreds of funders to go?