Mary J Donnelly Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on education, women's shelters, food security, and religious organizations. Its mission appears to focus on enhancing community well-being through grants that further the purposes of recipient organizations. The foundation primarily serves educational institutions, social services, and faith-based organizations, reflecting a commitment to both humanitarian efforts and community development. While it operates primarily in Pennsylvania, it also extends support to organizations in neighboring states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A registered public charity, often based in Pennsylvania, working in education, faith-based services, food security, women’s services, or local human services and seeking modest grants submitted by letter.
Good Fit
- • Located in Pennsylvania or serving Pittsburgh-area communities.
- • Structured as a public charity (not individuals).
- • Programs in education, churches/faith-based services, food banks, women’s shelters, or community human services.
- • Able to apply via a mailed letter and supporting documents and comfortable with one-off or modest sized awards.
Geography
Grants reached organizations in 11 states in the latest year, but about two-thirds of dollars stayed in Pennsylvania, indicating a primarily in‑state focus with some out‑of‑state support.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 38 distinct recipients with a mix of returning grantees (21) and many new grantees (17), which demonstrates a broad and diverse recipient footprint for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness includes 17 new grantees in the latest year and explicit application instructions (rolling deadlines, letter and supporting documents) listed in the filing; this supports a realistic path for unfamiliar applicants despite the absence of a website.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
