Mori Family Foundation

Mori Family Foundation is a newly established family foundation (IRS ruling date July 1, 2023) that has not yet disbursed any grants or announced a public grantmaking program. Given this nascent stage, outreach must be handled with care and patience. The recommended approach is a brief, professionally written letter of inquiry sent by postal mail to the foundation's registered address at 9 John Benson Rd, Lexington, MA 02420. The letter should introduce your organization, describe the specific program or project, and express interest in learning about the foundation's emerging philanthropic priorities — not assume that grants are available. Ask to schedule a brief introductory call with the foundation's leadership. Do not send unsolicited full proposals. It may be worth monitoring for any public announcements of grant programs, as foundations in their 2nd–3rd year of operation typically begin making grants. Given the Lexington, MA address, proposals with Massachusetts community impact may be most compelling.

Mori Family Foundation was recognized as a tax-exempt private foundation by the IRS on July 1, 2023 (organization code 2, indicating it may be organized as a trust or similar entity). It filed its first 990-PF for fiscal year ending December 2023.

Key FY2023 financial data from the 990-PF filing: - Total Revenue: $2,191,265 - Contributions received: $341,828 - Capital gains (from appreciated securities): $1,821,334 - Dividends: $28,103 - Total Grants Paid: $0 (no grants disbursed in first year) - Administrative expenses: $16,868 (modest — indicates no full-time staff) - Ending assets: $2,174,455 - Minimum investment return required (5% excise): ~$39,000/year - Undistributed income for subsequent year: $9,184

Current IRS BMF (as of March 2026 update): Assets $2,188,539; Income $369,301. The foundation has maintained stable assets since the initial endowment.

The large capital gain ($1.8M) in FY2023 strongly suggests the foundation was funded through a contribution of low-basis appreciated securities (likely publicly traded stock). This is a common structure for newly established family foundations. The foundation will be required under IRS rules to distribute at least 5% of its net assets annually (approximately $109,000/year based on current assets) to maintain private foundation status. This mandatory distribution requirement means the foundation must begin making grants soon if it has not already done so in FY2024.

Mori Family Foundation is significantly smaller than most comparable Massachusetts private foundations with active grantmaking programs, which tend to cluster in the $7–10M asset range for this state. Its $2.2M endowment is above the statewide median for private foundations but below the threshold at which most foundations build dedicated program staff. The foundation's required minimum distribution (~$109K/year) is sufficient to make meaningful grants once giving begins.

1. This foundation has NOT yet made any public grants (as of last available filing). Do not approach expecting an open grant cycle. Instead, make a relationship-building inquiry.

2. Contact the foundation by postal mail at the registered address: 9 John Benson Rd, Lexington, MA 02420. No phone number or email is publicly listed.

3. Send a brief, personal letter (1 page maximum) introducing your organization and expressing genuine interest in learning about the foundation's philanthropic goals — not requesting a grant outright.

4. Under IRS private foundation rules, Mori Family Foundation must distribute at least 5% of net assets annually (~$109,000 based on $2.2M in assets). If FY2024 or FY2025 990-PF filings show continued non-distribution, the foundation may be under regulatory pressure to begin grantmaking. Monitor IRS/ProPublica for updated filings.

5. Given the Lexington, MA address and Massachusetts-based assets, organizations with a Massachusetts or greater Boston area focus are likely to receive most favorable consideration in early grantmaking.

6. The foundation's initial endowment was funded largely through appreciated securities, which is common for family foundations created by entrepreneurs or investors. Technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship-related missions may resonate with the founding family's background.

7. Revisit this foundation in 12–18 months. Foundations in years 2–3 of operation frequently announce their first grant programs. A follow-up inquiry in late 2026 or early 2027 may be better timed.

8. Research the Mori family in Lexington, MA to identify the founding principals and any publicly known philanthropic interests (e.g., via LinkedIn, local news, or university alumni records) before making contact.