Shanahan Family Foundation
The Shanahan Family Foundation is a private family foundation that supports scientific discovery, brain health/Alzheimer’s research, education, and related priorities. The website provides an About page, Priorities, News, and Contact information and highlights named fellowships and grant partners.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized charities with demonstrated work in the foundation's priorities (education, brain health/Alzheimer’s, scientific discovery) and a clear connection to the foundation's region or referral network.
Good Fit
- • Demonstrable alignment with brain health, scientific research, or education.
- • An established presence or program in the foundation's home state or an introduction from a mutual contact.
- • Capacity to submit a concise one-page letter of inquiry by email and follow a relationship-driven process.
- • Track record as a returning grantee-like organization (small to mid-size awards, operating or program support).
Geography
Grants are distributed across multiple states (nine states observed in the latest year) but remain concentrated geographically, with roughly two-thirds of dollars staying in the foundation's home state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large number of distinct independent recipients in the latest year (43) and similar counts in prior years, indicating a broad recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly states grant requests are by invitation only, and observed giving shows a very high returning-recipient rate (39 of 43 were repeat grantees in 2024 with only 4 new recipients), so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to gain funding without referral or invitation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
