Nellie Mae Education Foundation

Nellie Mae Education Foundation

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation was established in 1998. It operates as New England's largest education-only philanthropy. Its work centers on ensuring young people gain access to rigorous educational experiences through student-centered approaches. The foundation allocates roughly 8.5 percent of assets to private equity and maintains holdings in real estate funds, timberland, natural resources vehicles, and a multi-strategy fund. Geographic exposure centers on the United States with emphasis on New England states. No named portfolio companies appear in available records. Service providers include Prime Buchholz as investment consultant since 2000 and CBIZ Advisors as tax and audit provider. The organization employs 26 professionals and is based in Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Gisele Shorter was appointed President and CEO in July 2023. The foundation participates in Grantmakers For Education and maintains ties to the Association of Black Foundation Executives. Governance rests with a board that includes operators from education technology and impact investing. Former leadership includes Nicholas Donohue, who oversaw the shift toward racial equity priorities.