The Lynch Foundation stands as a testament to Carolyn and Peter Lynch's enduring legacy — a legacy rooted in gratitude, faith, and a deep commitment to giving back. Inspired by the verse, “To whom much has been given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48), the Lynches embraced philanthropy as a meaningful expression of love, responsibility, and respect for their community.

Carolyn and Peter, both children of educators, were raised with strong values: faith, hard work, and service to others. They understood early on the transformative power of opportunity, and throughout their lives, they never lost sight of the teachers, mentors, and countless supporters who shaped their paths. That profound sense of gratitude led them to establish The Lynch Foundation in 1988, with a mission to expand access to the same life-changing opportunities they had been given.

Peter’s remarkable success as a legendary investor and manager of Fidelity’s Magellan Fund gave him a deep understanding of strategy, growth, and long-term impact. Carolyn, equally accomplished and driven, brought her insight, passion, and compassion to philanthropy — grounded in her unwavering belief in faith, community, and the ripple effect of generosity. Together, they built a philanthropic model that blends financial acumen with heartfelt purpose.

At the heart of The Lynch Foundation are five tenants: education, health care and wellness including social determinants of health, preservation and access to cultural and historic assets and open space for all, the religious and educational efforts of the Roman Catholic Church, and housing and homelessness. Peter and Carolyn recognized that lasting change requires a strong foundation — access to quality education, reliable healthcare, safe and stable housing, cultural enrichment, and spiritual grounding. The Foundation provides the catalytic funding and strategic guidance needed for long-term success by supporting early-stage and scaling nonprofits across these areas.

Over the decades, The Lynch Foundation has empowered countless organizations to grow, adapt, and thrive — expanding their reach, strengthening their operations, and transforming lives. With every grant, partnership, and act of giving, the Foundation carries forward Carolyn and Peter’s shared vision: to build stronger, healthier, more vibrant communities — and to ensure that the opportunities they were once given continue to multiply for generations to come.

Rooted in gratitude, we give the gift of opportunity

Carolyn’s Philosophy on Philanthropy

We invite you to listen closely to Carolyn Lynch as she reflects on the deeper values that guided their extraordinary philanthropy. In "Feeling of Kinship," Carolyn shares the personal beliefs and emotional connections that shaped her approach to giving — rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a deep sense of shared humanity. Her words offer insight into the inspiration for how each of us might consider the impact we can make, and create their own legacy in our community.