About the Morris Family Advised Fund
The Morris Family Advised Fund was established to invest in the long-term health, vitality, and opportunity of Central New York. Guided by a belief that strong communities depend on access to education, sound health systems, and continued scientific discovery, the Fund supports nonprofit organizations whose work delivers measurable, lasting benefits to the region.
The Fund focuses on initiatives that promote community health and well-being, advance scientific and medical research, and expand educational opportunity — particularly for children and young people. Grants are awarded through an annual application process, allowing the Fund to thoughtfully evaluate needs, outcomes, and alignment with its mission. Annual awards may vary, depending on scope and impact.
Geographically, the Morris Family Advised Fund concentrates its giving within Central New York, reflecting a commitment to the communities that have shaped its founders and continue to define the region’s character and resilience.
See the geographic area upon which the fund is focused.
About the Founders
The Morris Family Fund was founded by Robert S. “Rob” Morris and his wife, Mary Helen Morris. Rob is a Central New York native whose personal and professional journey has been shaped by the institutions, educators, and opportunities of the region; he is the son of Irma M. and Robert D. Morris and a graduate of Jamesville-DeWitt High School. A native of Albany, Mary Helen is an involved and caring individual who sincerely supports the Fund’s mission of bettering CNY.
More about Mary Helen
Mary Helen graduated summa cum laude from Boston College’s School of Management in finance and computer science. An Albany native, she graduated from The Academy of the Holy Names and is the daughter of John and Helen Garrett. A former GE executive, Mary Helen is dedicated to child and adolescent development including 10+ year service on the board of YMCA Camp Coniston (Grantham, NH) and currently serving as Board Chair.
More about Rob
Mr. Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hamilton College and later received a master’s degree from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He began his career at General Electric, holding a range of management roles across manufacturing and financial services before being named Senior Vice President and General Manager of Private Placements at GE Investment Corporation. In 1988, Mr. Morris founded Olympus Partners, a private equity firm based in Stamford, Connecticut. Since its founding, Olympus Partners has raised more than $12 billion, reflecting decades of disciplined leadership and long-term value creation.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Philanthropy has long been a defining part of the Morris family’s life. Recent beneficiaries of the family’s support include:
- PGA Reach of Central New York
- Jim & Julie Boeheim Foundation
- Erin’s Angels, focusing on hunger in the CNY region
Prior recipients of support from the Morris family include:
- Post-Polio research at Upstate Medical University
- iPads for Update Medical University during the Covid pandemic
- Field of Dreams at Carrier Place, a sports complex for individuals with special needs
- Morris House dormitory at Hamilton College
- Food Bank of Central New York
- Meals on Wheels, Eastern Onondaga County
Through the Morris Family Advised Fund, the Morris family has broadened its commitment to benefit a wider range of organizations working across Central New York. Current and past areas of consideration have included nonprofits addressing hunger among schoolchildren, supporting children and families in need, advancing biomedical research and advocacy, and creating access to enrichment opportunities such as youth sports and recreation.
Reflecting on his motivation, Mr. Morris has said: “I have been fortunate. I am very grateful to the people and institutions that presented me with opportunities and formative experiences that allowed me to become the master of what I chose to pursue. Now I am at the point where I can broaden my areas of support to help other organizations strengthen community health and well-being throughout the region.”
Focus Area: Central New York
The Morris Family Advised Fund’s geographic focus is Central New York, with priority given to organizations serving counties within the region. A map outlining the Fund’s primary service area is provided to reflect this commitment and to help applicants understand geographic eligibility.
By remaining rooted in place, the Fund seeks to make thoughtful, strategic investments that honor the region’s past while helping to build a stronger future for the generations to come.
