Donor Profiles: Ted English

As former CEO of TJX in Framingham (the parent company of TJMaxx and Marshalls) and current CEO of another company in Connecticut, he established a Donor Advised Fund at Foundation for MetroWest because he wanted to give back to the community that had provided him and his family with so many opportunities. “I believe it’s important to not take your successes for granted.”

During his time as the head of TJX, he observed the extent of many serious social and economic challenges in the area. “I saw a lot of need in MetroWest that doesn’t get publicized.” He was also motivated because he has an autistic child who has benefited from several organizations in the region. “Raising and living with a special needs child makes you aware that you need other resources from the community. You can’t do it alone.”

In organizing his fund, he applied some of his managerial skills to philanthropy. His objectives included involving his family, building on his knowledge of community needs, and being personally engaged in the process. “In Foundation for MetroWest I found a partner that could do a better job than I could do on my own.” One of the English Family Fund initiatives this year gives $1,000 a week to organizations supporting families in crisis or special needs populations.