GRANTMAKING

The MacFarlane Foundation conducts its grantmaking through proposals invited by the Executive Director and Trustees. The Foundation is particularly interested in opportunities to catalyze organizations into their next phase of growth or impact. The Foundation makes grants in two categories, with Category One grants ranging in size from $10,000 - $75,000 and Category Two grants ranging in size from $200,000 - $250,000.

The Foundation is interested in supporting organizations addressing a range of issues, including but not limited to: education, economic empowerment, climate change and the environment, health, human services, and the well-being of women and girls. The Foundation generally funds organizations whose programs focus on populations within the United States, though the Foundation also has supported U.S.-based nonprofits working in other countries.

June 2025 Update: We have now completed our identification of organizations from which we are inviting grant proposals for this calendar year. Letters of Intent for 2026 consideration may be submitted beginning January 2026.  

Grant Timelines

The Foundation makes Category One grants (ranging from $10,000 - $75,000) throughout the year, with most organizations identified during the first half of the year. 

The Foundation identifies potential organizations for Category Two grants (ranging from $200,000 - $250,000) during the Spring of each year, invites proposals over the Summer, and makes decisions in early Fall. 

Letters of Inquiry

All Grant Applications are by invitation only. However, the Foundation is open to receiving Letters of Inquiry, though we now have concluded this process for the 2025 calendar year. If you are interested in submitting a letter of inquiry, beginning in January 2026, you may send a two- to three-page letter that includes the following information:

  • Organization’s name, executive director’s name and contact information, address, and website;

  • Organizational background, including its mission, major activities, track record of impact, and annual budget; and

  • Purpose to which the grant funds would be dedicated, including the population served and anticipated outcomes.

Beginning in January 2026, please email your letter of inquiry to Amy Dominguez-Arms, Executive Director, MacFarlane Foundation, at Amy@MacFarlaneFoundation.org.