Marin Community Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Marin Community Foundation supports education, health, economic opportunity, environment and safety net services through its Buck Family Fund.

IP TAKE: Although MCF gives preference to Marin County organizations, other nonprofits still have a chance at a grant if they are anywhere in the Bay Area. This funder posts RFPs on its website.

PROFILE: Established in 1987, the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) is a community foundation based in Novato, California. Marin residents Leonard and Beryl Buck launched the foundation with the assets in their trust. Since that time, more than 400 families, individuals, businesses and community groups have contributed assets to support causes in Marin County and the greater Bay Area. Today the foundation is the tenth-largest community fund in the U.S. Through the Buck Family Fund, MCF supports education, health, economic opportunity, environment and safety net services.

This funder does not outline specific goals or priorities for its area of giving. A majority of recent grants have been directed toward organizations working to close the education achievement gap and end the cycle of poverty. Across all interest areas, grantmaking is focused on assisting low-income people, people of color, immigrants, older adults, and disconnected youth. Past grantees include

This foundation typically distributes over $80 million in grants each year. Buck Family Fund grants through MCF typically range from $15,000 to $100,000. View information about past grants on the funder’s website.

The application process begins with MCF issues an RFP invitation, and interested nonprofits can register on the foundation's online grant center. Only then can nonprofits submit a letter of intent, and selected applicants are invited to send in a full proposal. Direct questions about the grantmaking process to Jonathan Logan, vice president for engagement at 415-464-2503. Submit general questions to the staff via online form.

PEOPLE:

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