Vincent and Linda McMahon

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Chairman of the Board & CEO of WWE

FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Veterans, Human Services, Health

OVERVIEW: Vincent K. McMahon and his wife, Linda, do their grantmaking through the Vince and Linda McMahon Family Foundation, which was established in 2006. The couple lives in Connecticut, where much of their philanthropy is focused. The McMahons, via their foundation are particularly focused on education, veterans, women, and families at risk.

BACKGROUND:  A third-generation wrestling promoter, Vincent K. McMahon grew up in a trailer park in North Carolina and attended East Carolina University. In 1972, he joined his father’s company, Capitol Wrestling Corporation, on a full-time basis. A decade later, McMahon purchased the Capitol Wrestling Corporation from his father and decided to take what had been a regional operation and turn it into a national venture. In 1985, McMahon created "Wrestlemania," a pay-per-view showcase that has become one of the most watched paid events each year. WWE went public in 1999, and today its programs are broadcast in nearly 150 countries and more than 30 languages.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION & YOUTH: The McMahons, through their Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation, have steadily supported organizations that work with youth. Grantees include Achievement First, Ridgefield Academy, Connecticut Basketball Club, Greenwich Alliance for Education, ConnCAN, Catholic Big Sisters & Big Brothers, Grace Academy Hartford, "an independent, tuition-free middle school for at-risk girls," and Cloonan Middle School in Stamford. Last decade, the couple gave at least $3 million went to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Linda serves as vice chair of the board of trustees and moderates a series on women's leadership. A component of this philanthropy also involves arts education. It is also worth noting that last decade, Young Peoples Community Center in Pennsylvania received $2.53 million to build a tennis center.

HUMAN SERVICES & VETERANS: Grantees include Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport, Family Centers in Stamford, Westport Weston Family YMCA, Liberation Programs, "a nonprofit, community-based organization providing alcohol and drug treatment and prevention in lower Fairfield County", Women's Center of Greater Danbury, Soldier Socks, Operation Helmet, and Heroes In Transition, which provides assistance to veterans in need.

HEALTH:  The McMahons, via their foundation, support organizations like Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Stamford Hospital, and Greenwich Hospital Foundation.

LOOKING FORWARD: In his 70s, McMahon's philanthropy has been pretty focused on supporting a few select areas. With Linda McMahon's former position within the Trump administration and her current role as chair of the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, perhaps policy will emerge as another interest. 

CONTACT:

Applications should be submitted to

Linda E. McMahon, Secretary & Treasurer
1241 East Main St.
Stamford, CT 06902
Telephone: (203) 352-8612

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