Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports Oregon nonprofits in the areas of arts and culture, human services, education and medicine. It does not accept unsolicited applications, as MCMF only funds pre-selected groups.
IP TAKE: Introducing an organization to this small, local funder can be tricky. Email is the best way to contact administrators. Causes that benefit children are a top priority.
PROFILE: The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund (MCMF) is based in Bend, Oregon, and was established as a private grantmaking foundation in 1970. It seeks to “assist organizations in achieving sustainability of programs and services through increased fundraising capacity.” Maybelle Clark Macdonald was born in Portland and lived until 2009. She was part of a successful entrepreneurial and philanthropic family, and she founded what has become the Loaves & Fishes Meals on Wheels program. Clark had a deep interest in helping women, children, the poor, and the homeless of her community.
Funding priorities include cultural arts, human services, education, and medical. The funder seeks to keep local programs and services sustainable by boosting fundraising capacity.
The fund supports food for the homeless, medical equipment, youth mentoring, alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, and elementary and secondary schools. MCMF has also made grants to universities, arts organizations, and programs for abused women and children. It has prioritized funding that benefits children, such as scholarship assistance, youth arts immersion programs, summer job programs, and organizations that serve the needs of disabled youth. For all interest areas, grantmaking stays in Oregon.
This funder makes grants to pre-selected organizations with which it has established relationships. Unfortunately for grant seekers, applications are by invitation only.
From the pre-selected organizations, MCMF requires an initial letter of inquiry. These LOIs are generally reviewed twice per year. Following LOI review, the foundation invites organizations to submit full applications. LOIs are due February 15 and August 15. Full applications are due April 15 for May 31 award notifications and October 15 for November 30 award notifications. There is an online grant application system.
MCMF looks for organizations with mission compatibility, effective management, sound financial practices, board-led fundraising and a sustainability plan. Annual giving has increased in recent years. Recent 990 forms are here.
Direct general questions to the staff in Bend at information@mcmfund.org.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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