May Foundation Trust
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, including environmental conservation, education, food security, and social justice. Its mission reflects a commitment to addressing critical issues such as climate change, homelessness, and the welfare of vulnerable populations, including children and families. The foundation provides funding to organizations that promote mental health, support survivors of violence, and advocate for alternatives to incarceration. Through its grants, it aims to empower communities and foster social equity, with a particular focus on local initiatives and global humanitarian efforts.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized nonprofits whose programs align with the foundation’s eclectic interests (environmental conservation, food security, youth/family services, health, and community development), and that can be introduced or nominated through an existing contact or trustee relationship.
Good Fit
- • Programmatic alignment with environmental conservation, food security, youth services, or community economic development.
- • Ability to absorb and justify modest unrestricted or program support (typical grants are in the low thousands).
- • Established nonprofit status and a credible local or programmatic presence in New York or elsewhere nationally.
- • An existing relationship, introduction, or endorsement from a trustee, prior grantee, or intermediary.
Geography
Grants in the latest year went to organizations in about a dozen states, showing a multi-state/national footprint even though nearly half of dollars were directed to one state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 42 distinct recipients across a wide range of issue areas, with many independent nonprofits funded rather than a small closed set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows many new recipients in the latest year (about 18 new grantees), but the foundation’s stated policy of funding only preselected organizations and the absence of a public application route suggest unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to gain access without an introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
