The Macdougal Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily for general operations of various nonprofit organizations. Its mission reflects a commitment to arts and culture, community service, education, and human services, as evidenced by its funding of theaters, educational institutions, and organizations that assist vulnerable populations. The foundation supports a diverse array of causes, including cultural initiatives, educational programs, and community service projects, thereby fostering engagement and support within these sectors.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized nonprofits (especially arts, culture, education, or community-service organizations) that fit the foundation's observed focus, can absorb modest general operating grants, and have an existing connection or credible introduction into the funder's network.
Good Fit
- • Mission in arts, culture, education, or community services (matches recent grantees).
- • Requests framed as general operating support rather than tightly restricted project funding.
- • An existing relationship, prior contact, or local/Illinois connection to the foundation or its network.
- • Capacity to manage modest grants (typical awards under $5K, occasional larger awards up to ~$25K).
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to organizations in 11 states, so giving is multi-state; Illinois is the single largest state recipient at about 41% of dollars but a majority of dollars go out of state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation made 52 distinct grants in 2023 to many independent organizations, with a mix of repeat recipients and new grantees (22 new, 30 returning), indicating a broad and varied recipient set for its size despite some concentration among top recipients.
New Applicants
Filings and the foundation record state that it funds only preselected applicants and there is no public website or submission contact; while 22 new grantees appeared in 2023 (showing curated turnover), the explicit 'preselected only' practice and lack of a public application route make unsolicited entry unlikely.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
