Mr & Mrs Sanford N Mcdonnell
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives. Its mission is inferred from its funding patterns, which emphasize arts and culture, education, community service, health charities, and faith-based organizations. The foundation provides grants to various nonprofits, including local charities, educational institutions, and organizations focused on historical preservation and youth development. While it operates primarily in Missouri, it also supports initiatives in other states, reflecting a commitment to diverse charitable purposes.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-midsize nonprofits with an established track record and either a Missouri presence or a connection to organizations the foundation already funds, especially in arts, education, youth or faith-based programming.
Good Fit
- • Existing relationship or prior funding history with the foundation or its board.
- • Organizational operations or programs based in Missouri or serving Missouri communities.
- • Program areas aligned with observed grants: arts and culture, education, youth development, or faith-based services.
- • Capacity to manage awards in the typical range observed (small to mid-sized grants).
Geography
Gifts span 17 states in the latest year, showing a multi-state footprint, though half of dollars are concentrated in Missouri.
Recipient Variety
The most recent year funded 53 distinct recipients across multiple sectors (arts, education, faith, community), indicating a broad recipient set despite some dollar concentration among top grantees.
New Applicants
Direct evidence from the latest year shows a very low rate of new entrants (only two new recipients and a 96% returning-recipient rate), which suggests selection is relationship-driven even though a mail/phone application route exists; earlier years showed higher turnover, so long-term openness cannot be fully resolved.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
