The Macmillan Family Foundation Incorporated
The MacMillan Family Foundation supports cancer and medical research, education, and the arts and runs a community grants program. Founded by Duncan and Nancy MacMillan, the foundation is based in New York and lists Arlene Shuler as Executive Director. The site provides program descriptions and an online survey/LOI for organizations seeking consideration.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A charitable organization working in cancer/medical research, education, the arts, or community programs with a clear New York connection or demonstrated program relevance to the foundation’s stated priorities.
Good Fit
- • Mission alignment with cancer research, medical research, education, arts, or community grants.
- • Programs or presence in New York (foundation state) or in nearby New Jersey/tri-state area.
- • Ability to complete the foundation’s brief online survey/LOI for initial consideration.
- • Capacity to accept general-purpose or multi-year support at grant sizes ranging from modest community grants to seven-figure awards.
Geography
Grants were made across 13 states in the observed years, showing a multi-state footprint, although the majority of dollars (about 73%) were directed to New York-based recipients.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 150 distinct recipients with a substantial inflow of new grantees (69 new recipients) and a mix of returning recipients, indicating a broad and diverse portfolio across arts, education, and research.
New Applicants
The foundation publishes an online survey/LOI for consideration and the observed grant history includes a high number of new recipients (about 46% new in the latest year), so unfamiliar organizations can plausibly enter the portfolio despite language about preselection.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
