The May Family Foundation
May Family Foundation is a private family foundation (founded by Eleanor Jean May in 2000) that funds programs for under-resourced youth, focusing on education, social services, mentoring, mental health, and after-school enrichment. The site includes an online grant application and describes its application process and funding priorities. It displays recent application timing (accepting 2026 applications) and contact info ([email protected]).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit running direct-service programs for under-resourced youth (after-school, mentoring, mental health, or related social services), especially with an operational presence or partnerships in Colorado or demonstrated local impact.
Good Fit
- • Programs serving under-resourced youth (after-school, mentoring, youth development or mental-health support).
- • Project-level requests sized in the foundation's observed small-grant range (typically <$5K, occasionally $5K–$25K).
- • A clear, concise program budget and measurable local impact.
- • Existing relationships or referrals from local community foundations or Colorado-based partners.
- • Capacity to report outcomes and accept modest, restricted grants.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached recipients in 14 states, with about 46% of dollars to Colorado but the remainder distributed across many other states.
Recipient Variety
In the latest observed year the foundation funded 59 distinct recipients with 71 grants, indicating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows roughly one-third of 2023 recipients were new, so new entrants do appear in the portfolio; however, the foundation's stated practice of funding only preselected applicants suggests entry may often depend on invitation or referral rather than purely open competition.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
