The Mardi Gras Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Mardi Gras Fund is a private foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $85,000 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $10,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$85,000
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was down from $88,000 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44,500 | 12 | $1.9 million |
| 2022 | $33,500 | 12 | $1.8 million |
| 2023 | $42,000 | 13 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $88,000 | 17 | $2.0 million |
| 2025 | $85,000 | 13 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
The Mardi Gras Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Mardi Gras Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 5 | $28,500 |
| Michigan | 3 | $23,500 |
| Illinois | 4 | $20,000 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | General purpose | $10,000 |
| The Cleveland Foundry | General purpose | $7,500 |
| University Musical Society | General purpose | $7,500 |
| Ann Arbor Symphony | General purpose | $6,000 |
| Cleveland Public Theater | General purpose | $6,000 |
| Individual | General purpose | $6,000 |
| Art House | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Individual | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of NE Ohio | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Individual | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Hands on Sports Foundation Inc | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Marwen | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Individual | General purpose | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Margaret Northrup
- Robert Northrup Jr
- Anne Northrup
Questions people ask
Does The Mardi Gras Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Mardi Gras Fund give?
$85,000 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Mardi Gras Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Margaret Northrup (President), Robert Northrup Jr (Treasurer) and Anne Northrup (Secretary).
What does The Mardi Gras Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.