The Marks Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Marks Family Foundation is a private foundation in Buffalo, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $178,599 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $40,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$178,599
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$3.0 million
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2024 was up from $122,981 the year before.
33% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $122,981 | 52 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $178,599 | 27 | $3.0 million |
How to apply
The Marks Family Foundation 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Marks Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 20 | $169,897 |
| Vermont | 5 | $6,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,202 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Westminster Economic Development Initiative | West side bazaar expansion project (3 and 4 of 5) | $40,000 |
| Feedmore Foundation of Wny | Setting the table to fight food insecurity capital campaign | $20,250 |
| United Way of Buffalo and Erie County | Family stability initiative (year 4 of 5) | $20,000 |
| Homespace Corporation | Nutritional & academic education for foster youth | $10,000 |
| Child and Family Services of Erie County | Haven house domestic violence shelter children's program | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns | Town clubhouse teen center repairs | $8,375 |
| Buffalo Prep | College prep | $8,222 |
| Family Promise of Wny | Food programs | $8,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County | Mentoring program | $7,500 |
| Buffalo Arts and Technology Center Inc | Academic and social-emotional support | $7,500 |
| Buffalo String Works | Niagara street after school program | $7,500 |
| Dismas of Vermont Inc | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Salvation Army | 2025 summer day camp in the city | $5,000 |
| Seneca Street CDC | Youth programs | $5,000 |
| Richardson Olmsted Campus | Campus stabilization | $5,000 |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace Inc | No kid sleeps on the floor in our town! Ny-buffalo 2025 | $5,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Charitable | $1,202 |
| Boston University Crew | Educational | $1,000 |
| Syracuse University Rowing Women's Head Coaches Fund | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Clarina Howard Nichols Center | Charitable | $500 |
| Nichols School | Educational | $500 |
| Roswell Park Alliance Foundation | Charitable | $500 |
| Salvation Farms | Charitable | $500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Charitable | $300 |
| Buffalo Zoo | Charitable | $250 |
| Lamoille Family Center | Charitable | $150 |
| Have Justice Will Travel | Charitable | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- Theodore E Marks
- Joshua R Marks
- Sally Marks
- Wendelyn W Duquette
- Heather Palmer
Questions people ask
Does The Marks Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Marks Family Foundation give?
$178,599 in tax year 2024, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Marks Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Theodore E Marks (Trustee), Joshua R Marks (Trustee), Sally Marks (Trustee) and Wendelyn W Duquette (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Marks Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, human services and education.