The Marian Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Marian Foundation is a private foundation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $15,000 in 34 grants; the typical grant was $200 and the largest $6,000. 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$15,000
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$200
- Largest grant$6,000
- Assets$257,907
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $15,115 the year before.
44% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8,700 | 14 | $252,977 |
| 2024 | $15,115 | 34 | $250,456 |
| 2025 | $15,000 | 34 | $257,907 |
How to apply
The Marian 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.
What The Marian Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 2 | $6,200 |
| North Carolina | 12 | $3,100 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $1,200 |
| New York | 5 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $800 |
| California | 2 | $500 |
| Illinois | 2 | $400 |
| West Virginia | 1 | $300 |
| Vermont | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mamabird Alumni Mentorship Association | Mentorship | $6,000 |
| PBS Foundation | Educational | $1,000 |
| NPR | Educational | $1,000 |
| American Dance Festival | Professional Development | $1,000 |
| HL Ferguson Museum | Educational | $500 |
| Prison Mindfulness Institute | Humanitarian Education | $500 |
| Book Harvest | Educational | $500 |
| Triangle Land Conservancy | Nature Conservation | $500 |
| Cambodian Childrens | Humanitarian Aid | $400 |
| Appalachian Trail Conservancy | Nature Conservation | $300 |
| National Outdoor Leadership School | Environmental Education | $200 |
| PORCH Communities | Humanitarian Aid | $200 |
| Rocking the Boat NYC | Environmental Education | $200 |
| Feeding America | Humanitarian Aid | $200 |
| Barack Obama Foundation | Community Restoration | $200 |
| USA Ultimate Fund | Financial Assistance | $200 |
| Stark Mountain Foundation | Nature Conservation | $200 |
| Shelburne Falls | Nature Conservation | $200 |
| Interfaith Food Shuttle | Food Secuirty Support | $200 |
| International Campaign for Tibet | Human Rights | $100 |
| UNC Botanical Gardens | Nature Conservation | $100 |
| ACLU | Human Rights | $100 |
| Durham Rescue Mission | Humanitarian Aid | $100 |
| Designed for Joy | Women Rights | $100 |
| american Discovery Trail | Nature Conservation | $100 |
| Planned Parenthood | Humanitarian Aid | $100 |
| San Diego Zoo | Nature Conservation | $100 |
| Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC | Food Secuirty Support | $100 |
| Friends of Governors Island | Nature Conservation | $100 |
| Friends of Notre Dame | Historic Conservation | $100 |
| Claws | Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education | $100 |
| Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge | Animal Rescue | $100 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | Womens Rights | $100 |
| WGBH | Educational Media | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Helen Davidson
- Richard Tapper
Questions people ask
Does The Marian Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Marian Foundation give?
$15,000 in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $200.
Who runs The Marian Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Helen Davidson (President/Treas) and Richard Tapper (Secretary).
What does The Marian Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and arts and culture.