The Macdonald Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Macdonald Foundation is a private foundation in Wausau, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $690,450 in 45 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $67,750. 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$690,450
- Number of grants45
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$67,750
- Assets$15.7 million
- New grantees46%
Giving in 2025 was down from $695,000 the year before.
46% 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 | $590,916 | 45 | $13.6 million |
| 2024 | $695,000 | 42 | $14.0 million |
| 2025 | $690,450 | 45 | $15.7 million |
How to apply
The Macdonald 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 Macdonald Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 37 | $581,950 |
| California | 2 | $64,500 |
| Maryland | 1 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 3 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin | Various organization donations - to enhance the quality of life in their region | $67,750 |
| St Pius X St Matthias | For scholarship fund and the school's annual fund | $57,500 |
| Aspirus Health Foundation | Support aspirus health and its mission to heal people, promote health and strengthen communities | $50,000 |
| Marshfiled Clinic Health System Foundation | Helps children's miracle network hospitals continue their mission of helping local sick and injured children | $50,000 |
| Wausau & Marathon County Parks Recreation & Forestry Department | To help the turf project at athletic park | $40,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Wausau | Services for youth | $30,000 |
| The Neighbor's Place | Homegrown community center providing a hand up to residents of marathon county and the surrounding communities | $28,500 |
| The Women's Community | General support | $27,500 |
| Breakthrough T1D | General support | $25,000 |
| Bridge Street Mission | Providing quality meals and safe shelter for those in our community | $25,000 |
| Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership | General support | $25,000 |
| Monk Botanical Gardens | Curate beautiful gardens and deliver engaging educational programs | $25,000 |
| Newman Catholic Schools | Support education | $25,000 |
| Performing Arts Foundation | Promote excellence in the performing arts in north central wisconsin | $25,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Wisconsin | Mentoring the youth in the wausau community | $20,000 |
| Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation | General support | $20,000 |
| Children's Lmaginarium | Inspire and discovery and imagination through handson exploration and educational experiences | $15,000 |
| Salvation Army | To help preach the gospel of jesus christ and to meet human needs | $15,000 |
| Wisconsin Automotive and Truck Education Association | To assist families and individuals to overcome transportation obstacles | $13,000 |
| Community Center of Hope | Food pantry | $12,500 |
| DC Everest School District | To help with academics | $12,200 |
| American Red Cross | Helps american red cross continue their mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies | $10,000 |
| Wausau School District | Help with school district funds | $10,000 |
| California Indian Manpower Consortium | Helping create positive change for native communities | $7,000 |
| K-Tech Charities | Provided support to the area's needy families and other non-profit orgs | $6,000 |
| Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes | Help provide leadership development, social connectedness, scholarships, tools for volunteers, and a rich community environment | $5,500 |
| Children's Miracle Network | To provide the best care for kids, children's hospitals rely on donations and community support | $5,000 |
| Individual | Men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need | $5,000 |
| Chatterbox Charities | General support | $3,000 |
| Everest Area Youth Baseball | To help the youth baseball program | $3,000 |
| Everest Fastpitch Softball | To help the fastpitch softball program | $3,000 |
| Marathon County 4-H Leaders Federation | Help to aid with the various youth programs and camps | $3,000 |
| Roger's House of Missions | To help cancer patients | $3,000 |
| Samoset Council Scouts of America | Values based youth development | $3,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Wisconsin | Junior achievement titan business challenge | $2,500 |
| School Dist of Edgar | Support for a walk in their shoes | $2,500 |
| Idaho Foodbank | Foodbank | $2,000 |
| Athens Softball | To help the softball program | $1,000 |
| Eagle Community Foodbank | Foodbank | $1,000 |
| Holy Apostles Catholic Church | Food pantry | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mark Macdonald
- Donna Macdonald
- Matthew Macdonald
Questions people ask
Does The Macdonald Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Macdonald Foundation give?
$690,450 in tax year 2025, across 45 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Macdonald Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mark Macdonald (Trustee), Donna Macdonald (Trustee) and Matthew Macdonald (Trustee).
What does The Macdonald Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and youth programs.