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Marcus Foundation Inc. is a private corporation based in ATLANTA, GA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1989. The principal officer is Tiller Stewart & Co LLC. It holds total assets of $366.8M. Annual income is reported at $694.1M. Total assets have grown from $95.5M in 2011 to $366.8M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 15 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 4 states, including Georgia, Florida, National. According to available records, Marcus Foundation Inc. has made 496 grants totaling $364.2M, with a median grant of $177K. The foundation has distributed between $169.7M and $194.5M annually from 2020 to 2022. Individual grants have ranged from $800 to $24.5M, with an average award of $736K. The foundation has supported 278 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Georgia, New York, District of Columbia, which account for 66% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 26 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
The Marcus Foundation operates as an invitation-only funder, meaning unsolicited proposals are not accepted. With over $2.7 billion distributed through 3,500+ grants since 1989, the foundation takes a highly strategic, impact-driven approach to philanthropy. Organizations seeking funding should focus on building relationships with current grantees and foundation leadership. The foundation prioritizes four pillars: medical research and healthcare, Jewish causes, veterans and free enterprise, and children and youth development. Key to their strategy is a strong emphasis on metrics, accountability, and measurable impact. They favor large, well-established institutions that can demonstrate scalable outcomes. Following the passing of founder Bernie Marcus in November 2024, the foundation's strategic direction may evolve, but its core commitment to biomedical research and its other focus areas appears to remain strong based on recent 2025-2026 grant activity.
The Marcus Foundation is one of America's most generous private foundations, distributing $227.5 million in grants in fiscal year 2024 alone, with total revenues of $547.9 million that year. Grant sizes range dramatically from $2,500 to over $25 million, with the foundation showing a clear preference for large, transformative gifts to major research institutions. In 2024, top grants included $17.6 million to Shepherd Center Foundation, $14.2 million to Emory University, and $13.4 million to Avalon Action Alliance. The foundation made 172 grants totaling over $186 million in recently reported filings. Assets stood at $366.8 million as of December 2024, a 252.8% increase from the prior year, suggesting continued robust grantmaking capacity. Geographically, community-focused grants concentrate in Georgia and Florida, while medical research and Jewish causes grants have national and international reach including Israel.
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Focus Areas | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Foundation | $366.8M | $227.5M | Medical research, Jewish causes, veterans, youth | Invitation only |
| Robert W. Woodruff Foundation | ~$4.5B | ~$180M | Healthcare, education, community (Atlanta) | Invitation only |
| James M. Cox Foundation | ~$450M | ~$30M | Education, health, community (Georgia) | By invitation |
| Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation | ~$900M | ~$60M | Youth development, community (Atlanta) | Open application |
| Goizueta Foundation | ~$300M | ~$15M | Education, community (Atlanta) | Invitation only |
The Marcus Foundation stands out among Atlanta-based mega-foundations for its exceptionally high payout rate relative to assets — distributing $227.5M against $366.8M in assets — and its unique combination of biomedical research, Jewish causes, and veteran support that distinguishes it from peers focused more narrowly on local community development.
In early 2026, the Marcus Foundation awarded a landmark $21.9 million grant to the Marcus Autism Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to conduct the largest-ever study of profound autism, examining behavior, brain, and biomarkers in children. In 2025, Stanford Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery received a $29.7 million research grant to develop a durable brain-computer interface to restore communication in aphasic stroke patients. The Eberlin Lab at Baylor College of Medicine received a $3 million grant, and UCLA received $2 million to advance stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. FAU Lab Schools received $2 million to establish the Marcus Research and Innovation Center. The foundation also continued supporting the Georgia Institute of Technology on the future of cell therapies. These grants demonstrate continued momentum in biomedical research funding despite the founder's passing in November 2024, with the foundation's medical director and leadership team maintaining the strategic vision.
Since the Marcus Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, successful engagement requires a relationship-based approach. First, study the foundation's 990 filings (available free on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and Instrumentl) to understand their giving patterns and identify past grantees in your field. Second, build connections with organizations already funded — Shepherd Center, Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Harvard Medical School are among top recipients. Third, ensure your organization demonstrates the metrics-driven, accountability-focused culture the foundation values; they look for scalable impact and measurable outcomes. Fourth, align your work precisely with one of their four pillars, particularly biomedical research where they are most active. Fifth, consider reaching out via their phone line at (404) 240-7700 to introduce your organization. The foundation's address is 1266 W Paces Ferry Rd #615, Atlanta, GA 30327. With Jay Kaiman serving as President, understanding the leadership structure helps identify the right contacts for relationship building.
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Funding for stem cell research and regenerative medicine, cellular immunotherapies for childhood and adult cancer, earlier detection and precision treatment for cancer, precision diagnosis and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, integrative medicine, and cardiovascular disease research.
Supporting Jewish continuity, survival, and flourishing through youth development, education, Israel support, and diaspora community strengthening programs including RootOne Israel youth travel.
Bolstering the free enterprise system, promoting job creation, supporting post-9/11 veterans and their families through traumatic brain injury care, PTSD treatment, and national defense advocacy.
Programs and interventions helping underserved children and teens have the best possible future through K-12 education, character development, vocational programs, and out-of-school enrichment.
The Marcus Foundation is one of America's most generous private foundations, distributing $227.5 million in grants in fiscal year 2024 alone, with total revenues of $547.9 million that year. Grant sizes range dramatically from $2,500 to over $25 million, with the foundation showing a clear preference for large, transformative gifts to major research institutions. In 2024, top grants included $17.6 million to Shepherd Center Foundation, $14.2 million to Emory University, and $13.4 million to Aval.
Marcus Foundation Inc. has distributed a total of $364.2M across 496 grants. The median grant size is $177K, with an average of $736K. Individual grants have ranged from $800 to $24.5M.
The Marcus Foundation operates as an invitation-only funder, meaning unsolicited proposals are not accepted. With over $2.7 billion distributed through 3,500+ grants since 1989, the foundation takes a highly strategic, impact-driven approach to philanthropy. Organizations seeking funding should focus on building relationships with current grantees and foundation leadership. The foundation prioritizes four pillars: medical research and healthcare, Jewish causes, veterans and free enterprise, and .
Marcus Foundation Inc. is headquartered in ATLANTA, GA. While based in GA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 26 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Kaiman | PRESIDENT | $549K | $98K | $647K |
| Renay Blumenthal | VICE PRESIDENT | $407K | $63K | $471K |
| Douglas P Dinapoli | FINANCE DIRECTOR | $123K | $25K | $148K |
| Frederick Marcus | DIRECTOR | $51K | $43K | $94K |
| Michael Morris | DIRECTOR | $50K | $19K | $69K |
| Tony Gelbart | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Ken Langone | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Frank Blake | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Tina Price | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Michael Leven | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Bernard Marcus | CHAIRMAN | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Larry Smith | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Doug Hertz | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| James Grien | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Frederick Slagle | SEC/TREASURER | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$366.8M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
N/A
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
496
Total Giving
$364.2M
Average Grant
$736K
Median Grant
$177K
Unique Recipients
278
Most Common Grant
$100K
of 2022 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Of HopeTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Duarte, CA | $1.1M | 2022 |
| Jewish Education ProjectTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $15.7M | 2022 |
| Emory UniversityTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $10.4M | 2022 |
| Hillel International Charles And Lynn SchustermanTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Washington, DC | $8.9M | 2022 |
| Boulder CrestTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Bluemont, VA | $7.6M | 2022 |
| Thomas Jefferson University HospitalTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Philadelphia, PA | $6M | 2022 |
| Foundation For Defense Of DemocraciesTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Washington, DC | $5.3M | 2022 |
| University Of Colorado FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Denver, CO | $5.3M | 2022 |
| Piedmont Healthcare FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $5M | 2022 |
| University Of Southern CaliforniaTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Los Angeles, CA | $4.7M | 2022 |
| Children'S Healthcare Of Atlanta FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Brookhaven, GA | $4.5M | 2022 |
| Birthright Israel FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $4M | 2022 |
| Hillels Of GeorgiaTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $3.7M | 2022 |
| Tapestry Public Charter SchoolTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Doraville, GA | $3.5M | 2022 |
| Duke UniversityTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Durham, NC | $3.4M | 2022 |
| Foundation For Jewish CampTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $3.3M | 2022 |
| Passages America IsraelTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Allen, TX | $3M | 2022 |
| PrageruTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Sherman Oaks, CA | $3M | 2022 |
| American Friends Of Magen David AdomTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $2.8M | 2022 |
| Icenter TheTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Northbrook, IL | $2.6M | 2022 |
| Turning Point UsaTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Phoenix, AZ | $2.5M | 2022 |
| Florida Education FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Tallahassee, FL | $2.3M | 2022 |
| Nefesh B'NefeshTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Paramus, NJ | $2M | 2022 |
| Job Creators Network FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Addison, TX | $2M | 2022 |
| Grady Health FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.6M | 2022 |
| Israel On Campus CoalitionTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Washington, DC | $1.5M | 2022 |
| Spirit Of America WorldwideTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Arlington, VA | $1.5M | 2022 |
| Team Red White & BlueTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.5M | 2022 |
| Kipp Metro Atlanta SchoolsTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.5M | 2022 |
| Georgia Tech FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.4M | 2022 |
| Friends Of The Israel Defense ForcesTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.4M | 2022 |
| ItrekTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $1.4M | 2022 |
| ImpactisraelTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Bethesda, MD | $1.3M | 2022 |
| Jewish Federation Of Greater AtlantaTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.3M | 2022 |
| Marcus Autism CenterTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Brookhaven, GA | $1.2M | 2022 |
| Camp Twin LakesTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.2M | 2022 |
| Georgia Tech Research CorporationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1.1M | 2022 |
| OnetableTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $1M | 2022 |
| Sunrise AssociationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Oceanside, NY | $1M | 2022 |
| 3de NationalTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $1M | 2022 |
| Honeymoon Israel FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Dunwoody, GA | $1M | 2022 |
| AfsncTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $1M | 2022 |
| Harold Grinspoon FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Agawam, MA | $1M | 2022 |
| American Israel Education FoundationTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Washington, DC | $1M | 2022 |
| Junior Achievement UsaTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Colorado Springs, CO | $942K | 2022 |
| BbyoTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Washington, DC | $825K | 2022 |
| Chabad IntownTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $750K | 2022 |
| Philos Project TheTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | New York, NY | $750K | 2022 |
| Warrior Alliance TheTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Atlanta, GA | $750K | 2022 |
| Trybal GatheringsTO SUPPORT THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION | Brookline, MA | $750K | 2022 |