Marsh Foundation Inc.

## Approach Strategy for Marsh Foundation Inc.

The Marsh Foundation Inc. is a private non-operating foundation established in 1954, based at 2401 Park Road in Charlotte, North Carolina — a location in the Dilworth/South End neighborhood, one of Charlotte's most established areas. The foundation has been operating for over 70 years, making it one of the longer-established family foundations in the Charlotte area. It distributes approximately $230,000 to $280,000 annually to selected charitable organizations. With a fair market value of $7.9M and growing assets, the foundation is a mid-sized grantmaker in the Charlotte philanthropic landscape. Note: This foundation is distinct from The Marsh Foundation in Van Wert, Ohio (a youth services organization). Without a public website or stated mission, organizations should review 990-PF grantee lists to identify the foundation's giving priorities and connect through Charlotte's nonprofit and philanthropic community networks.

## Funding Patterns Analysis

The Marsh Foundation Inc. has maintained consistent grantmaking with steady asset growth over five years:

• 2023: $279,800 in grants (total expenses: $346,988, book assets: $5.9M, FMV: $7.9M)
• 2022: $237,000 in grants (total expenses: $294,390, book assets: $5.1M, FMV: $6.6M)
• 2021: $248,000 in grants (total expenses: $318,548, book assets: $4.7M, FMV: $7.2M)
• 2020: $269,500 in grants (total expenses: $322,791, book assets: $4.3M, FMV: $6.1M)
• 2019: $229,500 in grants (total expenses: $274,111, book assets: $3.9M, FMV: $5.3M)

The five-year average is $253K annually, with a 21.9% increase from 2019 to 2023. Book assets have grown impressively from $3.9M to $5.9M (51% increase), and FMV from $5.3M to $7.9M (49% increase), suggesting strong investment returns and/or additional contributions. The payout rate relative to FMV was approximately 3.5% in 2023, below the IRS 5% minimum for grants alone, though total qualifying distributions (including administrative costs of $67K) bring it closer to 4.4%. Administrative overhead is approximately 19% of total expenses.

## Peer Comparison

The Marsh Foundation is notable for its longevity (70+ years) and strong asset growth. However, its payout rate of 3.5% on grants is below the IRS 5% minimum for private foundations, which could trigger regulatory attention. The administrative overhead of 19% is somewhat high for a foundation of this size. Asset growth has outpaced grantmaking growth, suggesting the foundation has significant capacity to increase distributions.

## Recent Activity and Trends

Key observations from the Marsh Foundation's recent filing history:

• Strong Asset Growth: The most notable trend is the impressive 49% growth in FMV from $5.3M (2019) to $7.9M (2023). Book assets also grew 51% over the same period, from $3.9M to $5.9M. This growth trajectory suggests excellent investment management, additional family contributions, or both.

• Below-Minimum Payout Rate: The grant payout rate of 3.5% relative to FMV is below the IRS 5% minimum for private foundations. While total qualifying distributions (including administrative expenses and excise taxes) may bring the rate closer to compliance, this is an area that may require attention. The growing asset base creates an increasing obligation to distribute more.

• Steady But Conservative Grantmaking: Despite the significant asset growth, grantmaking has increased only modestly (22% over five years vs. 49% asset growth). This conservative approach to distributions may need to change if the IRS minimum distribution requirement becomes a concern.

• Established Charlotte Presence: At 70+ years old, the Marsh Foundation is one of the more established philanthropic institutions in the Charlotte area. The Park Road address in Dilworth/South End places it in a well-connected neighborhood with strong ties to Charlotte's business and social communities.

• No Digital Presence: The foundation has no website, social media, or other public-facing digital presence, which is increasingly unusual even among private foundations. This opacity, combined with the long operating history, suggests a very private, family-directed approach to philanthropy.

## Application Tips

The Marsh Foundation Inc. operates without a public application process. Organizations seeking support should consider:

1. Review 990-PF Grantee Lists: Download IRS 990-PF filings from ProPublica (EIN 56-6056515) to identify past grant recipients, amounts, and patterns. This is the single most reliable way to understand what the foundation funds.

2. Charlotte Nonprofit Networks: Engage through the Foundation For The Carolinas, Charlotte-area United Way chapters, and local nonprofit associations. The foundation's 70+ year history means it is well-known in Charlotte philanthropic circles.

3. Geographic Alignment: The Charlotte, NC location suggests likely focus on the Charlotte metro area and possibly broader North Carolina. Organizations serving these communities are most likely to be considered.

4. Send a Concise Letter: Mail to Marsh Foundation Inc., 2401 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203. Keep to one page with organizational overview, specific request, and evidence of impact. Given the foundation's private nature, do not expect a response unless there is genuine interest.

5. Patience and Persistence: A 70-year-old foundation with no public website operates on its own timeline. Building awareness over multiple years through consistent community presence and visibility may be more effective than a single outreach attempt.

6. Growing Capacity: With asset growth significantly outpacing grantmaking, the foundation has substantial unused capacity. This may make it receptive to compelling new opportunities, particularly if it needs to increase distributions to meet IRS payout requirements.