//
Work at this foundation?
Claim this profile to manage it and see interest from grant seekers.
Mcmillen Family Foundation is a private corporation based in TEMECULA, CA. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2008. The principal officer is Karl B Mcmillen Jr. It holds total assets of $16.3M. Annual income is reported at $11.6M. Total assets have grown from $1.6M in 2011 to $16.3M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 11 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2015 to 2024. Funding is distributed across 10 states, including Southern California, Imperial County, Kern County. According to available records, Mcmillen Family Foundation has made 141 grants totaling $13.6M, with a median grant of $50K. Annual giving has grown from $4.2M in 2020 to $5.4M in 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $1.5M, with an average award of $96K. The foundation has supported 89 unique organizations. Grants have been distributed to organizations in California and Maryland. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## How to Approach the McMillen Family Foundation
The McMillen Family Foundation is a focused, mission-driven funder dedicated exclusively to combating substance abuse and addiction in Southern California. Founded in 2008 by Karl McMillen — who lost two sons to drugs and personally battled alcoholism — the foundation channels profits from Todd Pipe & Supply into grants for recovery organizations. With nearly $50 million distributed to over 90 nonprofits, this is one of the most significant private funders of addiction recovery services in Southern California.
Ideal Applicant Profile: - 501(c)(3) organizations registered with the IRS for at least 5 years - Non-profit residential recovery programs, treatment facilities, or Alano Clubs - Operating in one or more of 9 Southern California counties (Imperial, Kern, LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura) - Annual operating budget under $10 million - Primary mission centered on treatment, prevention, education, or recovery from substance use disorders
How to Apply: 1. Register on the grant management portal at grantinterface.com 2. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) — the foundation screens all new applicants this way 3. If the LOI is approved, complete the full grant application 4. Expect a site visit and financial/operational review before committee decision
Key Positioning Tips: - Emphasize measurable outcomes and proven track record in recovery services - Align your narrative with the founder's values: hard work, honesty, integrity, and respect - New applicants should request up to $50,000; do not over-ask on first contact - Frame requests around facility improvements and program enhancements rather than general operating funds - The foundation values organizations that are not dependent on a single funder, so demonstrate diversified revenue
## Funding Patterns & Financial Analysis
Grant Characteristics: - Award range: $525 to $1,500,000 - New applicant maximum: $50,000 - Returning grantees may request annually but should not rely on the foundation as their primary funding source - One grant per organization per 12-month period (with emergency exceptions) - Priority given to: facility renovations, program enhancements, capital acquisition, program staff development, and program equipment - Generally does not fund general operating expenses
Asset Trajectory: The foundation's total assets have fluctuated significantly, peaking at $28.6 million in 2021 before declining to approximately $16.3 million. This reflects both substantial grantmaking disbursements and market-driven investment returns. The 2024 fiscal year showed $4.37 million in charitable disbursements against $1.71 million in revenue, indicating the foundation is actively spending down assets to fund its mission.
Revenue Model: Revenue is diversified across contributions (41%), asset sales (35.6%), interest income (8.2%), and dividends (7%). The foundation receives ongoing support from Todd Pipe & Supply, which committed 20% of profits in perpetuity — providing a sustainable, if variable, income stream tied to the construction and plumbing industry.
Disbursement Efficiency: With 94.2% of expenses going directly to charitable disbursements, the McMillen Family Foundation operates with exceptionally low overhead. CEO compensation ($240K) and CFO compensation ($80K) represent modest administrative costs relative to the $4.37 million in grants distributed.
Geographic Distribution: Grantees span 6+ Southern California counties, with the heaviest concentration in Los Angeles County (26 organizations), followed by San Diego County (9), Orange County (8), and San Bernardino County (3). Alano Clubs receive dedicated funding as a separate category (11 organizations).
## Peer Comparison
The McMillen Family Foundation occupies a distinctive niche as one of the few private foundations in the United States focused exclusively on substance abuse treatment and recovery funding. Most foundations in this asset range are general-purpose family foundations; McMillen's laser focus on addiction services sets it apart.
| Foundation | Location | Assets | Focus | Grant Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McMillen Family Foundation | Temecula, CA | $16.3M | Substance abuse treatment & recovery exclusively | $525–$1.5M; LOI-first; 9 SoCal counties |
| Coast To Coast Referral Center | Laguna Beach, CA | $21.2M | Substance abuse services | Operating programs; similar regional focus |
| Turningpoint Foundation | Dallas, TX | $23.1M | Addiction-related (T22) | National scope; larger asset base |
| Clear Brook Foundation | Scranton, PA | $15.2M | Substance abuse treatment (F20) | Regional (Northeast); comparable assets |
| Akal Institute | Rancho Santa Fe, CA | $12.8M | Alcohol/chemical dependency rehabilitation | Extended care facility; veterans focus |
| Potomac Healthcare Foundation | Emmitsburg, MD | $12.0M | Substance abuse and healthcare | Healthcare-oriented; Mid-Atlantic region |
| Fred & Clara Eckert Foundation | Williston, ND | $28.1M | Children impacted by drugs/alcohol | Children-specific; larger asset base |
Competitive Position: - McMillen is among the top 5 private foundations nationally by assets focused specifically on substance abuse - Its 94.2% charitable disbursement ratio significantly exceeds the typical private foundation average of 80-85% - The LOI-first process with site visits reflects a high-touch, relationship-based approach more common among community foundations - The $50,000 cap for new applicants is modest compared to peers but allows the foundation to vet organizations before larger commitments - Unlike most peers, McMillen provides technical assistance, annual conferences, and a collaborative web portal beyond just grants
## Recent Activity & Developments
Leadership Transition: Karl McMillen, the foundation's visionary founder, passed away on May 6, 2025, at age 96 after 29 years of sobriety. The foundation's leadership now rests with CEO Chuck Campbell and the board, including Karl McMillen Jr. and Carol McMillen. This transition period may bring strategic evolution, though the foundation's structural funding from Todd Pipe & Supply provides continuity.
Financial Trends (2021–2024): The foundation has been in a deliberate spend-down pattern, with assets declining from $28.6M (2021) to $16.3M (2024). Annual charitable disbursements of $4.37M significantly exceed incoming revenue of $1.71M, suggesting the foundation is prioritizing current impact over endowment preservation. Applicants should be aware this could affect future grant availability if the trend continues.
Grantee Network Growth: The foundation now supports over 90 organizations, up from earlier figures, with continued expansion across Southern California counties. The grantees page lists 65+ active organizations spanning rehabilitation centers, transitional housing, and Alano Clubs.
Operational Enhancements: The foundation has invested in a modern grant management system (GrantInterface) and provides grantees with technical assistance, annual conferences, trainings, and a collaborative web portal — moving beyond pure grantmaking into capacity building for its network of recovery organizations.
Book Publication: Karl McMillen's autobiography, "Triumphs and Tragedies," documents the personal journey that led to the foundation's creation, providing deep context for the foundation's values and priorities.
## Application Tips & Insider Guidance
What Gets Funded (and What Doesn't): - YES: Facility renovations, program equipment, capital acquisition, program staff development, program-specific activities not covered by government contracts - NO: General operating funds, organizations with budgets over $10M, entities outside the 9-county SoCal region, organizations without 5+ years of IRS registration
Maximizing Your Chances:
1. Start with a strong LOI. The Letter of Intent is your first and most critical impression. Be concise about your mission alignment with substance abuse treatment/recovery and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
2. Prepare for a site visit. The foundation conducts in-person visits before committee review. Ensure your facility is well-maintained and your programs are clearly documented with outcome data.
3. Show financial health. The foundation reviews operations and financials before funding. Demonstrate diversified revenue streams — they explicitly state they should not be your primary funding source.
4. Request appropriately. New applicants should stay within the $50,000 cap. Returning grantees can request more, but build the relationship incrementally.
5. Align with their values. Karl McMillen's legacy emphasizes hard work, honesty, integrity, and respect. Frame your work in these terms. The personal loss that motivated the foundation means they deeply understand addiction — speak authentically.
6. Focus on 12-Step and residential models. The foundation explicitly funds residential recovery programs and Alano Clubs. If your organization uses these approaches, highlight them prominently.
7. Timing considerations. No fixed deadlines are published — applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, given the founder's recent passing, expect possible delays during the leadership transition period.
8. Leverage the network. Once funded, take full advantage of the foundation's technical assistance, annual conferences, and collaborative web portal. Active engagement strengthens your case for renewal.
Create a free Granted account to download this report — includes application checklist, full financial data, and all grantees.
Already have an account? Sign in to download.
Grants for non-profit residential recovery programs and treatment facilities in Southern California focused on alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
Funding for Alano Clubs and meeting halls that exist solely for 12-Step recovery-based meetings.
Community outreach and education programs to prevent alcohol and drug addiction.
## Funding Patterns & Financial Analysis Grant Characteristics: - Award range: $525 to $1,500,000 - New applicant maximum: $50,000 - Returning grantees may request annually but should not rely on the foundation as their primary funding source - One grant per organization per 12-month period (with emergency exceptions) - Priority given to: facility renovations, program enhancements, capital acquisition, program staff development, and program equipment - Generally does not fund general operating e.
Mcmillen Family Foundation has distributed a total of $13.6M across 141 grants. The median grant size is $50K, with an average of $96K. Individual grants have ranged from $2K to $1.5M.
## How to Approach the McMillen Family Foundation The McMillen Family Foundation is a focused, mission-driven funder dedicated exclusively to combating substance abuse and addiction in Southern California. Founded in 2008 by Karl McMillen — who lost two sons to drugs and personally battled alcoholism — the foundation channels profits from Todd Pipe & Supply into grants for recovery organizations. With nearly $50 million distributed to over 90 nonprofits, this is one of the most significant priva.
Mcmillen Family Foundation is headquartered in TEMECULA, CA. While based in CA, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 2 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Campbell | DIRECTOR/CEO | $240K | $0 | $240K |
| Daniel Fiorito | DIRECTOR/CFO | $80K | $0 | $80K |
| Carol Mcmillen | DIRECTOR/SECRETARY | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Merle Countryman | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Herb Kaighan | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Karl Mcmillen Jr | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Moe Gelbart | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Dan Patrick | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| John Bishop | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Gary Michel | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Lani Mcmillen | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$16.3M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$16.3M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
141
Total Giving
$13.6M
Average Grant
$96K
Median Grant
$50K
Unique Recipients
89
Most Common Grant
$50K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandview FoundationFUND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENTS | Pasadena, CA | $177K | 2022 |
| River'S Edge RanchFUND MEN'S RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY PROGRAMS | Fontana, CA | $1.5M | 2023 |
| Riverside Alano ClubFUND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, REFURBISHMENT | Riverside, CA | $350K | 2023 |
| Orange County Rescue MissionFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Tustin, CA | $338K | 2023 |
| Slave 2 NothingFUND PROGRAM | Irvine, CA | $328K | 2023 |
| Inland Valley Recovery ServicesFUND PROGRAM | Upland, CA | $256K | 2023 |
| Global Recovery InitiativeFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Bethesda, MD | $250K | 2023 |
| Santa Barbara New HouseFUND MEN'S RECOVERY PROGRAMS | Santa Barbara, CA | $190K | 2023 |
| Awakening RecoveryFUND ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT PROGRAMS | Los Angeles, CA | $168K | 2023 |
| Southwest Alano Club IncFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Hawthorne, CA | $154K | 2023 |
| The Turning Point Home Of San DiegoFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | San Diego, CA | $135K | 2023 |
| Lundquist FoundationFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Torrance, CA | $113K | 2023 |
| Loma Linda University Medical CenterFUND FACILITY RENOVATION AND SCHOLARSHIPS | Redlands, CA | $110K | 2023 |
| Lemon Grove Alano ClubFUND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, REFURBISHMENTS | Lemon Grove, CA | $110K | 2023 |
| Straight Talk Clinic IncFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Santa Ana, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Los Angeles MissionFUND TO PROVIDE HELP, HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY TO MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN IN NEED | Los Angeles, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Pathways To Grad SchoolFUND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE | Huntington Beach, CA | $100K | 2023 |
| Puente House FoundationFUND HOUSING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RECOVING ALCOHOLICS | Covina, CA | $85K | 2023 |
| High Desert Child Adolescent And Family ServicesFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT, FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH SUPPLIES OF EVERY KIND AFTER FIRE | Victorville, CA | $75K | 2023 |
| The PhoenixFUND TO BUILD A SOBER ACTIVE COMMUNITY THAT FUELS RESILIENCE AND HARNESSES THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF CONNECTION | Costa Mesa, CA | $75K | 2023 |
| Torrance Lomita Alano ClubFUND 12-STEP & RECOVERY MEETING HALL | Torrance, CA | $60K | 2023 |
| Woodglen Recovery JunctionFUND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND TAX INCREASE AT RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY PROGRAM | Fullerton, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Casa Serena IncFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Santa Barbara, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Miriams HouseFUND EVENT SPONSOR | Los Angeles, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Strides In RecoveryFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Palos Verdes, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| The Way Back IncFUND PROPERTY RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS AT TREATMENT CENTER | San Diego, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Women'S First Step House Of North CountyFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Vista, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| Los Angeles Transition CenterFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Los Angeles, CA | $50K | 2023 |
| American Indian Changing SpiritsFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Long Beach, CA | $49K | 2023 |
| Live Again RecoveryFUND ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAMS | Santa Clarita, CA | $48K | 2023 |
| New Directions For WomenFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Costa Mesa, CA | $48K | 2023 |
| The Twelfth Step House Of San Diego - Heartland HouseFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | San Diego, CA | $48K | 2023 |
| The Canyon Club Of Laguna BeachFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Laguna Beach, CA | $45K | 2023 |
| Alano Club Of Santa BarbaraFUND ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT PROGRAMS | Santa Barbara, CA | $40K | 2023 |
| The Ranch Recovery Centers IncFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Desert Hot Springs, CA | $40K | 2023 |
| Ncadd-Esvp PomonaFUND REPLACEMENT OF COMPUTER SERVERS AT TREATMENT CENTER | Covina, CA | $40K | 2023 |
| South Bay Alano ClubFUND 12-STEP & RECOVERY MEETING HALL | Hermosa Beach, CA | $35K | 2023 |
| Soroptimist House Of Hope IncFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | Desert Hot Springs, CA | $33K | 2023 |
| AlcanslaFUND DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAMS | Los Angeles, CA | $13K | 2023 |
| StepsFUND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT | Vista, CA | $13K | 2023 |
| Beacon House Association Of San PedroFUND MEN'S ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT PROGRAMS | San Pedro, CA | $10K | 2023 |
| Fred Brown RecoveryFUND PROGRAM SUPPORT | San Pedro, CA | $10K | 2023 |
| The Teen Project IncFUND OUTPATIENT CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT SERVICES TO YOUTH | Ranch Santa Margarita, CA | $500K | 2022 |
| Ashland HouseFUND WOMEN'S RECOVERY PROGRAMS | Laguna Hills, CA | $350K | 2022 |
| Alcoholism Center For WomenFUND WOMEN'S RECOVERY PROGRAMS | Los Angeles, CA | $193K | 2022 |
| Double R Ranch - Orange County Rescue MissionFUND LONG TERM SHELTER AND TREATMENT RECOVERING ADDICTS | Warner Springs, CA | $130K | 2022 |
MENLO PARK, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA
PALO ALTO, CA