National Mah Jongg League Foundation Inc.

The National Mah Jongg League Foundation (EIN 13-3791092) is a unique public foundation based in Harrison, NY, established in 1995 as the charitable arm of the National Mah Jongg League. The foundation's funding model is distinctive: proceeds from sales of the League's Official Rule Cards (sold at $14-15 each to the League's extensive membership base) flow directly to charitable organizations. The foundation is led by the Unger family — David Unger (President) and Larry Unger (Treasurer) — along with directors Tarchae Campbell and Norman Greenberg, all serving without compensation. Now celebrating 89 years of Mah Jongg, the League has built a $14.2 million asset base while distributing over $1 million annually to a diverse portfolio of health, human service, and educational organizations across 19 states. The foundation's approach combines large anchor grants to flagship health charities with broad distribution to dozens of recognized national nonprofits.

In fiscal year 2024, the foundation awarded 72 grants totaling approximately $1.1 million, up from 69 awards in 2023 and 65 in 2022. The grant range spans from $231 to $230,769. Top 2024 recipients included: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation ($230,769), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ($100,000), Inner-City Scholarship Fund ($35,000), City of Hope ($25,000), Give Kids the World ($25,000), and Make-A-Wish Foundation ($25,000). The foundation supports 28+ named charity partners including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Alzheimer's Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation, Food Bank NYC, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Shriners Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and YWCA. Geographic reach spans 19 states with concentration in New York, California, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.

The NMJL Foundation is distinctive as a membership-funded foundation — its revenue comes from Rule Card sales rather than endowment returns or major donor contributions. Among foundations of similar asset size, its 72 grants per year and 7.2% payout rate demonstrate active, diversified grantmaking. The foundation occupies a unique niche as one of the few gaming-community-driven philanthropies at this scale.

Total assets stand at $14.2 million with zero liabilities. FY 2025 revenue was $997K sourced from contributions (35.1%), dividends (32.0%), asset sales (23.4%), other income (9.3%), and interest (0.2%). Expenses totaled $1.06 million with charitable disbursements at 96.7% of total expenditures ($1.02M). The foundation has grown from $4.5M in assets (2012) to $14.2M (2025), demonstrating strong long-term growth. Net income was slightly negative in 2025 (-$59,855), suggesting the foundation is in a mature phase of balanced giving and investment returns. The current food insecurity initiative is a featured priority on the League's website, indicating potential expansion of food-related grants. The foundation accepts $350K annually in contributions from the League.

The foundation is open to new applicants with an approximately 12% acceptance rate. Contact: NMJL, PO Box 50003, Newark NJ 07101-8006 or through nationalmahjonggleague.org. Key application considerations: (1) Align with children's health, cancer research, food security, or established human service categories. (2) Be a recognized national or major regional nonprofit — the foundation strongly favors established organizations with brand recognition (American Red Cross, St. Jude, etc.). (3) Grant sizes range widely; new grantees typically start in the $5,000-$25,000 range. (4) The foundation values broad impact and name recognition — demonstrate national reach or significant community presence. (5) Health-focused organizations, particularly in cancer research and children's hospitals, receive the largest grants. (6) The food insecurity focus is currently highlighted, suggesting favorable timing for food bank and nutrition organizations.