About The Marcus Foundation
The Marcus Foundation was established in 1989 by Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, to put his values to work at scale.
Bernie believed philanthropy should do more than support good causes. It should find strong people, back practical ideas for changing the world, and demand results.
He called that approach entrepreneurial philanthropy. It grew out of the same instincts that shaped The Home Depot: stay lean, move fast, trust capable people, and keep asking whether the work is changing anything that matters.
The Foundation’s work is organized around five areas of central importance to Bernie’s life and convictions:
Across those areas, the approach is the same. We look for people and organizations with clear judgment, serious ambition, and the ability to execute. We are interested in outcomes, not activity. A grant should test an idea, strengthen a model, reach people who need it, and show what changed.
Since its founding, The Marcus Foundation has given more than $2.7 billion through more than 3,500 grants. Behind those numbers are institutions built, discoveries advanced, veterans served, children supported, Jewish life strengthened, and communities changed.
Consistent with Bernie’s wishes, the Foundation intends to deploy its assets within a defined period rather than operate in perpetuity.
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Grants are made by invitation, through a process grounded in relationships, research, and alignment with the areas where Bernie believed focused philanthropy could make the greatest difference.
Bernie Marcus passed away in 2024. The Foundation carries his legacy forward — changing and saving lives.
