Grantmaking
Grants are made by invitation through a process grounded in relationships, research, and alignment with the areas where Bernie Marcus believed focused philanthropy could make the greatest difference. The Marcus Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.
What we look for
A good grant should be able to explain the problem, the proposed solution, the people responsible for carrying it out, and what should change because of the work. In keeping with Bernie’s vision, the Foundation looks for work with:
• A serious problem that needs a better answer
• Capable leadership with the judgment and urgency to execute
• A practical plan for using resources well
• Clear expectations for what success should look like
• A path to impact beyond the first grant
• The potential to leave something stronger behind
What this looks like across our work
In Medical Research and Healthcare, that may mean moving promising science toward treatment, building clinical capacity, or helping change what patients and families can expect.
In Jewish Causes, it may mean strengthening Jewish continuity through camp, Israel experiences, campus life, security, and institutions that help Jews live with knowledge and confidence.
In Free Enterprise, National Security, and Veterans, it may mean teaching the principles and practice of free enterprise, strengthening American security and key allies, or helping veterans and their families recover, transition, and continue lives of service.
In Children and Youth Development, it may mean helping young people build skills, values, discipline, civic understanding, and practical pathways into work and adulthood.
In Community Support, it may mean giving back to the communities most closely connected to Bernie and Billi by building institutions that improve civic life and serve people for generations.
How we think about impact
The goal is not activity. The goal is impact.
Some grants can be measured in numbers: people served, treatments delivered, jobs created, students reached, dollars leveraged, or institutions built. Other grants require judgment about quality, leadership, field influence, or whether a community is stronger because of the work.
In every case, the question is the same:
How we work
The Foundation remains deliberately lean so resources go to the people the work serves. The invitation-only approach keeps the focus on opportunities closely aligned with Bernie’s priorities, where committed philanthropy can make a meaningful difference.
Search our grants
The Foundation’s grant database offers a public view of grants made across its areas of work. Use the search tool below to explore grants by program area, organization, year, geography, or keyword.
