2025 Applications: Letter of Intent Opens Monday, February 3rd and Closes Friday, February 28th
About Us
The Marshall Foundation, established in 1930 by Lousie Marshall seeks to enhance the lives of the citizens of Tucson, Arizona and Pima County through its support of charitable and educational institutions. It is headquartered near the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson and it’s giving is funded by retail leases on commercial properties within Main Gate Square, real estate acquired over time by founder Louise Foucar Marshall beginning in 1903.
The Foundation focuses its community giving on early childhood through graduate education and wrap-around social services supporting education for underserved populations. It also funds projects, programs and scholarships at the University of Arizona, including post-secondary levels.
Since its founding in 1930, the Marshall Foundation provided over $30 million in grants and scholarships in southern Arizona. The three categories of annual funding determined by the Board of Directors are: grants to support early childhood through graduate education, grants to support wrap-around services for underserved populations that support education, and grants and scholarships at the University of Arizona. Marshall Foundation also reserves the right to award grants at its sole discretion.
The Marshall Foundation accepts applications within the established guidelines below; only one application will be accepted per organization unless you are applying under a fiscal agent. If you are submitting a proposal within the University of Arizona, please apply under the University of Arizona Foundation. The grant period is one year. Applications for both program support and general operating support are accepted. The organization must be performing charitable work in line with the foundation’s funding focus.
Process & Application
All applications must be submitted through an online process with WizeHive. We encourage you to review the guidelines carefully before applying. Application for funding is a two-step process starting with a Letter of Intent (LOI) and if selected, an invitation to complete a full application. All awards are determined by a committee of the Board of Directors. Requests must be a minimum of $25,000. Requests for up to $100,000 will be accepted, however most award amounts are between $25,000-$30,000.
Online Portal
To start the LOI process, please set up an organizational profile, Click HERE
This portal has been updated from the previous year. Due to this update, you will be required to set up a new profile for your nonprofit organization. Only one profile should be created for each organization. Additional editors can be added to that organization’s profile. If you are part of the University of Arizona, you will be required to submit your University of Arizona Department Number and University of Arizona Code to apply. You can then create a profile for your department. Please reach out to the University of Arizona Foundation for that number.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing, conducting charitable work in Tucson or Pima County, Arizona. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted.
- The organization and program must directly benefit Tucson and Pima County.
- Grants are not made to for-profit organizations or directly to individuals.
- The grant period is one year. An organization must be current with all reporting requirements to be eligible.
- Grantees must not discriminate in their employment practices, volunteer opportunities or delivery of programs and services on the basis of Race, Religion, Gender or Gender Identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), Gender Expression, Sexual orientation, Age, Ancestry, Citizenship, Ethnicity, Familial Status, Socioeconomic Status (economic circumstances), Color, Creed, Sex (including pregnancy), Phases of Parenthood, National Origin, Marital Status, Veteran Status (past, current or prospective service in the armed forces), Genetic Information, Physical Characteristics or Appearance, Mental or Physical Disability, Any other status prohibited by applicable law.
Grantmaking Priorities
You will be asked to select one of the four areas when applying and articulate your organization’s alignment with these priorities. These four areas are: Early Childhood to Graduate Education, Wrap Around Services in Support of Education, U of A Programs and Projects, U of A Scholarships. Below are the definitions of how the Marshall Foundation defines Early Childhood to Graduate Education and Wrap Around Services in Support of Education as a guide to help determine what focus area your application would best fit.
Early Childhood to Graduate Education is a broad range of educational programs aimed at supporting kids and young adults from preschool all the way through college. This approach fosters a well-rounded education, helping individuals thrive at every stage of their learning journey.
Including but not limited to the following:
- Access to Education: Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, no matter their background.
- Educational Supplies: Ensuring students have the materials necessary for learning.
- Teacher Resources: Helping educators access the tools they need to support their students.
- Preschool Programs: Providing a solid educational foundation through fun and structured activities.
- Literacy and Language Skills: Helping students build strong reading and writing abilities.
- STEM/STEAM Learning: Incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to spark creativity and problem-solving.
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Teaching skills for managing emotions and interacting well with others.
- Vocational Training: Preparing students with practical skills for specific careers.
- Transition Support: Helping students move smoothly from high school to college or vocational programs.
- Arts Education: Encouraging creativity through arts-integrated learning experiences.
- Educational Mentoring Programs: Connecting students with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement in their educational journey.
Wraparound Services in Support of Education are comprehensive support systems designed to enhance student learning and family well-being. These services aim to address various needs that contribute to a thriving educational environment and ultimately enhance educational outcomes.
Including but not limited to the following:
- Basic Needs Support: Ensuring that students and families have access to essentials such as housing, clothing, and transportation to ensure access to education.
- Food Security Strategies: Implementing programs to ensure that families have access to nutritious meals and food resources.
- After-School Programs: Providing opportunities for enrichment, academic assistance, and recreational activities outside regular school hours.
- Mental Health Services: Offering counseling and support to address emotional and psychological well-being.
- Support for Foster Children/Youth: Providing specialized services and advocacy to address the specific educational needs and emotional challenges faced by foster children and youth.
- Support for Marginalized Students: Creating targeted initiatives to address barriers faced by marginalized students, such as discrimination and inequity, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed academically and socially.
- Advocacy and Research for Education: Creating educational policies to benefit students as well as creating educational research to better inform our community about the sector.
Important Dates
- Monday, February 3, 2025 – Letter of Intent (LOI) Open
- Friday, February 28, 2025 – Letter of Intent (LOI) Due, 5pm MST
- Monday, March 24, 2025 – Notification of applicants to move to full proposal
- Friday, April 18, 2025 – Full Proposal Due, 5pm MST
- Friday, May 23, 2025 – Final Awards
- Checks are mailed between June 2025-December 2025. More details will be available when awarded.
Out of Cycle Funding
In some years there may be funding available outside the regular funding cycle. If your need is for less than $25,000 or you are out-of-cycle you may contact us.
Contact
Please visit www.marshallfoundation.com for more information or contact:
Kelly Huber, Executive Director [email protected]
Kay Hoenig, Grant Management Administrator [email protected]