Elizabeth B McGraw Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,825,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (preselected organizations)
• Grant Range: $100,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Multi-state (MA, NY, FL, WA, OR, NC, DE)

Contact Details

• Address: 775 E Falmouth Hwy PMB 357, East Falmouth, MA 02536
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Website: None

Overview

The Elizabeth B McGraw Foundation Inc is a private nonoperating foundation established in 1963 with IRS tax-exempt status granted in 1991. With assets of approximately $59 million and annual giving of $2.8 million, the foundation honors the legacy of Elizabeth B. McGraw through strategic support of arts and cultural institutions. The foundation's wealth derives from the McGraw family's connection to McGraw-Hill publishing. Led by President Marjorie Lee McGraw (great-granddaughter of McGraw-Hill founder James H. McGraw), the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, supporting preselected charitable organizations primarily in performing arts, museums, education, and health sectors across multiple U.S. states.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 to preselected organizations:

• Major institutional support: $250,000 - $500,000 (museums, opera companies)
• Significant program support: $100,000 - $250,000 (performing arts organizations)
• Transformational gifts: $1,000,000+ (capital campaigns, special projects)

Priority Areas

• Performing Arts: Ballet, opera, dance, music (primary focus)
• Museums: Art museums, cultural institutions
• Arts Centers: Community arts facilities
• Education: Higher education institutions
• Health: Healthcare organizations
• Human Services: Community service organizations

What They Don't Fund

As an invitation-only funder, the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications from any organizations or causes.

Governance and Leadership

President and Trustee: Marjorie Lee McGraw

• Great-granddaughter of James H. McGraw (McGraw-Hill founder)
• Former Boston Ballet Board of Trustees member (2002-2005)
• Previously involved with Harborside Center for The Arts, Florida
• Resident of Sequim, Washington (since 2021)
• Executive Officer, Home Builders & Remodelers Association Cape Cod (since 2004)

All leadership positions serve on a voluntary basis without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and leadership involvement, organizations may increase visibility through:

• Boston Ballet connections: The president served on their board from 2002-2005 and the foundation continues major support
• Metropolitan Opera relationships: Consistent supporter with 11 grants totaling $2.8 million over 20 years
• Regional presence: Organizations in East Falmouth/Cape Cod (MA), Sequim/Port Angeles (WA), or Punta Gorda (FL) where the president has resided
• Field Arts and Events Hall model: The foundation made a $1 million grant to this Port Angeles venue where M. Lee McGraw is involved

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made to preselected organizations at the foundation's discretion.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application strategies do not apply. Based on documented giving patterns:

• The foundation maintains long-term relationships with institutions (Metropolitan Opera received 11 grants over 20 years)
• Geographic proximity to foundation leadership residences appears significant (Massachusetts, Washington, Florida)
• Excellence in performing arts, particularly ballet and opera, aligns with foundation priorities
• The foundation supports both operating expenses and capital campaigns
• Named giving opportunities (Norton Museum's curator position, Met Opera summer series) indicate interest in legacy recognition

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No unsolicited applications - This foundation only funds preselected organizations
• Performing arts focus - Strongest alignment with ballet, opera, and classical music organizations
• Geographic patterns - Concentrated giving in MA, NY, WA, and FL where leadership has connections
• Long-term relationships - Foundation maintains multi-year support for select institutions
• Significant grant sizes - Typical grants range from $100,000 to $1,000,000
• Board connections matter - President's past and current board service correlates with grant recipients
• Capital and operating support - Foundation provides both types of funding to trusted partners

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Elizabeth B McGraw Foundation Inc Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023)
• Grantmakers.io - Elizabeth B McGraw Foundation profile and grant history
• Boston Ballet Annual Reports (2002-2005) - Board member listings
• Metropolitan Opera donor recognition records (2002-2021)
• Norton Museum of Art press releases - Endowed curator position announcement
• Field Arts and Events Hall, Port Angeles - $1 million grant announcement (2022)
• Massachusetts Secretary of State - Corporation database
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search - EIN 133591829