Molina Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $15.2 million (primarily in-kind book donations)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 days for network approval
• Grant Range: In-kind book donations (1-3 books per child served)
• Geographic Focus: National (all 50 states)

Contact Details

• Website: www.molinafoundation.org
• Phone: (310) 375-6813
• Email: Contact@MolinaFoundation.org
• Grants Contact: Mark Speicher - mspeicher@molinafoundation.org

Overview

The Molina Family Foundation, established in 2004 by Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett and Dr. Faustino Bernadett, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with approximately $18.7 million in assets that reduces disparities in education and health access through strategic book distribution. The foundation has distributed over 11 million new books since inception, valued at over $15 million annually. Operating with a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (97% overall score), the foundation serves low-income families and children ages 0-18 nationwide. Dr. Martha Bernadett, who founded the organization after observing literacy challenges among her low-income patients in Southern California, continues to lead as President and CEO without compensation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Book Buddies Program: In-kind grants of 1-3 new books per child (primary program)
  • Application method: Join network first, then apply when opportunities are announced via email
  • Rolling basis with periodic grant opportunities
• On My Way to Kindergarten: Educational resources for kindergarten readiness
• WordUp: Themed educational content (Space, Animals, Pirates)

Priority Areas

• Early literacy development for children ages 0-18
• Health literacy education
• Support for underserved and low-income communities
• Educational equity initiatives
• School readiness programs

What They Don't Fund

• Cash grants for operating expenses
• Capital projects or infrastructure
• Individual scholarships
• Programs not serving low-income or at-risk populations
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status or government designation

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

• Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett - President, CEO & Founder (unpaid)
• Dr. Faustino Bernadett - Vice President, Treasurer (unpaid)
• Kimberly Anderson - VP of Accounting and Human Resources
• Jennifer Chappell - Director of Operations

Board Directors:

• Robert Stemler
• Ron Ottinger

Grants Contact:

• Mark Speicher - Grants and Logistics Coordinator

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations must first join the Molina Foundation network through their online portal at molinafoundation.org/apply/. The initial application takes less than 5 minutes and requires basic organizational information and EIN. Once approved (within 2-3 days), organizations receive email notifications about book grant opportunities and can request 1-3 books per child served. Books are provided free, though minimal shipping costs may apply.

Decision Timeline

• Network approval: 2-3 days after initial application
• Grant opportunities: Announced periodically via email to network members
• Book delivery: Timeline varies based on specific grant opportunity

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation works with over 3,000 partner organizations nationwide.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions documented. Organizations should contact Mark Speicher directly for guidance on multiple applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and priorities:

• Demonstrate clear connection between book distribution and improving literacy outcomes for low-income children
• Show established infrastructure for distributing books directly to families in need
• Highlight alignment with health literacy goals, particularly if serving families in healthcare settings
• Emphasize reach to underserved populations and ability to track distribution
• Include specific numbers of children to be served and distribution plan
• Partner organizations serving Title 1 schools have been particularly successful

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation provides in-kind book grants only - not cash grants - making it ideal for literacy programs needing new books
• The application process is straightforward: join the network first (takes 5 minutes), then apply when opportunities are announced
• With over $18 million in assets and annual distributions exceeding $15 million in book value, this is a substantial funding source for book needs
• The foundation has excellent ratings (4 stars from Charity Navigator) and minimal administrative overhead
• Geographic scope is national - organizations from all 50 states are eligible
• No specific book titles can be requested - books are age-appropriate fiction and pleasure-reading materials
• Contact Mark Speicher directly at mspeicher@molinafoundation.org with specific questions about eligibility or process

References

• Molina Family Foundation Official Website: www.molinafoundation.org (accessed February 10, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/201479392 (accessed February 10, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Molina Family Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/201479392 (accessed February 10, 2026)
• Cause IQ - Molina Family Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/molina-family-foundation,201479392/ (accessed February 10, 2026)
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - Molina Family Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&key=7865919 (accessed February 10, 2026)
• GuideStar/Candid Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-1479392 (accessed February 10, 2026)