McCarthey Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,014,768 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 82 awards (2023)
• Average Grant Size: $24,570
• Grant Range: Varies widely - from small grants to $150,000+
• Total Assets: $27,604,535
• Geographic Focus: National (Utah, California, Colorado, Illinois, and other states)
• Application Type: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 610 East South Temple, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Phone: (801) 578-1240

Contact Person: Todd F. Brashear, Executive Director

EIN: 20-8067695

Note: The foundation does not have a public website and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

The McCarthey Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2007 (incorporated in Alaska, currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah). With total assets of approximately $27.6 million, the foundation distributed over $2 million in grants in 2023 across 82 awards. The foundation focuses on four primary areas: education (elementary, secondary, and higher education), environment, health (specifically diseases and conditions), and human services. While based in Utah, the foundation supports projects nationally, including cities such as Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and states including Utah, California, Colorado, and Illinois. The McCarthey family has been particularly noted for their transformative support of Gonzaga University, where family members serve as trustees and regents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private family foundation without formal, publicly available grant programs. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees to preselected organizations.

Recent Notable Grants Include:

• Westminster University: $150,000 (Capital Campaign)
• YWCA Utah: $125,000 (Capital Campaign)
• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake: $100,000 (Capital Campaign)
• Gonzaga University: Multiple major gifts including $1 million for Florence study abroad scholarships, lead gift for McCarthey Athletic Center ($26 million facility), and COVID-19 relief support

Priority Areas

Education: The foundation shows strong support for educational institutions at all levels, from elementary and secondary education to higher education. Notable focus on:

• University capital campaigns and facilities
• Study abroad programs and scholarships
• Educational access and student support

Environment: Environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives

Health: Focus on diseases and conditions, medical research, and health services

Human Services: Support for organizations addressing community needs, youth development, and social services

Geographic Focus

While based in Utah with strong support for Utah-based organizations, the foundation maintains a national scope, supporting organizations in:

• Utah (Salt Lake City area)
• California (Los Angeles area)
• Illinois (Chicago area)
• Pennsylvania (Philadelphia area)
• Colorado
• Washington State (particularly Gonzaga University in Spokane)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but as a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications, the foundation does not fund organizations outside of those selected by the trustees.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (all unpaid)

• Philip G. McCarthey - Trustee and Gonzaga Regent
• Thomas K. McCarthey Jr. - Trustee and Gonzaga Trustee
• Sarah J. McCarthey - Trustee
• Maureen P. McCarthey - Trustee

Staff

• Todd F. Brashear - Executive Director (Compensation: $225,000 in 2024)
• John P. O'Brien - Treasurer (Compensation: $62,500 in 2024)
• Christina Kolkebeck - Secretary (Compensation: $30,000 in 2024)

The McCarthey family has been recognized with Gonzaga University's Ignatian Spirit Award for their transformative support of the institution, demonstrating their long-term commitment to causes they support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The McCarthey Family Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. This policy is documented in their IRS Form 990-PF filings.

Organizations cannot submit applications, letters of inquiry, or proposals unless specifically invited to do so by the foundation's trustees or staff.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at the discretion of the board of trustees to organizations they have selected.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications - the foundation does not accept them.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Understanding the Foundation's Approach

Since the McCarthey Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, understanding their giving patterns can be valuable:

Strong Personal Connections: The foundation's grant-making appears to be driven by the trustees' personal connections and interests. The family's extensive support of Gonzaga University, where family members serve as trustees and regents, demonstrates the importance of direct board relationships.

Long-term Partnerships: Evidence suggests the foundation prefers sustained relationships with organizations rather than one-time grants. Their repeated and escalating support for Gonzaga University (athletic center, scholarships, COVID relief) shows commitment to organizations they believe in.

Capital Campaigns and Major Projects: Recent grants show significant support for capital campaigns ($150,000 to Westminster University, $125,000 to YWCA Utah, $100,000 to Boys and Girls Club), suggesting openness to substantial infrastructure and capacity-building investments.

Utah Community Focus: While the foundation gives nationally, Utah-based organizations, particularly in the Salt Lake City area, receive substantial support.

Quality Over Quantity: With 82 grants totaling just over $2 million, the average grant size of approximately $24,570 suggests the foundation makes meaningful investments rather than token gifts.

Multi-Year Commitment: The foundation's relationship with organizations like Gonzaga demonstrates willingness to provide ongoing support over many years.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: Do not submit unsolicited proposals, letters of inquiry, or applications to this foundation - they will not be considered
• Relationship-Driven: Grant-making appears to be based on personal relationships between trustees and organizations, not competitive application processes
• Strategic Partnerships Matter: Organizations with trustees, board members, or leadership who have personal connections to the McCarthey family trustees are most likely to receive support
• Focus on Impact: Recent grants suggest preference for capital projects and capacity-building initiatives that create lasting impact
• Geographic Concentration: While national in scope, strong preference for Utah organizations and institutions with McCarthey family connections (particularly Gonzaga University)
• Education is Central: The family's extensive support of educational institutions at all levels suggests this is a core priority
• Long-term Perspective: Evidence suggests the foundation values sustained relationships and multi-year support rather than one-time grants
• Not a Fit for Most Organizations: Unless your organization already has a relationship with the McCarthey family or trustees, this foundation is unlikely to be a funding prospect

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - McCarthey Family Foundation Profile. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/208067695. Accessed February 5, 2026.

2. Cause IQ - McCarthey Family Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/mccarthey-family-foundation,208067695/. Accessed February 5, 2026.

3. Candid Foundation Directory - McCarthey Family Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MCCA355. Accessed February 5, 2026.

4. Instrumentl - McCarthey Family Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/mccarthey-family-foundation. Accessed February 5, 2026.

5. Grantable - McCarthey Family Foundation Profile & Grants. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/mccarthey-family-foundation-us-foundation-208067695. Accessed February 5, 2026.

6. Grantmakers.io - Philip G McCarthey Family Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/870624010-philip-g-mccarthey-family-foundation/. Accessed February 5, 2026.

7. Gonzaga University. "McCarthey family provides generous gift to Gonzaga athletics, university." Spokesman-Review, July 22, 2020. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/22/mccarthey-family-provides-generous-gift-to-gonzaga/. Accessed February 5, 2026.

8. Gonzaga University. "McCarthey's Gift Florence Scholarships." September 10, 2014. https://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/2014/9/10/mccartheys-gift-florence-scholarships. Accessed February 5, 2026.

9. Gonzaga University. "Gonzaga Honors McCarthey Family with Ignatian Spirit Award at Annual Ignatian Gala." April 14, 2014. https://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/2014/4/14/gonzaga-honors-mccarthey-family-with-ignatian-spirit-award-at-annual-ignatian-gala. Accessed February 5, 2026.

10. IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020-2024) accessed through ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and other public databases.