Philip M McKenna Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $966,678 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Varies widely - historical grants from $5,000 to $275,000+
• Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on Pennsylvania

Contact Details

• Website: mckfdn.org
• Phone: (724) 537-6900
• Fax: (724) 537-6906
• Address: 816 Ligonier St, Suite 500, Latrobe, PA 15650
• Mailing: PO Box 186, Latrobe, PA 15650-0186

Overview

The Philip M McKenna Foundation Inc, established in 1967, is a private grantmaking foundation with approximately $17 million in assets and annual giving approaching $1 million. Founded by Philip M. McKenna, an internationally renowned metallurgist and inventor of commercially successful steel-cutting tungsten carbide, the foundation carries forward his legacy of supporting free enterprise and constitutional governance. The foundation's mission centers on advancing a free, prosperous, and well-ordered society based upon American civic principles, private enterprise, and the cultural heritage of Western civilization. With a clear ideological focus on conservative and free-market policy, the foundation supports both national think tanks and educational institutions, as well as local Pennsylvania organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion without specific named programs, but grants typically fall into several categories:

• Educational institutions: $5,000 - $275,000+ (supporting colleges, universities, and educational programs)
• Policy research organizations: $20,000 - $800,000 (think tanks and policy institutes)
• Local community organizations: Variable amounts (Pennsylvania-based organizations)

Priority Areas

• Public policy research promoting free market economics
• Educational programs emphasizing Western civilization and constitutional government
• Conservative and libertarian think tanks and policy organizations
• Higher education institutions aligned with foundation values
• Local Pennsylvania community organizations, particularly in the Latrobe/Pittsburgh region
• Programs advancing limited constitutional government and moral virtue

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly documented, based on their giving patterns, they do not fund:

• Progressive or left-leaning policy organizations
• Programs opposing free market principles
• Organizations not aligned with Judeo-Christian values
• International development projects
• Medical research
• Individual scholarships or personal assistance

Governance and Leadership

T. William Boxx - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Compensation: $115,060). Previously worked in government affairs and corporate services for Kennametal Inc. and in social services for the state of Arkansas.

Charles R. Kesler, Ph.D. - Vice Chairman. Dengler-Dykema Distinguished Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College and Claremont Graduate University, Senior Fellow of the Claremont Institute, Editor of the Claremont Review of Books, and recipient of the 2018 Bradley Prize. Dr. Kesler brings significant academic and conservative intellectual leadership to the foundation.

BNY Mellon N.A. - Corporate Trustee, providing professional fiduciary services.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on the foundation's strategic priorities and existing relationships. Organizations seeking funding should contact the foundation directly at (724) 537-6900 to inquire about potential alignment with funding priorities.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and leadership connections:

• The foundation has strong ties to the Claremont Institute network through Vice Chairman Charles Kesler, suggesting organizations connected to this conservative intellectual community may have better access
• Saint Vincent College in Latrobe has received significant historical funding, indicating local Pennsylvania institutions have an advantage
• Organizations already funded by similar conservative foundations (Heritage Foundation, Intercollegiate Studies Institute) may find common ground
• Direct outreach should emphasize alignment with free market economics, constitutional government, and Western civilization values
• Building relationships through conservative policy networks and academic circles associated with Claremont McKenna College could provide introduction pathways

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - decisions appear to be made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No documented policy available.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of funded organizations and foundation priorities:

• Organizations that have received funding share clear ideological alignment with conservative, free-market principles
• Educational institutions that promote Western civilization and constitutional government studies receive priority
• Pennsylvania-based organizations, particularly in the Latrobe area, have received consistent support
• Think tanks and policy organizations with established reputations in conservative circles are favored
• Multi-year relationships appear common, with many organizations receiving repeated grants
• Academic rigor and intellectual credibility matter, given the foundation's connection to prestigious conservative scholars
• Clear demonstration of how the organization advances the founder's vision of free enterprise and limited government

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an ideologically-focused foundation requiring strong alignment with conservative, free-market, and constitutional principles • No public application process exists - relationship building and direct contact are essential • Pennsylvania organizations, especially near Latrobe, may have geographic advantage • Connection to the Claremont Institute network or similar conservative intellectual circles could facilitate introduction • The foundation makes substantial commitments to organizations it supports, often providing repeated funding over years • Educational programs and policy research receive priority over direct service programs • Professional presentation emphasizing intellectual rigor and alignment with Western civilization values is critical

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Philip M McKenna Foundation Inc Form 990s (2001-2024). Accessed February 13, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/256082635
• Charity Navigator - Philip M McKenna Foundation Inc Profile. Accessed February 13, 2026
• Cause IQ - McKenna Philip M Foundation Database Entry. Accessed February 13, 2026
• Claremont McKenna College Faculty Directory - Charles R. Kesler Profile. Accessed February 13, 2026
• Foundation historical grant data (1996-2004) compiled from multiple grant tracking databases. Accessed February 13, 2026
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Database - EIN 25-6082635. Accessed February 13, 2026