McMillen Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,785,742 (2024)
• Total Assets: $16,316,773
• Grant Range: $525 - $1,500,000 (new applicants up to $50,000)
• Geographic Focus: Nine counties in Southern California
• Number of Awards: 42 (2024)
• Total Grants Made: Nearly $40 million to over 90 organizations since inception
• Application Type: Rolling (currently suspended for new applicants)

Contact Details

Website: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/

Mailing Address: PO Box 4033, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Note: The foundation is currently suspending consideration of unsolicited grant applications from new prospective grantees for an indefinite period. Current grantees can access grant applications through the grantee portal.

Overview

The McMillen Family Foundation was established in 2008 by Karl and Carol McMillen with a deeply personal mission rooted in family tragedy. Founder Karl McMillen lost two sons to drug addiction and struggled with alcohol himself before achieving 27+ years of sobriety. In 2002, Karl made a $5.3 million pledge to establish the Thelma McMillen Center at Torrance Memorial Hospital, named after his late wife, which houses a comprehensive outpatient program for chemical dependency treatment. The Foundation focuses exclusively on providing assistance to nonprofit organizations in Southern California that help people impacted by alcohol and/or drugs through treatment, prevention, education, and recovery services. Funded by proceeds from the McMillen family's plumbing business (Todd Pipe & Supply), the Foundation prioritizes nonprofits demonstrating sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity. Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed nearly $40 million in grants to over 90 nonprofit entities whose missions align with combating substance use disorders.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a single grant program with a rolling application process (currently suspended for new applicants):

• New Applicants: Up to $50,000
• Returning Grantees: Variable amounts ($525 - $1,500,000 based on proven track record)
• Frequency: One grant award per organization within each 12-month period (except emergency requests)
• Application Method: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) required for new applicants, followed by full application if invited

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

• State-certified and/or licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs (outpatient or residential)
• Nonprofit residential recovery programs or homes
• Alano Clubs or meeting halls dedicated to 12-Step recovery-based meetings
• Organizations identifying treatment, prevention, education, and/or recovery from alcohol and drug problems as their primary mission

Funding Priorities:

• Facility renovations and program enhancements that improve outcomes for program participants who cannot afford for-profit services
• Program activities or services not funded by government contracts
• Facility improvements and capital acquisition
• Program staff development
• Program equipment directly related to providing alcohol and drug prevention, treatment, and/or recovery services

Geographic Eligibility: Organizations must operate programs in at least one of the following Southern California counties:

• Orange
• Imperial
• Kern
• Los Angeles
• Riverside
• San Bernardino
• San Diego
• Santa Barbara
• Ventura

Organizational Requirements:

• Must be registered with the IRS as a nonprofit organization
• Must have annual operating budget under $10 million (or subsidiary with budget under $10 million)
• Must identify substance use disorder treatment, prevention, education, or recovery as a core function and primary component of approved organizational mission statement

What They Don't Fund

• General operating funds/support (generally not approved)
• Organizations expecting the Foundation to be primary support for a single program on a continuing basis
• Organizations outside the nine specified Southern California counties
• Programs not primarily focused on alcohol and drug prevention, treatment, education, or recovery
• Organizations with annual operating budgets exceeding $10 million

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Karl McMillen - President, Chairman, and Founder
• Carol McMillen - Secretary and Board Member
• Chuck Campbell - CEO and Board Member
• Merle Countryman - Board Member
• Dan Fiorito - CFO and Board Member
• Herb Kaighan - Board Member

Foundation Values

The Foundation emphasizes support for nonprofits that:

• Demonstrate sound fiscal management
• Operate efficiently
• Maintain program integrity
• Have a proven track record
• Produce tangible and measurable results consistent with their mission

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The McMillen Family Foundation is currently suspending consideration of unsolicited grant applications from new prospective grantees for an indefinite period. Current grantees can access grant applications through the grantee portal.

For New Applicants (when applications reopen):

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Organizations new to the Foundation operating State-certified and/or licensed substance use disorder treatment programs must first complete a Letter of Inquiry
2. Invitation to Apply: If the LOI is approved, the organization will be invited to complete a full grant application
3. Site Visit: A comprehensive site visit and review of the organization, its operations, and financials will be conducted
4. Grant Committee Review: After the site visit is complete, the application is reviewed by the Grant Committee
5. Decision: Grant Committee makes final determination

Application Categories:

• State-certified/licensed SUD treatment programs (outpatient or residential) - LOI required
• Nonprofit residential recovery programs or homes - Direct application
• Alano Clubs or meeting halls for 12-Step recovery - Direct application

Decision Timeline

• Application Type: Rolling deadline (when accepting new applicants)
• Review Process: LOI review, then site visit and organizational review before Grant Committee consideration
• Specific Timeline: Not publicly disclosed; involves multi-step process with site visit component

Success Rates

While specific acceptance percentages are not published, the Foundation's grant activity shows:

• 42 awards in 2024
• 41 awards in 2023
• 44 awards in 2022
• 35 awards in 2021
• 56 awards in 2020

The Foundation supports over 90 nonprofit organizations, suggesting they maintain relationships with existing grantees while selectively adding new partners who demonstrate exceptional alignment with their mission.

Reapplication Policy

• Organizations may receive only one grant award per 12-month period (except for emergency requests)
• Returning grantees may request grant awards each year
• The Foundation cautions that returning grantees "should not expect the Foundation to be its primary support for a single program on a continuing basis"
• No specific waiting period mentioned for unsuccessful applicants, though new applications are currently suspended

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation's Core Mission

The Foundation's mission emerges from personal tragedy - founder Karl McMillen lost two sons to drug addiction. Organizations should demonstrate deep understanding of the impact of substance use disorders on individuals and families. The Foundation specifically seeks organizations helping people "of all ages who have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by alcohol and/or drugs."

Demonstrated Fiscal Responsibility and Program Integrity

The Foundation explicitly states it "focuses its efforts on non-profit service providers that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity." During the application process, expect a thorough review of organizational finances and operations through the required site visit.

Proven Track Record with Measurable Results

The Foundation gives "priority in funding to those nonprofits with a proven track record that share their values and produce tangible and measurable results consistent with their mission." Applications should include concrete data on program outcomes and participant success rates.

Focus on Underserved Populations

Priority is given to applications requesting funds for "facility renovations and program enhancements that improve outcomes for program participants who do not have the personal resources to obtain equivalent services from for-profit organizations." Emphasize how your program serves those who cannot afford private treatment.

State Certification and Licensing

For treatment programs, State certification and/or licensing as a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility is required. Alano Clubs must "exist solely for the purpose of 12-Step recovery-based meetings."

Geographic Alignment

Organizations must operate in one or more of the nine eligible Southern California counties. Multi-county service areas may strengthen applications.

Complement, Not Replace, Government Funding

The Foundation explicitly supports "program activities or services not funded by government contracts." Clearly demonstrate how Foundation funds will enhance or expand services beyond what government contracts cover.

Sample Grantees

The Foundation has supported organizations including:

• Thelma McMillen Center @ Torrance Memorial
• Alcoholism Center for Women
• American Indian Changing Spirits
• Fred Brown Recovery Services
• Awakening Recovery
• The Beacon House San Pedro
• Canon Human Services
• Heartland House
• Helpline Youth Counseling
• House of Hope
• The Turning Point Home
• Numerous Alano Clubs throughout Southern California

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications Currently Closed: The Foundation is suspending new unsolicited applications indefinitely - monitor their website for when this changes. Current grantees continue to receive support through the grantee portal.

• Personal Mission: This Foundation was born from personal tragedy. Karl McMillen's loss of two sons to drugs and his own recovery journey drives the work. Applications should demonstrate genuine understanding of how substance use disorders impact individuals and families.

• Proven Performance Required: The Foundation prioritizes organizations with established track records. New applicants face rigorous vetting including site visits and comprehensive operational/financial reviews. Be prepared to demonstrate measurable outcomes and sound fiscal management.

• Facility Improvements Get Priority: Applications for facility renovations and program enhancements receive priority consideration. If requesting operational support, clearly tie it to services not covered by government contracts.

• One Shot Per Year: Organizations receive maximum one grant per 12-month period (except emergencies), and new applicants are capped at $50,000. Don't expect the Foundation to become your primary ongoing support.

• State Certification Matters: For treatment programs, State certification/licensing is required. Alano Clubs must exclusively serve 12-Step recovery purposes. Ensure your organization meets these threshold requirements.

• Stay Connected: The Foundation provides grantees with technical assistance, an annual grantee conference, trainings, and a web portal for collaboration. Building relationships matters - this is a community of practice, not just a funding source.

References

• McMillen Family Foundation Official Website: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
• McMillen Family Foundation - Applications Page: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/applications/ (Accessed February 2026)
• McMillen Family Foundation - Grants Page: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/grants/ (Accessed February 2026)
• McMillen Family Foundation - About Karl McMillen: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/about/ (Accessed February 2026)
• McMillen Family Foundation - Directors: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/directors/ (Accessed February 2026)
• McMillen Family Foundation - Grantees: https://mcmillenfamilyfoundation.org/grantees/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - McMillen Family Foundation Profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MCMI034 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - McMillen Family Foundation (EIN 26-1593449): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/261593449 (Accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl - McMillen Family Foundation 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/261593449 (Accessed February 2026)
• CauseIQ - McMillen Family Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/mcmillen-family-foundation,261593449/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Heartland House - Donor Profile: McMillen Family Foundation: https://heartlandhouse.org/blog/donor-profile-mcmillen-family-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
• Thelma McMillen Recovery Center - About Us: https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/about-us/ (Accessed February 2026)
• PR Newswire - "$500,000 donation from philanthropist Karl McMillen helps to saves lives during Covid-19 Pandemic" (May 2020): https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/500-000-donation-from-philanthropist-karl-mcmillen-helps-to-saves-lives-during-covid-19-pandemic-301055103.html (Accessed February 2026)
• Loma Linda University News - "McMillen Family Foundation gives $486,500 to Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center's Murrieta location": https://news.llu.edu/community/mcmillen-family-foundation-gives-486500-loma-linda-university-behavioral-medicine-center-s-murrieta-location (Accessed February 2026)