Morgan Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.1 million (2023)
• Decision Time: 3 weeks after board meeting
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $200,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily St. Cloud, MN and Yellow Springs, OH
• Application Deadlines: Winter/Spring and Summer/Autumn cycles (Social Equity programme)

Contact Details

Address: 506 S. High St., Suite B, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
Phone: 937-767-9208
Email: info@morganfamilyfdn.org
Website: https://morganfamilyfdn.org

Programme Officers:

• Jama Mohamed (Social Equity & End of Life programmes)
• Heather Cusick (Global Warming programme)

Overview

The Morgan Family Foundation was established in December 2003 by Lee and Vicki Morgan in Yellow Springs, Ohio, following the recapitalisation of their family business, The Antioch Company. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded over $47 million in grants to charitable organisations. The Foundation seeks "a just society in which all individuals have ample opportunities to thrive" where outcomes are not determined by personal characteristics or group membership. With assets of approximately $49.5 million, the Foundation takes an experimental approach to philanthropy, focusing its current grantmaking on three distinct theme areas, all in Minnesota: advancing social equity in St. Cloud, mitigating global warming, and addressing end-of-life issues. The Foundation maintains a strong commitment to both its Ohio roots and Minnesota communities, reflecting the founders' connections to both states. Consistent with the Quaker heritage of the Morgan family, the board strives for consensus decision-making and views philanthropy as "a journey" for family involvement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Social Equity (St. Cloud, MN) - Open, competitive application process

• Focus areas: Educational disparities, financial mobility, mental health, and bodily autonomy
• Grant range: $10,000 - $200,000
• Application cycles: Two per year (Winter/Spring and Summer/Autumn)
• Letters of Inquiry typically due in early January and early July
• Multi-year grants up to three years considered

Global Warming (Minnesota) - Invitation only

• Focus: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota
• Priority areas: Renewable energy, advocacy, and community engagement
• Geographic emphasis: Greater Minnesota regions
• Grant range: $10,000 - $200,000

End of Life (Central Minnesota) - Invitation only

• Focus: Advance care planning in Minnesota
• Goal: Supporting individuals in achieving end-of-life experiences aligned with their personal goals
• Process duration: Generally concluded within about four months
• Grant range: $10,000 - $200,000

Priority Areas

The Foundation actively funds organisations addressing:

• Educational equity and first-generation college student support
• Economic mobility and financial stability
• Mental health services
• Reproductive health and bodily autonomy
• Climate action and renewable energy initiatives
• Community-based environmental advocacy
• Advance care planning and end-of-life support
• Refugee and immigrant services
• Youth development programmes

What They Don't Fund

• Grants under $10,000
• Individuals
• Lobbying activities
• Medical research
• Organisations without 501(c)(3) status (generally)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of eight persons: five family members plus three unrelated individuals chosen because of their expertise and skills to complement that of the rest of the Board. According to GuideStar data (February 2025), current board members include:

Board Chair:

• Asha Moran

Board Members:

• Lee M. Morgan - Co-Founder
• Victoria A. Morgan - Co-Founder
• Barclay G. Carriar
• Carmen Lira
• Eric Hart
• Judith Thompson
• William Martin-Chaffee

Staff Leadership:

• Lori M. Kuhn - Executive Director
• Stephen T. Williams - Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer

Leadership Philosophy

Vicki Morgan: "One of my goals was to build philanthropic habits in the family" and "Giving away money is not easy."

Lee Morgan: "We make sure we have an openness on the board to not give to just the standard causes — we don't want to limit it" and "We ended up with money we hadn't anticipated, so it made sense to put it into a foundation."

The Foundation's approach reflects its philosophy that "Philanthropy is a journey, and the family foundation one way to navigate the trip."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Social Equity Grants (only open competitive process):

1. Submit Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through GivingData online portal
2. LOI deadlines: Typically early January (Winter/Spring cycle) and early July (Summer/Autumn cycle)
3. Foundation staff reviews LOIs within four weeks
4. Selected applicants invited to submit full application
5. Site visits may be scheduled if deemed necessary
6. Board review and decision
7. Applicants notified within three weeks of board meeting

Note: An invitation to submit a full application does not guarantee a grant.

Global Warming and End of Life Grants: Invitation-only processes. Organisations interested in these programmes should contact the respective Programme Officers to explore potential partnerships.

Decision Timeline

• LOI Review: Within 4 weeks of deadline
• Full Application Review: Variable, includes possible site visits
• Board Decision Notification: Within 3 weeks of board meeting
• End of Life Process: Generally concluded within 4 months from invitation

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's website does not specify a waiting period for unsuccessful applicants. Organisations are encouraged to contact programme officers for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria

The Foundation thoroughly vets organisations based on four key questions:

1. Is the idea really needed? - Demonstrable community need
2. Is the approach sound? - Evidence-based or innovative methodology
3. Is the organisation capable of carrying out the idea as described? - Organisational capacity and track record
4. Is the budget realistic? - Financial feasibility and value

Alignment with Foundation Values

Organisations should demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's core mission of creating "a just society in which all individuals have ample opportunities to thrive." The Foundation explicitly seeks to support work where outcomes are not determined by personal characteristics or group membership.

Strategic Considerations

The Foundation takes an "experimental approach to philanthropic giving," suggesting they are open to innovative solutions and willing to support newer or less traditional approaches alongside established organisations.

Recurring Grantees

Organisations that have received multiple grants from the Foundation include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota
• Catholic Charities
• CentraCare
• Planned Parenthood North Central States
• Queer Space Collective
• Citizens Utility Board
• Promise Neighbourhood of Central Minnesota

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

• St. Cloud Technical and Community College Foundation: Supporting first-generation college students
• Minnesota Marine Art Museum: Associate curator position focused on clean water and climate
• Honouring Choices: General operations for advance care planning work
• Yellow Springs Community Foundation: Community support initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Focus is Critical: Unless applying for Social Equity grants in St. Cloud, MN, most opportunities are invitation-only and Minnesota-focused. Yellow Springs, OH organisations receive limited funding.

• Demonstrate Organisational Capacity: The Foundation emphasises thorough vetting of organisational capability. Be prepared to show your track record and capacity to deliver on proposed goals.

• Multi-Year Funding Available: The Foundation considers grants up to three years, allowing for sustained programme support rather than one-time funding.

• Budget Realism Matters: One of the four key evaluation criteria is budget feasibility. Ensure your budget is detailed, realistic, and clearly justified.

• Innovation is Valued: The Foundation's "experimental approach" suggests openness to innovative or newer organisations, not just established players.

• Consensus Decision-Making: Understanding the board's Quaker-influenced consensus approach may help in framing proposals that build broad support rather than narrow appeal.

References

1. Morgan Family Foundation. (2025). Official Website. https://morganfamilyfdn.org/ (Accessed January 2026)

2. Morgan Family Foundation. (2025). Grant Opportunities. https://morganfamilyfdn.org/grants/grant-opportunities/ (Accessed January 2026)

3. Morgan Family Foundation. (2025). Recent Grants. https://morganfamilyfdn.org/grants/recent-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)

4. Morgan Family Foundation. (2025). About the Foundation. https://morganfamilyfdn.org/about-the-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)

5. Morgan Family Foundation. (2025). Resources. https://morganfamilyfdn.org/resources/ (Accessed January 2026)

6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Morgan Family Foundation (EIN: 30-0205024). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/300205024 (Accessed January 2026)

7. Grantmakers.io. Morgan Family Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/300205024-morgan-family-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)

8. Yellow Springs News. (2011). "Family philanthropy benefits Yellow Springs." https://ysnews.com/news/2011/09/family-philanthropy-benefits-ys (Accessed January 2026)

9. GuideStar. Morgan Family Foundation Profile (EIN: 30-0205024). https://www.guidestar.org/profile/30-0205024 (Accessed February 2025)