Thomas R & Elizabeth E McLean Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,510,154 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified - rolling basis
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: North Carolina, primarily Cumberland County

Contact Details

• Phone: (910) 252-8858
• Mailing Address: PO Box 58329, Fayetteville, NC 28305-8329
• Website: None
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Thomas R & Elizabeth E McLean Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation established in 1996 with a mission of "giving to improve the quality of life in Cumberland County, NC." With total assets exceeding $25 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes approximately $1.5 million annually to nonprofit organizations throughout North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on Cumberland County and the Fayetteville area. The foundation has grown substantially over the past decade, increasing its assets from $16 million in 2011 to over $25 million in 2024. As one of the larger foundations in the Fayetteville area, they are recognized for driving significant philanthropic impact in their local community through strategic investments in education, arts, health, and human services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with awards ranging from $2,500 to $250,000. They accept applications on a rolling basis through written requests that explain the purpose, time period, and cost of proposed projects.

Priority Areas

• Education (particularly higher education institutions)
• Arts and culture
• Health programs
• Human services
• Children and youth programs

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside North Carolina
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Current Officers and Trustees (2024):

• Jennifer Elam - President (since June 2018) - Compensation: $90,254
• Angela Ashworth - Vice President/Secretary - Compensation: $81,100
• Paul Elam - Vice President/Treasurer - Compensation: $70,254
• Claire Shaw - Vice President - Compensation: $70,254
• Faison Covington - Vice President/Assistant Secretary - Compensation: $70,254

The foundation employs 5 staff members and operates with professional governance structure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications require a written request sent to the foundation's mailing address (PO Box 58329, Fayetteville, NC 28305-8329). The written request must include:

• Purpose of the grant
• Time period for implementation
• Total cost and budget breakdown

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no specific application deadlines.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

The foundation made 21 grants in 2023 from their total giving of $1,054,151. Application numbers and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grants:

• Local connection is critical: The foundation strongly favors organizations serving Cumberland County and the greater Fayetteville area
• Educational institutions receive major support: Methodist University and Fayetteville State University have received the largest grants ($250,000 each)
• Clear project focus wins funding: Successful grants have specific purposes like "IT Upgrade" or "Free Summer School Program"
• Established organizations have an advantage: Recipients include well-known institutions like universities, American Red Cross, and established local theaters
• Range of grant sizes shows flexibility: Awards from $2,500 for small community projects to $250,000 for major initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on Cumberland County impact - this is their primary geographic priority
• Educational projects, particularly those supporting local universities, receive the largest grants
• Written requests should be concise and clearly articulate purpose, timeline, and budget
• The foundation supports both project-specific and general operating grants
• No website or online portal - traditional written applications via mail are required
• Consider starting with smaller requests to establish a relationship before seeking larger grants
• Highlight how your project improves quality of life in Cumberland County specifically

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/thomas-r-and-elizabeth-e-mclean-foundation,311470721/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF Filing. November 11, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/311470721
• Grantmakers.io Foundation Profile. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/311470721-thomas-r-and-elizabeth-e-mclean-foundation-inc/
• GrantStation Foundation Directory. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/thomas-r-and-elizabeth-e-mclean-foundation
• GuideStar Profile. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/31-1470721
• Candid Foundation Directory Online. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=MCLE029
• Instrumentl 990 Report Analysis. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/thomas-r-elizabeth-e-mclean-foundation-inc