McBeth Foundation Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,689,100 (most recent fiscal year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: ~3 months (June deadline, September notification)
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $100,000+ (based on averages of ~$48,000-$56,000)
• Geographic Focus: Southern California (primarily)

Contact Details

Address: 15375 Nantes Circle, Irvine, CA 92604-2930

Phone: 949-551-3172

Website: http://mcbethfoundation.com

Email: Contact information available through website

Overview

The McBeth Foundation Trust was established in 1989 in California by artist and philanthropist Barbara McBeth Woodruff (1924-2007). As a private independent foundation classified under NTEE code T22, the foundation has demonstrated consistent grant-making activity with total assets generating approximately $1.7 million in revenue (2020 fiscal year). Since 2016, the foundation has awarded 131 individual grants totaling $6,244,474, with the most recent fiscal year (ending September 2020) distributing $1,689,100 to 30 organizations. The foundation continues Barbara McBeth Woodruff's legacy by making meaningful grants that emphasize measurable outcomes and impact-driven projects across multiple sectors including animal welfare, environmental protection, the arts, children's programs, health sciences, and communications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Grant Cycle

• Application deadline: June 1st annually
• Grant awards announced: September annually
• Application method: Download and complete application from website
• Average grant size: Approximately $48,000-$56,000 based on historical data

Priority Areas

The foundation makes meaningful grants in the following areas:

• Animal Welfare: Programs supporting animal protection and welfare
• Environment: Environmental conservation and protection initiatives
• The Arts: Arts programs and cultural initiatives (reflecting founder's background as an artist)
• Children: Programs benefiting children and youth
• Health Sciences: Health-related research and programs
• Communications: Communications-related initiatives

Special Emphasis: The foundation has particular interest in programs and projects which provide measurable improvement, rather than general operating support or unrestricted funding. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate clear outcomes and impact metrics.

Geographic Focus: Awards are generally restricted to Southern California, where the foundation has a presence.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not explicitly detailed on public records, the foundation's emphasis on "measurable improvement" suggests they are less likely to fund:

• General operating expenses without specific programmatic outcomes
• Projects lacking clear metrics for success
• Organizations outside Southern California (with limited exceptions)

Governance and Leadership

The McBeth Foundation Trust operates as a private independent foundation under IRS 501(c)(3) classification (EIN: 33-0399736). Detailed information about current trustees and board members is not publicly available through standard charity databases. The foundation continues to honor the vision of its founder, Barbara McBeth Woodruff, who was born in 1924 in Whittier and Laguna Beach, California. She attended The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where she met her husband Herman Christopher Woodruff. Barbara was a real estate developer and artist who exhibited at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts for three years before her passing in 2007.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Review Guidelines: Visit the foundation website at mcbethfoundation.com/grants.htm to review current grant guidelines and funding priorities
2. Download Application: Complete the official grant application form available on the website
3. Prepare Supporting Materials: Gather any items of interest that further explain the project, cause, or need for the grant
4. Submit by Deadline: All applications must be submitted by June 1st annually
5. Review Process: All submitted grant applications receive full attention and are reviewed for consideration by foundation trustees

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: June 1st (annual)
• Review Period: June through August (approximately 3 months)
• Decision Notification: September (grants awarded annually)
• Notification Method: Not specified in public records; likely direct contact to applicants

Success Rates

Success rate statistics are not publicly disclosed. However, based on available data:

• Most recent fiscal year: 30 organizations received funding
• Historical average: The foundation awards approximately 15-30 grants per year
• Given the specialized nature and geographic focus, competition is likely moderate to high

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not explicitly stated in publicly available materials. Applicants should contact the foundation directly at 949-551-3172 to inquire about reapplication guidelines if their initial application is unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and grant-making history, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Measurable Outcomes: The foundation explicitly states particular interest in "programs and projects which provide measurable improvement, rather than general funding." Applications must include clear metrics, evaluation plans, and demonstrable impact measurements.

2. Southern California Connection: Geographic restriction to Southern California where the foundation "has a presence" means strong local ties and community impact within this region are essential.

3. Program-Specific Funding: Rather than operating support, the foundation prefers project-based grants with defined scopes, timelines, and deliverables.

4. Alignment with Multiple Priority Areas: Given Barbara McBeth Woodruff's diverse interests (artist, real estate developer, philanthropist), projects that bridge multiple funding categories (e.g., arts + children, or environment + health sciences) may be particularly appealing.

5. Clear Budget and Timeline: With annual cycles and specific award dates, applications should present well-defined project budgets and realistic implementation timelines.

6. Founder's Legacy: Understanding Barbara McBeth Woodruff's background as an artist with roots in Laguna Beach and her commitment to philanthropy can help frame applications that resonate with the foundation's mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Timing is Critical: Only one application deadline per year (June 1st) means planning well in advance is essential
• Metrics Matter Most: Emphasize measurable outcomes and specific impact indicators throughout your application
• Geographic Fit Required: Southern California organizations have the strongest chance; others unlikely to receive consideration
• Average Grant Size: Plan for requests in the $25,000-$100,000 range based on historical averages
• Project Focus: Frame your request around a specific program or project with clear deliverables rather than general operating support
• Honor the Founder's Vision: Applications that reflect Barbara McBeth Woodruff's values in arts, environment, and community benefit may resonate more strongly
• Long-Term Commitment: With 35+ years of operation and consistent grant-making, the foundation represents a stable funding partner for Southern California nonprofits

References

1. Cause IQ - McBeth Foundation Trust Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/mcbeth-foundation-trust,330399736/ (Accessed February 2026)

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - McBeth Foundation Trust 021290. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/330399736 (Accessed February 2026)

3. McBeth Foundation Official Website. http://mcbethfoundation.com/ (Accessed February 2026)

4. McBeth Foundation - Grant Application Guidelines. https://mcbethfoundation.com/grants.htm (Accessed February 2026)

5. McBeth Foundation - About Us. https://mcbethfoundation.com/about.htm (Accessed February 2026)

6. Charity Navigator - McBeth Foundation Trust Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/330399736 (Accessed February 2026)

7. Grantmakers.io - McBeth Foundation Trust Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/330399736-mcbeth-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)

8. GuideStar - McBeth Foundation Trust Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/33-0399736 (Accessed February 2026)

9. Candid Foundation Directory - McBeth Foundation Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=MCBE006 (Accessed February 2026)