The McGregor Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $24,476,138 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 29 grants (2023)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Summit Counties, Ohio
• Application Cycles: Spring (December-February) and Fall (June-August)
• Decision Timeline: Board meetings in April and October

Contact Details

Address: 14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, OH 44112

Phone: (216) 851-8200 ext. 2035

Website: https://mcgregorfoundation.org

Director of Philanthropy: Tara Regan (Secretary to the Board)

• Email: Contact through website
• Direct contact for application clarification and grant policies

Overview

The McGregor Foundation was established in 2003 as a private grantmaking foundation, evolving from more than 140 years of distinguished care for seniors through The A.M. McGregor Home, founded in 1904 by Tootie McGregor Terry in honour of her late husband, Ambrose McGregor, who had been president of Standard Oil of Ohio. The foundation carries McGregor's mission of "supporting seniors in need and those who serve them" throughout Cuyahoga County and beyond their East Cleveland campus.

With total assets of approximately $130 million, the foundation provided $24.5 million in grants in 2023 across 29 awards. The foundation earned a 4-star rating (92%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong organisational health. In recent years, the foundation has made between 24-36 grants annually, demonstrating a selective but active grantmaking programme focused exclusively on senior services in Northeast Ohio. The foundation has awarded more than $11 million across approximately 400 grants since its inception.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Standard Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 (typical range)

• Applications accepted through online portal
• Two annual cycles (Spring and Fall)
• Rolling review within each cycle

Programme-Related Investments (PRIs)

• Available for affordable housing development projects
• Example: $119,000 PRI to Famicos Foundation for senior housing conversion
• Supports pre-development and construction financing gaps

Special Initiatives

• The foundation has received significant federal grants (e.g., $3.46 million HUD Section 202 grant) to leverage their affordable housing work

Priority Areas

The foundation's Board of Directors favours grant requests that meet the needs of the economically disadvantaged and frail elderly in three priority areas:

1. Home and Community Based Care

• Affordable housing with supportive services
• Ageing in place programmes
• Transportation services for seniors
• Clinical and wellness programmes
• Chore services and home modifications (grab bars, stair rails, fire alarms)
• Lead and asbestos abatement
• Housing navigation and support

2. Workforce Development

• Educational and training opportunities for professionals in direct care settings
• Earn & Learn programmes (on-the-job training with credential development)
• Elevate programmes (career mobility and leadership development)
• Leadership Academy for healthcare and nonprofit leaders
• Training for workers providing services to seniors in home and community settings

3. Total Quality of Life Programming

• Engagement and recreation programmes for seniors
• Cultural programmes and arts participation
• Digital literacy and technology access
• Programmes promoting enjoyment of art forms
• Social connection initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does not fund:

• Scholarships
• Research unrelated to priority areas
• Annual funds
• Symposia
• Fundraising events
• Endowments
• Grants to individuals

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership

Ann M. Conn - President & Chief Executive Officer

• Appointed January 1, 2020
• Previously served as Chief Operating Officer (2017-2019) and Chief Financial Officer (2006-2017)
• More than 20 years of experience in senior living sector
• BS in Business Administration from Youngstown State University
• Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University

Bobbi McNamara - Board Chair (as of 2021)

• Quoted: "Housing is one of the largest needs for seniors in Cuyahoga County"

Tara Regan - Director of Philanthropy and Secretary to the Board

• Primary contact for grant applicants
• Manages application process and applicant communications

Yuvette Bozman - Executive Director

Jennifer Hayes - CFO/Assistant Treasurer

Strategic Vision

Ann Conn on the foundation's approach: "We started courting HUD in 2008... we had a shovel-ready project this time," demonstrating the foundation's long-term strategic planning and persistence in pursuing transformational funding opportunities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Submission: Online only through the foundation's website portal

Spring Grant Cycle:

• Application Opens: Mid-December
• Application Deadline: Early February
• Board Meeting: April
• Decisions announced: Following April board meeting

Fall Grant Cycle:

• Application Opens: Early June
• Application Deadline: Early August
• Board Meeting: October
• Decisions announced: Following October board meeting

Note on Transition: The foundation has indicated it is transitioning to an "invitation-only application process." Existing grantees remain eligible to apply. Organisations not previously funded can email introductory information to be considered for invitation to apply.

Registration Requirements

Before applying, organisations must complete a four-part online registration:

1. Organisation information
2. Individual user information
3. Executive officer information
4. Individual user password selection

Important: Registration cannot be saved partially - gather all required information before beginning the process.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code
• Must provide services in Cuyahoga, Lorain, and/or Summit Counties
• Programmes must align with foundation's focus areas
• Previous grantees must have submitted all required grant reports before applying again
• No grant is final until 501(c)(3) status is confirmed and grantee meets all identification and regulatory standards

Required Documentation

• Organisations must upload supporting documents (Microsoft Word/Excel or Adobe PDF formats only)
• Only one file can be uploaded per question; multiple documents must be combined
• The foundation prefers only required documents unless additional information is necessary for review (contact office first)
• Applications become a permanent part of the foundation's database

Decision Timeline

• Board meets twice annually (April and October)
• Applications reviewed between deadline and board meeting
• Decisions communicated following board meetings
• Typical timeline from submission to decision: Approximately 2-4 months

Reapplication Policy

Previous grantees are encouraged to apply again. Organisations must have submitted all previous grant reports before submitting a new application. For unsuccessful applicants, there is no specified waiting period mentioned, but given the transition to an invitation-only model, organisations should focus on building relationships with foundation staff.

Application Success Factors

What The Foundation Values

Alignment with Mission: The foundation is laser-focused on seniors in need, particularly economically disadvantaged and frail elderly populations. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they serve this demographic.

Evidence-Based Approaches: The foundation references evaluation programmes like REACH (a long-term care workforce initiative), indicating they value data-driven programme design and outcomes measurement.

Geographic Focus: Strong preference for projects serving Cuyahoga County, with expansion to Lorain and Summit Counties. Projects outside these three counties are unlikely to be funded.

Collaborative Solutions: The foundation language emphasises "collaborative solutions that address social determinants of health," suggesting they value partnerships and comprehensive approaches.

Innovation in Ageing Services: The foundation explicitly states it champions "innovation in aging services," indicating openness to new models and creative approaches to senior care challenges.

Equity in Care: The foundation promotes "equity in care," suggesting projects should demonstrate commitment to reaching underserved senior populations and addressing disparities.

Application Best Practices

Technical Requirements:

• Complete application in one session (cannot save partial applications)
• Once submitted, applications cannot be edited - contact foundation office for corrections
• Combine multiple documents into single files for upload
• Avoid sending duplicate materials (newsletters, annual reports) separately

Strategic Approach:

• Contact Tara Regan before applying if you have questions about fit or eligibility
• Review attachment checklist carefully before beginning application
• Align project language with foundation's three priority areas
• Demonstrate focus on economically disadvantaged and frail elderly
• Show how project addresses social determinants of health
• Emphasise innovation whilst demonstrating sustainability

Recent Grant Examples

Workforce Development:

• Jennings Center: $30,000 for evaluation of REACH long-term care workforce initiative
• Cuyahoga County College Foundation: $20,257 for equipment for Home Health Aide Training

Quality of Life:

• Spanish American Committee (SAC): Grant to identify specific needs and provide intentional senior services
• East Cleveland Public Library: $20,000 for mobile outreach digital literacy programme

Community-Based Care:

• Senior Citizens Resources: $25,000 for Senior Transportation Program
• Legal Aid Society of Cleveland: $30,000 for Pro Bono Elder Law Project
• United Way of Greater Cleveland: Support for 2-1-1 HelpLink resource connection for seniors

Affordable Housing:

• Famicos Foundation: $119,000 PRI for Amasa Stone House senior housing conversion

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Narrow focus is strength: Only apply if you serve seniors in need in Cuyahoga, Lorain, or Summit Counties. The foundation does not stray from this geographic or demographic focus.

• Three lanes to funding: Frame your project clearly within one of the three priority areas (home/community care, workforce development, or quality of life). Mixed projects should emphasise primary alignment.

• Transition to invitation-only: If you're not a current grantee, send introductory information before the application period to get on their radar rather than submitting a blind application.

• Think beyond traditional grants: The foundation uses PRIs for housing projects, offering opportunities for developers and housing organisations that may not fit traditional grant models.

• Modest grant sizes: With typical grants of $10,000-$50,000 and only 24-36 awards annually, this is a competitive but accessible funder for small-to-mid-sized projects.

• Build the relationship: Contact Tara Regan early in your planning process. The foundation encourages applicants to seek clarification on policies and fit.

• Demonstrate innovation: The foundation explicitly values innovation in ageing services - show them how your approach is creative, evidence-based, and scalable.

References

1. The McGregor Foundation Official Website - https://mcgregorfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

2. The McGregor Foundation Application Process - https://mcgregorfoundation.org/application-process (Accessed January 4, 2026)

3. Instrumentl 990 Report for The McGregor Foundation - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-mcgregor-foundation (Accessed January 4, 2026)

4. Charity Navigator Rating for The McGregor Foundation - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/340714356 (Accessed January 4, 2026)

5. Candid Foundation Directory - The McGregor Foundation Profile - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=MCGR039 (Accessed January 4, 2026)

6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The McGregor Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/340714356 (Accessed January 4, 2026)

7. Cleveland Magazine - "McGregor Foundation Boosts Affordable Housing Options" - https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/mcgregor-foundation-boosts-affordable-housing-options/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

8. Cleveland Magazine - "How McGregor is Redefining Senior Care in Northeast Ohio" - https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/how-mcgregor-is-redefining-senior-care-in-northeast-ohio/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

9. McGregor Amasa Leadership - "The McGregor Foundation names Ann M. Conn to President & CEO" - https://mcgregoramasa.org/2020/04/06/the-mcgregor-foundation-names-ann-m-conn-to-president-ceo/ (Accessed January 4, 2026)

10. PR Newswire - "McGregor Foundation Disburses $520,902 for Senior Programs" - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcgregor-foundation-disburses-520902-for-senior-programs-94115754.html (Accessed January 4, 2026)