Armstrong McDonald Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.2-1.8 million
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: Not specified (varies by organization)
• Geographic Focus: Arizona & Nebraska (new applicants); Western US states (existing grantees)
• Total Assets: $22.5 million

Contact Details

• Website: armstrongmcdonaldfoundation.org
• Email: info@ArmstrongMcDonaldFoundation.org
• Phone: 520-878-9627
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

Overview

The Armstrong McDonald Foundation is a private foundation established in 1986 with roots dating back to the J.M. McDonald Foundation of 1952. With approximately $22.5 million in assets, the foundation distributes between $1.2-1.8 million annually to nonprofit organizations, maintaining the philanthropic ideals of James M. McDonald, Sr. The foundation has a structured approach to grant-making with specific geographic restrictions and a pre-approved applicant system. Originally incorporated in Nebraska, the foundation relocated its administrative office to the Tucson area in 1993 and continues to support organizations across six distinct funding categories.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation funds six specific categories:

• Animal Welfare: Endangered species reproduction research, guide dog training, companion dog training for physically challenged seniors
• Children and Youth: Scouting organizations, boys and girls clubs, after-school mentoring programs
• Education: Approximately 50% of all grants; includes public/private higher education and non-traditional education for at-risk children
• Health: Medical organizations and health services
• Relief and Social: Community outreach, homeless shelters, women and children shelters, veteran projects, senior services, transportation programs, transitional living
• Special Needs: Various special needs programs and services

Priority Areas

• Educational institutions receive approximately 50% of total grant distributions
• Strong emphasis on programs serving vulnerable populations (at-risk youth, seniors, veterans, homeless individuals)
• Animal welfare programs with specific focus on service animals and conservation

What They Don't Fund

• Multi-year projects
• Individual grants
• Salaries
• Capital campaigns
• Organizations outside their approved geographic scope
• Organizations not on their pre-approved list (unless approved through formal request process)

Governance and Leadership

• Laurie Bouchard: President
• Ryan M Bouchard: Vice President
• Todd McDonald: Vice President
• Michael J Bouchard: Secretary/Treasurer

All officers serve without compensation, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to maximizing charitable distributions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a Pre-Approved for Grant Submission List system:

1. For organizations NOT on the pre-approved list:

   • Must request approval by August 1 each year
   • Approval/denial notifications sent by September 1
   • Must be IRS-approved nonprofit organizations

2. Geographic eligibility:

   • New applicants: Must be incorporated in Arizona or Nebraska with physical office in state of incorporation; grant funds must be spent within that state
   • Previous grant recipients: Can be from states west of the Mississippi River, plus Minnesota or Louisiana

3. Application submission: Only organizations on the pre-approved list may submit grant applications

Decision Timeline

• August 1: Deadline for organizations to request addition to pre-approved list
• September 1: Notification of approval/denial for pre-approval requests
• December: Annual update of Pre-Approved for Grant Submission List
• Typical grant decision timeline: 3-4 months from submission

Success Rates

Recent grant distribution patterns:

• 2023: 19 awards totaling $1,229,557
• 2022: 22 awards
• 2021: 24 awards

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that have received previous grants may reapply and have expanded geographic eligibility compared to new applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Geographic compliance is critical: New applicants must strictly meet Arizona or Nebraska incorporation requirements
• Alignment with specific categories: Applications should clearly demonstrate fit within one of the six defined funding categories
• Education sector advantage: With approximately 50% of grants going to education, educational institutions may have higher success rates
• Focus on vulnerable populations: Programs serving at-risk youth, seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals align well with foundation priorities
• Single-year project design: Projects must be completable within one year as multi-year commitments are not supported
• Early engagement: Organizations should request pre-approval well before the August 1 deadline to ensure placement on the approved list
• Program-focused requests: Avoid requesting funds for salaries or capital campaigns as these are explicitly excluded

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The pre-approval process is mandatory - no applications accepted from organizations not on the approved list
• Geographic restrictions are strictly enforced but expand for previous grant recipients
• Education-focused proposals receive approximately half of all grant distributions
• The foundation values programs with direct service impact over operational or infrastructure support
• August 1 is the critical deadline for new organizations seeking to join the pre-approved list
• Animal welfare proposals should focus specifically on service animals or conservation rather than general animal care
• The foundation's Nebraska roots and Arizona base suggest strong regional commitment to these states

References

• Armstrong McDonald Foundation Form 990-PF (2024) - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• Armstrong McDonald Foundation Official Website - armstrongmcdonaldfoundation.org
• Instrumentl Foundation Profile - Armstrong McDonald Foundation Grant History 2021-2023
• Foundation Directory Online - Armstrong McDonald Foundation Profile
• Candid/GuideStar - Armstrong McDonald Foundation Overview
• IRS Exempt Organizations Database - EIN 36-3458711