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Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Annual Giving
$19.5M
Grant Range
$0K - $1.3M
Decision Time
2w

Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $19,512,853 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 2 weeks for initial LOI response
  • Grant Range: $200 - $1,300,000
  • Median Grant: $40,000
  • Total Assets: $280 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Detroit/Southeast Michigan (priority), national and international (Israel)

Contact Details

Address: Two Towne Square, Suite 920, Southfield, MI 48076

Phone: 248.415.1444

Email: info@mmfisher.org

Website: https://mmfisher.org

Grants Portal: https://mmfisher.fluxx.io

Overview

Established in 1955 by Max M. Fisher, the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation is a family foundation based in Southfield, Michigan, with approximately $280 million in assets. The foundation's mission is to enrich humanity by strengthening and empowering children and families in need, working in the Jewish tradition of tzedakah (charitable giving) to repair the world (tikkun olam). After Max Fisher's passing in 2005, the foundation created a permanent endowment with Marjorie Fisher becoming founding chair. Following Marjorie's death in 2016, third- and fourth-generation family members have taken active roles through committee and board positions. The foundation is known for its relational approach to grantmaking, asking partners "what do you need?" rather than imposing top-down solutions. In 2024, the foundation awarded 215 grants totaling over $19.5 million.

Funding Priorities

Core Impact Areas

The foundation currently focuses on five core areas:

1. Jewish Causes

  • Supporting programs that strengthen Jewish identity, connection to Israel, and connections among Jews worldwide
  • Long-time supporter of Birthright Israel Foundation
  • Focus on preserving the legacy and commitment to the Jewish community

2. Early Childhood (Ages 0-8)

  • High-quality early childhood education programs
  • Kindergarten readiness initiatives
  • Third-grade reading proficiency programs
  • Multi-generational approach to strengthening families
  • Arts-based early childhood programs (e.g., Hip Hop Tots program through MSU Community Music School)
  • Long-term support for initiatives like the Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative (since 2008)

3. Arts & Culture

  • Promoting robust arts and culture environment in Detroit and Southeast Michigan
  • Supporting arts education in neighborhoods and schools
  • Increasing access for families and children in need
  • Long-time support for institutions like Detroit Opera

4. Health (with particular attention to HIV/AIDS)

  • Sustainable economic empowerment for children and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
  • Reducing health disparities through outreach, prevention programs, and testing in high-risk populations
  • Encouraging emerging health leaders in field-based and applied research

5. Impact Investing

  • $10 million commitment through Program Related Investments (PRIs) and Mission Related Investments (MRIs)
  • 3.6% of assets dedicated to impact investing
  • Focus on Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
  • Multi-year, patient capital loans or equity investments
  • Investments in Detroit and Israel

6. Legacy Grants

  • Supporting organizations aligned with Max and Marjorie Fisher's long-standing commitments

Geographic Priorities

  • Primary: Detroit and Southeast Michigan
  • Secondary: National (across the United States)
  • International: Israel (particularly at-risk youth programs, museums, and Jewish identity initiatives)

Notable Grant Examples (2021)

  • Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit: $1,300,000 for annual contribution
  • Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties: $600,000 for general support
  • Illinois Finance Fund: $480,000 for facility improvements
  • Jewish Agency for Israel - Heartbeats program: $440,000

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly specify explicit exclusions, but applicants should note:

  • Geographic preference strongly favors Detroit/Southeast Michigan
  • Focus is exclusively on issues affecting children, families, Jewish causes, arts/culture, and health
  • The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications (only letters of inquiry through their portal)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Phillip Wm. Fisher: Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Impact Investing Chair
  • Julie Fisher Cummings: Director
  • Marjorie M. Fisher: Director
  • Mary Fisher Sherman: Director
  • Philip Fisher: Director
  • Jane Fisher Sherman: Director
  • Alissandra Aronow: Secretary (granddaughter of Max and Marjorie Fisher)

Key Staff

  • Douglas Bitonti Stewart: Executive Director (since 2007)
  • Meredith Freeman: Director, Alignment and Impact Investing

The foundation represents a multi-generational family philanthropy with third- and fourth-generation members actively involved in governance and strategic decision-making.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. However, the foundation encourages prospective grantees to submit Letters of Inquiry (LOI) through their online grants portal.

For New Applicants or New Ideas:

  1. Visit the foundation's grants portal at https://mmfisher.fluxx.io
  2. Click on the "Letter of Inquiry" button
  3. Complete the online LOI form with accurate information (you cannot edit your profile after submission)
  4. Ensure your email address is correct as this will be the primary contact method

Important Note: Once submitted, applicant profiles cannot be edited, so accuracy is critical.

Decision Timeline

  • Initial Response: A Foundation staff member will respond to Letters of Inquiry within 2 weeks
  • Full Application Timeline: Not publicly disclosed; likely varies by program area and funding cycle
  • Grant Distribution: 215 grants awarded in 2024; 177 grants in 2023

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However:

  • The foundation awarded 215 grants in 2024 from total applications received (number not disclosed)
  • Characterized as "not the most accessible funder" but will consider letters of inquiry
  • Strong geographic preference for Detroit-area organizations increases success likelihood for local applicants

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire about this during the LOI process or contact foundation staff directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented approach and priorities, successful applications should demonstrate:

1. Relational and Responsive Approach

The foundation emphasizes asking partners "what do you need?" rather than imposing predetermined solutions. Applications should clearly articulate organizational needs and how foundation support would address specific gaps.

2. Multi-Generational Impact

Programs serving children should demonstrate understanding of family context and multi-generational approaches. The foundation values work that strengthens entire families, not just individual children.

3. Geographic Alignment

While the foundation awards grants nationally and internationally, organizations in Detroit and Southeast Michigan receive strong priority. Out-of-region applicants should demonstrate compelling alignment with foundation values or Jewish causes.

4. Long-Term Partnership Potential

The foundation maintains long-standing relationships with grantees (e.g., Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative since 2008, Detroit Opera as "long-time grant partner"). Demonstrate capacity for sustained partnership and impact.

5. Alignment with Jewish Values

Even for non-Jewish organizations, understanding and respecting the foundation's commitment to tzedakah (charitable giving) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) demonstrates cultural alignment.

6. Reduced Reporting Burden Philosophy

The foundation actively works to reduce reporting burdens on grantees and solicits feedback from nonprofit partners. Applications should be concise and focused on outcomes rather than excessive process documentation.

7. Evidence-Based Programming

Examples like support for "evidence-based early childhood music curriculum" suggest the foundation values programs with demonstrated effectiveness and research backing.

8. Innovation in Impact Investing

For organizations seeking PRIs or MRIs, demonstrate financial sustainability goals and how patient capital investments will support crucial day-to-day work while building long-term capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Start with a Letter of Inquiry: The foundation does not accept full unsolicited applications; the LOI through their online portal is the required entry point

  • Detroit Organizations Have Clear Advantage: While grants are made nationally and internationally, Detroit/Southeast Michigan organizations are explicitly prioritized

  • Relationship Matters More Than Process: The foundation emphasizes relational grantmaking and partnership; focus your LOI on building connection and demonstrating alignment rather than procedural perfection

  • Think Multi-Generational: Whether in early childhood, arts, or health, show how your work strengthens entire families and creates sustainable impact across generations

  • Jewish Causes Are Central: Even if not a Jewish organization, respect and acknowledge the foundation's commitment to Jewish values and the Detroit Jewish community

  • Be Patient with Patient Capital: The foundation takes a long-term view through both grants and impact investments; demonstrate how you're building sustainable organizations and programs, not quick fixes

  • Don't Overlook the Two-Week Response Window: Foundation staff commit to responding to LOIs within two weeks—this suggests a relatively responsive and accessible process despite the "not most accessible" reputation

References

  1. Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation official website, https://mmfisher.org/, accessed December 22, 2025
  2. "Inside the Max and Marjorie Fisher Foundation's giving," Inside Philanthropy, https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/inside-the-max-and-marjorie-fisher-foundations-multigenerational-giving, accessed December 22, 2025
  3. Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Inc., GuideStar Profile, https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-1784340, accessed December 22, 2025
  4. Max M & Marjorie S Fisher Foundation Inc, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/381784340, accessed December 22, 2025
  5. "Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Inc.," Foundation Directory, Candid, https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=FISH009, accessed December 22, 2025
  6. "Max and Marjorie Fisher Foundation," Inside Philanthropy grant database, https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/grants-f/max-and-marjorie-fisher-foundation, accessed December 22, 2025
  7. "Effective Family Philanthropy: Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation," National Center for Family Philanthropy, https://www.ncfp.org/resources-tools/effective-family-philanthropy-max-m-and-marjorie-s-fisher-foundation, accessed December 22, 2025
  8. "Cynthia Muller Joins the Fisher Foundation Impact Investing Committee," Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation, https://mmfisher.org/impact-investing-committee/, accessed December 22, 2025
  9. "Fisher Foundation Announces New Grants," Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation, https://mmfisher.org/fisher-announces-promotions-for-senior-staff-3/, accessed December 22, 2025
  10. "Fisher family keeps focus: Detroit, Jewish projects remain a priority," Crain's Detroit Business, https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20080121/SUB/801210321/fisher-family-keeps-focus-detroit-jewish-projects-remain-a-priority, accessed December 22, 2025
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