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The Joe Macpherson Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.3M
Grant Range
$5K - $1.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,336,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,036,000
  • Grant Median: $28,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Orange County, California, with occasional grants in CA, HI, and WA

Contact Details

Address: Tustin, CA 92780 Phone: Not publicly available Email: Not publicly available Website: No public website

Note: The foundation does not have a formal application process or public contact information for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Joe Macpherson Foundation Inc was established in 2008 as a private independent foundation to continue the philanthropic legacy of Joe MacPherson, an Orange County automotive dealership pioneer who died in 2007. With total assets of $27.1 million (2024) and annual giving of approximately $2.3 million, the foundation focuses on youth development, education, arts, and family services in Orange County. Led by Joe MacPherson's daughter Anne MacPherson West as President/CEO, alongside family members James MacPherson (CFO) and Jeffrey MacPherson (Vice President), the foundation honors Joe's lifelong commitment to supporting children and families. During his lifetime, Joe MacPherson donated over $2 million to Orange County schools through his "Help the Schools" program and was a longtime champion of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, receiving the Joel K. Rubenstein "Man of the Year" Award in 1995.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation made 24 grants totaling $2,336,000 in 2024. Major grant recipients include:

  • Orange County Community Foundation: $1,036,000 - Supporting community-wide initiatives
  • Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange County: $390,000 - Youth development programs
  • Pacific Symphony: $200,000 - Arts and cultural programming
  • Laura's House: $100,000 - Domestic violence prevention and family services
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County: $100,000 - Youth mentorship programs

Application Method: Invitation only / No public application process

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Youth Development: Supporting mentorship programs, after-school activities, and youth services through organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • Education: Continuing Joe MacPherson's legacy of supporting Orange County schools and educational programs
  • Family Services: Providing wraparound services that address basic family needs including safety, housing, and food security
  • Arts and Culture: Supporting major Orange County cultural institutions like Pacific Symphony
  • Community Foundations: Making significant investments through the Orange County Community Foundation to support broader community initiatives

What They Don't Fund

  • The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations
  • No international programs (all grants stay within the United States, primarily California)
  • No individual scholarships or direct aid to individuals

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by three family members, all serving without compensation:

  • Anne L MacPherson - President/CEO/Director (20 hours/week, $0 compensation): Joe MacPherson's daughter who heads the foundation and continues her father's legacy of supporting youth and families
  • James MacPherson - CFO/Secretary/Director (5 hours/week, $0 compensation)
  • Jeffrey MacPherson - Vice President/Director (5 hours/week, $0 compensation)

Anne MacPherson West's Quote: "The last year has taught us there are basic needs that the entire family may have that need to be met to support their children's success and build resilience."

This quote reflects the foundation's holistic approach to family support, recognizing that addressing basic needs enables children to thrive.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process.

The foundation has explicitly indicated it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are made at the discretion of the board of directors to organizations with which the foundation has established relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

The Joe Macpherson Foundation operates through trustee-identified relationships rather than open applications. Based on their grantmaking history, specific strategies include:

  • Boys and Girls Clubs Network: The foundation has a longstanding relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs, including naming the Joe MacPherson Center for Opportunity at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana. Organizations within this network may be more visible to trustees.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Connection: Joe MacPherson was a longtime champion of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and received their "Man of the Year" Award in 1995. The foundation continues this support, making this network a key entry point.

  • Orange County Community Foundation: As the largest single grant recipient ($1,036,000 in 2024), OCCF appears to be a strategic partner. Organizations working with OCCF or holding funds through OCCF may gain visibility with the MacPherson Foundation.

  • Orange County Focus: All major grants support Orange County-based organizations or programs serving Orange County residents. Geographic proximity and demonstrated community impact in Orange County are essential.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation with trustee-directed giving, decisions are made at board discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not have a formal application process. Organizations that have previously received funding appear to receive ongoing multi-year support.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not accept applications, their grantmaking patterns reveal clear preferences:

Proven Track Record: The foundation supports established organizations with demonstrated impact. Major recipients like Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pacific Symphony, and Laura's House are all well-known, long-standing Orange County institutions.

Youth and Family Focus: Organizations serving children, youth, and families are strongly preferred, particularly those providing mentorship, education, and wraparound services that address basic needs.

Orange County Connection: Geographic focus is paramount. The foundation invests in organizations serving Orange County communities, with particular emphasis on Santa Ana and Tustin areas where Joe MacPherson built his business empire.

Multi-Year Relationships: The foundation demonstrates loyalty to grantees. Big Brothers Big Sisters has received support spanning many years, suggesting that once an organization is in the portfolio, they receive sustained funding.

Holistic Family Support: Anne MacPherson West's leadership emphasizes addressing "basic needs that the entire family may have that need to be met to support their children's success and build resilience," suggesting preference for comprehensive family-centered programs over single-service approaches.

Joe MacPherson's Values: Understanding Joe MacPherson's personal philosophy provides insight into the foundation's priorities. He believed deeply in mentorship (stemming from losing his father as a child), education (through his "Help the Schools" program), and treating people with honesty and respect. Organizations embodying these values align with the foundation's mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: Do not submit unsolicited proposals. The foundation only funds preselected organizations.
  • Relationship-based grantmaking: Focus on building connections through networks the foundation already supports, particularly Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Orange County Community Foundation.
  • Orange County only: Unless your organization is based in or serves Orange County, California, you will not be considered.
  • Youth and family services: The foundation strongly prioritizes programs serving children, youth, and families, particularly mentorship and education initiatives.
  • Significant funding capacity: With median grants of $28,000 and capacity for six-figure grants to aligned organizations, this is a substantial funder for the right partners.
  • Multi-year support: Once selected, organizations appear to receive ongoing funding, suggesting the foundation values long-term partnerships over one-time grants.
  • Family-led foundation: Understanding Joe MacPherson's personal story (losing his father as a child, commitment to youth mentorship) and his daughter Anne's leadership provides context for the foundation's priorities and values.

References

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