Kathryn B McQuade Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,251,700 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified (decisions made on rolling basis)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000 (typical awards $10,000 - $25,000)
• Geographic Focus: US (primarily Virginia, California, New York) and developing countries

Contact Details

• Website: www.mcquadefoundation.org
• Phone: (845) 496-9859
• Email: robert.r.fox@bofa.com (include "McQuade Foundation" in subject line)
• Mailing Address: Robert Fox, Vice President, Philanthropic Solutions The Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation VA2-300-12-92, P.O. Box 26688 Richmond, VA 23261-6688

Overview

The Kathryn B McQuade Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade after retiring from a successful 33-year business career. With assets of approximately $8.9 million, the foundation distributed $2.25 million through 95 grants in 2024. The foundation's mission is to make sustainable improvements in women and children's rights, education, and welfare, both in the United States and developing countries. McQuade was inspired to create the foundation after reflecting on her privileged upbringing and recognizing the injustices faced by vulnerable populations worldwide.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: $5,000 - $50,000 (typical awards $10,000 - $25,000)
• Multi-year Projects: Available with predetermined reporting milestones
• Application Method: Annual application window (January through February/March)
• Evaluation: First-come basis

Priority Areas

• Women's rights, safety, health, education and job training
• Children's education and skills training
• Financial independence programs for women
• Animal rights and safety (domestic and endangered species)
• Environmental improvements and innovations
• Projects incorporating multiple focus areas are particularly valued

What They Don't Fund

• National community-based programs
• Scout organizations
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• Local animal shelters

Governance and Leadership

Kathryn McQuade - Founder and Trustee A results-focused leader with over 30 years of management experience, McQuade established the foundation following her retirement from the business community. She actively oversees the foundation's strategic direction and grantmaking.

Robert Fox - Vice President, Philanthropic Solutions Serves as the primary contact for grant applications and inquiries at Bank of America's Private Bank division.

McQuade has stated: "I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women, children, animals and our environment globally and hope that this foundation can provide organizations the opportunity and resources to succeed."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the foundation's official Application Form available on their website. Submit via:

1. Email to robert.r.fox@bofa.com (include "McQuade Foundation" in subject line)
2. Mail to the Richmond, VA address

The 2026 application window opened January 1 and closes February 10, 2026.

Decision Timeline

Applications are evaluated on a first-come basis. The foundation commits to making timely decisions and providing clear communications about reporting expectations, though specific turnaround times are not published.

Success Rates

The foundation made 95 awards in 2024, 47 in 2023, and 58 in 2022. Specific success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must complete a post-grant summary before requesting a new grant. No specific waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is mentioned.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funded projects:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with the foundation's focus on women and children's rights, education, and welfare
• Incorporate multiple focus areas - The foundation explicitly values projects addressing more than one priority area
• Focus on sustainability - Show how your project creates lasting improvements rather than temporary solutions
• Education and training emphasis - For women's programs, demonstrate pathways to financial independence; for children's programs, show how education breaks poverty cycles
• Be prepared with financials - While full audits are preferred, the foundation understands smaller organizations may not have them
• Submit early - Applications are evaluated on a first-come basis
• Complete documentation - Ensure Guidestar profile is current and organization is in good standing

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation has a relatively narrow application window (January through February/March), so prepare materials in advance
• With $2.25 million distributed across 95 grants in 2024, the foundation is an active grantmaker with reasonable award sizes
• Multi-year funding is possible but requires clear milestones and progress reporting
• The foundation values projects that address multiple focus areas simultaneously
• Geographic preference for Virginia, California, and New York, but funds nationally and internationally
• First-come evaluation means submitting a complete application early in the window is advantageous
• Post-grant reporting is required before applying for subsequent grants

References

• Kathryn B McQuade Foundation Official Website (mcquadefoundation.org) - Accessed February 2026
• Guidelines page (mcquadefoundation.org/for-grant-seekers/guidelines/) - Accessed February 2026
• Mission page (mcquadefoundation.org/who-we-are/mission/) - Accessed February 2026
• Application Form page (mcquadefoundation.org/for-grant-seekers/application-form/) - Accessed February 2026
• Instrumentl 990 Report Database - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN: 46-4122112) - Accessed February 2026
• GuideStar Profile (EIN: 46-4122112) - Accessed February 2026
• Candid Foundation Directory - Accessed February 2026