Ellice And Rosa McDonald Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.9 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Rolling review (applications accepted anytime)
• Grant Range: $150,000 - $250,000 (for major projects)
• Geographic Focus: Delaware exclusively

Contact Details

Phone: (302) 654-9933
Office Hours: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Address: 3801 Kennett Pike, Suite C-300, Wilmington, DE 19807
Website: None
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Ellice And Rosa McDonald Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 1993 with assets of approximately $25.7 million. The foundation honors the philanthropic legacy of Ellice McDonald Jr., CBE (1913-2013) and Rosa McDonald, MBE, who were the only husband and wife in North America to both receive honors from Queen Elizabeth II. The foundation distributes approximately $1.9 million annually to Delaware charitable organizations, focusing on cultural institutions, environmental conservation, education, and scientific advancement. The foundation operates with no paid staff and maintains a strong commitment to supporting Delaware's premier cultural and educational institutions through substantial multi-year grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants exclusively to charitable organizations:

• Major Capital Grants: $150,000 - $250,000 (naming opportunities for facilities/exhibits)
• Program Support: Variable amounts for educational and conservation initiatives
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round

Priority Areas

• Museums and cultural institutions
• Environmental conservation and botanical gardens
• Educational institutions and STEM programs
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Natural history and science education

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Organizations outside Delaware

Governance and Leadership

President: Gregory Inskip, Esq.
Vice President: H. Murray Sawyer
Secretary/Treasurer: John T. Fay, CPA

The foundation operates with volunteer leadership receiving no compensation. H. Murray Sawyer represents the foundation at public events and has stated: "Our Foundation is pleased to partner with the Delaware Botanic Gardens."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Contact the foundation directly at (302) 654-9933 during weekday business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to request application guidelines. The foundation may not accept unsolicited requests and may only fund preselected charitable organizations. Applications that are accepted can be submitted at any time with no specific deadlines.

Decision Timeline

Rolling review process - no fixed decision timeline publicly available. Organizations should expect to build relationships over time.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and known recipients:

• Delaware-based operations are essential - all documented grants support Delaware organizations
• Established institutions with strong track records receive preference
• Capital projects with naming opportunities align with foundation interests ($150,000-$250,000 range)
• Multi-year partnerships are valued - Delaware Botanic Gardens received support in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022
• Environmental and educational focus strongly represented in recent giving
• Direct phone contact recommended - no online presence requires personal outreach

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates without a website or public application portal - phone contact is essential
• Focus exclusively on Delaware-based programs and impact
• Major grants ($150,000-$250,000) available for significant capital projects
• Foundation values long-term relationships with repeat grantees
• No paid staff means decisions likely made directly by trustees
• Applications accepted year-round but relationship building may be required
• Strong preference for established cultural and educational institutions

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Form 990-PF filings (2022, 2023) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/510348090
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ellice-rosa-mcdonald-foundation,510348090/
• Delaware Botanic Gardens Press Release (March 28, 2021) - https://www.delawaregardens.org/press-releases/2021/3/28/ellice-amp-rosa-mcdonald-foundation-grant-to-dbg
• Delaware Museum of Nature & Science PaleoZone - https://delmns.org/exhibits/paleozone/
• EastSide Charter School STEM Hub Supporters - https://www.eastsidecharterschool.org/stemhub
• Foundation Directory Online (Candid) - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=INVE002
• IRS Form 990-PF Archives (2005, 2006) - Foundation Search
• Accessed February 13, 2026