Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $937,861 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Average $8,227 (varies based on family pooling)
• Geographic Focus: United States only

Contact Details

• Website: https://jgmurrayfoundation.org/
• Mailing Address: PO Box 227, Owings, MD
• Contact Person: Eileen M. Dillon
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available

Overview

The Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation, established in 1980 and endowed in 1992, is a unique family-operated private foundation that distributed $937,861 across 114 grants in 2023. Founded by Jerome and Grace Murray, successful Washington, D.C. real estate investors who raised ten children, the foundation operates through an innovative model where over 150 lineal descendants participate in charitable giving decisions. The foundation's primary mission focuses on supporting the care, training, and education of people with disabilities, inspired by the discovery that one of their grandchildren was developmentally disabled. Operating without a traditional board structure, the foundation represents a distinctive approach to family philanthropy where "no one is in charge" and decisions are made collectively by family members who receive annual allocations to direct to their chosen charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through a unique family allocation system:

• Children (ages 6-12): $200 annual allocation for charitable giving
• Adults (18+): Larger annual allocations (amount varies)
• Family Pooling Option: Members can combine allocations for larger grants (example: $92,000 grant to community farm from 14 sponsors)
• Volunteer Time Matching: Family volunteer hours are matched with monetary grants

Priority Areas

• Care, training, and education of people with disabilities
• Training and education for professionals who work with people with disabilities
• United States-based 501(c)(3) organizations only
• Programs carried out within the United States

What They Don't Fund

• International organizations or programs
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Programs conducted outside the United States
• Unsolicited applications without family sponsorship

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates without a traditional board of directors, functioning as a family affair where "no one is in charge." Eileen M. Dillon, one of Jerome and Grace's ten children, serves as the primary contact person. The foundation involves over 150 lineal descendants of Jerome S. and Grace H. Murray in its grant-making decisions, creating a democratic approach to family philanthropy. The Murray family received recognition from Points of Light for their charitable work and innovative approach to multi-generational giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. All grant recipients must be sponsored by a Murray lineal descendant. The foundation explicitly states it will not process unsolicited grant applications. Organizations seeking funding must establish a relationship with a member of the Murray family who can serve as their sponsor and advocate within the family's grant-making process.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation requires family sponsorship, organizations should focus on:

• Identifying potential connections to Murray family members through board members, volunteers, or supporters
• Building authentic relationships with Murray descendants who may be involved in disability services or education
• The foundation's unique model means that even young Murray family members (starting at age 6) can sponsor small grants
• Family members who volunteer with organizations can leverage both their time and monetary allocations

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to the family-based decision-making process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - all grants require family member sponsorship.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented, likely dependent on continued family sponsorship.

Application Success Factors

Success with the Murray Foundation depends entirely on establishing a genuine connection with a Murray family member who can sponsor your organization. The foundation's focus on disability services means organizations working in this space may find natural allies among the 150+ family members involved. The family's ability to pool allocations for larger grants (as demonstrated by the $92,000 community farm grant) shows that compelling projects can mobilize multiple family sponsors. Organizations should note that the foundation values volunteer engagement, as family members' volunteer time is matched with monetary grants, creating a dual benefit opportunity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Family sponsorship is mandatory - no amount of grant-writing excellence can overcome the lack of a Murray family connection
• The foundation distributed 114 grants in 2023, showing active and diverse giving across the family
• Focus exclusively on disability-related programs and services aligns with founders' intent
• The multi-generational involvement means potential sponsors range from young adults to seniors
• Pooled family allocations can create larger grants for significant projects
• The foundation's volunteer matching program adds value beyond monetary grants
• Geographic restriction to U.S.-based work is strictly enforced

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521805567 (Accessed March 2026)
• GuideStar/Candid Profile - Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/52-1805567 (Accessed March 2026)
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - Murray Foundation Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MURR034 (Accessed March 2026)
• Points of Light - The Murray Family Award. https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/the-murray-family/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Grantmakers.io - Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/521805567-jerome-s-and-grace-h-murray-foundation-co-eileen-m-dillon/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Jerome S And Grace H Murray Foundation. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/jerome-s-and-grace-h-murray-foundation-co-eileen-m-dillon (Accessed March 2026)
• Form 990-PF Tax Returns (2020-2023) via ProPublica