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Mary Morton Parsons Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.1M
Grant Range
$5K - $1.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,127,054 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $131,901,277 (2023)
  • Grants Awarded (2023): 76 grants
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,000,000
  • Typical Grant: $50,000 - $500,000
  • Decision Time: 10-12 weeks
  • Geographic Focus: Virginia (priority to greater Richmond area)

Contact Details

Address: 8003 Franklin Farms Drive, Suite 111, Richmond, VA 23229

Phone: (804) 802-1446

Email: info@mmparsonsfoundation.org

Website: https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/

Executive Director: Amy P. Nisenson

Overview

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation was established in 1988 by Richmond native Mary Morton Parsons (1903-1990) using funds from her father's Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company holdings. With total assets exceeding $131 million, the foundation has awarded over $143 million in capital grants since its inception. The foundation's mission is to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia primarily for capital projects that serve the greater community. In 2023, the foundation made 76 grants totaling over $7.1 million. The foundation focuses exclusively on permanent, capital projects—not operating expenses—across six priority areas. A distinctive feature of their grantmaking is that grants are typically made on a challenge or matching basis, funding up to one-third of a project's total cost to leverage additional community support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Projects Grant Program

  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,000,000 (most grants: $50,000 - $500,000)
  • Application Method: Two annual cycles with fixed deadlines (Spring: March 16; Fall: September 15)
  • Matching Requirement: Grants typically fund up to 1/3 of total project cost on a challenge or matching basis
  • Recent Awards (2024): Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ($1,000,000), Cross-Over Ministry Inc ($600,000), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond ($500,000), Better Housing Coalition ($500,000), Virginia Repertory Theatre ($500,000)

Priority Areas

The foundation welcomes proposals for permanent, capital projects from nonprofits involved in:

  1. Arts & Culture - Capital campaigns, facility renovations, equipment purchases
  2. Civic & Community Needs - Community development, infrastructure improvements
  3. Education - School facilities, technology, educational equipment
  4. Environment & Conservation - Environmental facilities and conservation projects
  5. Historic Preservation - Building restoration, preservation initiatives
  6. Social Services & Welfare - Clinic buildings, service facilities, equipment

Eligible Capital Projects Include:

  • Capital campaigns
  • Technology purchases
  • Transportation and equipment
  • Building purchases, construction, or renovation
  • Special needs projects (such as those arising from COVID-19 pandemic)

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Debt reduction
  • Endowment funds
  • Research projects
  • General operating expenses
  • Local chapters of national organizations (without specific exception)
  • Organizations outside Virginia
  • Religious programs (unless they provide broad community service)
  • Government agencies (with limited exceptions)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Thurston R. Moore - President
  • Charles (Rick) F. Witthoefft - Vice President/Secretary
  • Palmer P. Garson - Treasurer
  • Edward (Ned) W. Valentine - Director

Staff

Amy P. Nisenson, Executive Director

  • Over 35 years of community service experience
  • Has led the foundation for 15+ years
  • Has allocated over $70 million in grants during her tenure
  • Stated: "We are always actively looking to make an impact in the lives of others" and "Providing a space for art, culture, and education provides an essential trifecta for the modern student's educational foundation"

Jessica Forsythe, Director of Operations & Grants Management

  • Over 20 years of nonprofit management experience
  • Oversees daily operations and grants management process
  • Assists in developing grant recommendations
  • Ensures grantee compliance and reporting

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a two-phase application process with fixed deadlines:

Phase 1: Initial Contact (Required 2 weeks before full application deadline)

  1. Register your organization on the online Application Portal
  2. Submit Phase 1 Contact Form
  3. Executive Director Amy Nisenson will contact you to discuss your proposed capital project
  4. Only organizations invited after this conversation can access the full application

Phase 2: Full Application

  • Access granted only to invited applicants
  • Submit through online portal by deadline

Application Cycles:

Spring Cycle

  • Contact Form Deadline: February 27 at 5:00 PM
  • Full Application Deadline: March 16 at 5:00 PM
  • Board Decision: Early June

Fall Cycle

  • Contact Form Deadline: August 28 at 5:00 PM
  • Full Application Deadline: September 15 at 5:00 PM
  • Board Decision: Early December

Required Documents:

  • Cover letter
  • Organization's current governing board list with officers identified
  • IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) status)
  • Detailed project budget
  • Current operating budget
  • Most recent financial audit
  • Latest IRS Form 990
  • GuideStar Seal of Transparency (optional but encouraged)

Application Questions Cover:

  • Organization contact information and details
  • Board and community demographic composition
  • Detailed project description
  • Comprehensive financial plan
  • Demonstration of community impact

Decision Timeline

  • Application to Decision: 10-12 weeks (2.5-3 months)
  • Board Meetings: Board of Directors meets twice annually (spring and fall) to make funding decisions
  • Notification Method: Written communication from Executive Director promptly following board meeting
  • Award Timeline: Grantees must meet award conditions within 12 months of receiving grant

Success Rates

While the foundation does not publish specific acceptance rates, in 2023 they made 76 awards totaling $7,127,054 with a median grant of $47,500. The foundation uses a selective invitation-only process for full applications, which suggests that the initial contact phase serves as a screening mechanism.

Reapplication Policy

After Receiving a Grant:

  • Organizations must wait 5 years from the date of the previous grant payment before reapplying

After an Unsuccessful Application:

  • Organizations must wait 12 months before submitting a new application

Application Success Factors

Critical Eligibility Requirements

  1. 100% Board Giving: As a condition of funding, the foundation expects that 100% of the grantee's organizational board be contributing financially to the organization. This demonstrates board commitment and investment.

  2. Capital Project Focus: Projects must be permanent capital improvements—not operating expenses, research, or temporary programs.

  3. Matching/Challenge Structure: Be prepared to raise matching funds. Grants typically fund up to one-third of total project cost, requiring the organization to secure the remaining two-thirds.

  4. Virginia Impact: Organizations must either be located in the greater Richmond region or demonstrate direct, significant impact throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

What the Foundation Values

Based on recent awards and foundation statements:

  • Community Impact: Projects that serve the broader community, not just organization members
  • Financial Leverage: Ability to use the grant to attract additional funding through the challenge/matching structure
  • Organizational Capacity: Strong governance (100% board giving requirement), transparent financials, and operational excellence
  • Transformational Projects: Capital investments that significantly enhance an organization's ability to serve its mission
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Applications ask for board and community demographic makeup, suggesting the foundation values diverse representation

Application Tips

  1. Early Contact is Essential: The initial conversation with Executive Director Amy Nisenson is a critical screening step. Register and submit your Contact Form at least 2 weeks before the application deadline.

  2. Demonstrate Matching Capacity: Show how you will raise the remaining 2/3 of project funding. Strong fundraising plans and committed matches strengthen applications.

  3. Emphasize Permanence: Clearly articulate how the capital investment creates lasting community benefit.

  4. Show Board Commitment: Ensure 100% of your board members contribute financially to your organization before applying.

  5. Be Geographically Strategic: Richmond-area organizations receive priority, but statewide Virginia impact can qualify organizations from other regions.

  6. Review Past Grants: The foundation's website lists recent recipients. Review similar organizations' funded projects to understand what succeeds.

  7. Prepare Complete Documentation: Missing documents (audit, 990, board list, etc.) can delay or derail your application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Two-phase, invitation-only process: You must speak with the Executive Director before gaining access to the full application—plan accordingly and register early
  • Capital projects only: Operating expenses, research, endowments, and debt reduction are explicitly excluded
  • Matching requirement is standard: Expect to raise $2-3 for every $1 requested from the foundation; demonstrate fundraising capacity
  • Five-year waiting period: Successful grantees cannot reapply for 5 years, so make your project significant and well-planned
  • 100% board giving is mandatory: This is a firm requirement that demonstrates organizational health and board commitment
  • Richmond preference with Virginia reach: Greater Richmond organizations have priority, but statewide impact can qualify others
  • 12-week decision timeline: Plan cash flow and project timelines around the 2.5-3 month wait from application to decision

References

  1. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Official Website - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  2. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Application Process - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/grant-application-process/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  3. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - FAQ - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/faq/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  4. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Guidelines - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/guidelines/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  5. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Grant Awards - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/grant-awards/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  6. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Our Founder - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/our-founder/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  7. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - Team - https://www.mmparsonsfoundation.org/team/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  8. Cause IQ - The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-mary-morton-parsons-foundation,541530891/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  9. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Mary Morton Parsons Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/541530891 (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  10. Inside Philanthropy - "Getting to Know the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation's Virginia Giving" (June 2021) - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2021-6-3-getting-to-know-the-mary-morton-parsons-foundations-virginia-giving (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  11. Bridgewater College Press Release - "$250,000 Fundraising Challenge Grant from The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation" (2024) - https://www.bridgewater.edu/events-news/news/bc-receives-250000-fundraising-challenge-grant-from-the-mary-morton-parsons-foundation/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
  12. Shenandoah University Press Release - "Challenge Grant From Mary Morton Parsons Foundation" (April 2023) - https://www.su.edu/blog/2023/04/17/shenandoah-university-announces-challenge-grant-from-mary-morton-parsons-foundation/ (Accessed January 6, 2026)
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