Max And Lorayne Cooper Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,557,345
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly documented
• Grant Range: Average $71,532 (estimated range $20,000 - $200,000+)
• Geographic Focus: National (multiple states, based in Birmingham, AL)

Contact Details

Phone: 205-879-6122
Contact Person: Susan Jackson
Address: 3708 Country Club Dr Apt B, Birmingham, AL 35213-2853
Website: None available
Application Method: Letter submission

Overview

The Max and Lorayne Cooper Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in March 2013 with approximately $26.7 million in assets and annual grant distribution of $2.5 million. Named after Birmingham philanthropist Max Cooper, who worked for McDonald's for over 55 years and co-founded the fifth Ronald McDonald House globally, the foundation continues the Cooper family's philanthropic legacy. Max Cooper enabled both Birmingham Ronald McDonald Houses to open debt-free—the first to achieve this within the global organization. The foundation makes 12-26 grants annually to organizations across multiple states, with an average grant size of approximately $71,500. While rooted in Alabama, the foundation funds nationally, supporting organizations in major cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and New York.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: Average $71,532 (flexible funding for organizational operations)
• Education Initiatives: Variable amounts (supporting educational programs and institutions)
• Applications accepted via letter submission on a rolling basis

Priority Areas

• Education and educational programs
• General organizational support
• Unrestricted operational funding
• No mandated specific subject areas, allowing flexible funding approaches

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly documented in available sources

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Samuel A. DiPiazza Jr. - Trustee (Compensation: $50,000)

  • Former Global CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Current Chairman of Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees
  • Alabama Business Hall of Fame inductee
  • Serves on Executive Committee of Inner-City Scholarship Fund of NYC

• Martin Solomon - Trustee (Compensation: $50,000)

Board Representative:

• Susan Jackson - Contact person and board representative for New Schools for Alabama

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Submit a letter application containing:

1. Organization description for which funds are sought
2. Detailed explanation of how funds will be used
3. Timeline for funding and project implementation
4. Success metrics for measuring project outcomes
5. Evidence of tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status
6. List of directors and executive staff
7. Project budget and identification of additional funders

Applications should be sent via mail to the foundation's Birmingham address.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

No documented restrictions on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants

Application Success Factors

• Geographic diversity welcomed: Foundation funds organizations across multiple states, not limited to Alabama
• Education focus advantageous: Strong track record of supporting educational initiatives
• Established organizations preferred: Grant history shows support for established nonprofits with proven track records
• Flexible funding approach: Foundation provides unrestricted support, allowing organizations to use funds where most needed
• Clear metrics important: Application requires specific success metrics, indicating preference for measurable outcomes
• Multi-funder projects accepted: Request for information about additional funders suggests comfort with collaborative funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Foundation makes substantial grants averaging $71,532, suitable for significant program or operational support
• National scope despite Alabama base—organizations from major metropolitan areas have been successfully funded
• Letter application format allows for narrative approach rather than restrictive online forms
• No explicit subject area restrictions provide opportunities for diverse organizations
• Strong leadership with extensive nonprofit experience (DiPiazza's Mayo Clinic and PwC background)
• Foundation's connection to Ronald McDonald House legacy may indicate affinity for health and family support causes, though not exclusive
• Annual distribution of $2.5 million across 12-26 grants suggests selective but substantial funding commitments

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings for EIN 546828582. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/546828582
• Charity Navigator profile for Max and Lorayne Cooper Foundation. Accessed February 24, 2026.
• CauseIQ Foundation Database entry for Max and Lorayne Cooper Foundation. Accessed February 24, 2026.
• Grantmakers.io profile for foundation grant analysis. Accessed February 24, 2026.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama website - Max Cooper biographical information. Accessed February 24, 2026.
• Alabama Business Hall of Fame - Samuel A. DiPiazza Jr. inductee profile. Accessed February 24, 2026.
• Candid Foundation Directory listing. Accessed February 24, 2026.