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Jonathan D And Mark C Lewis Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$8.2M
Grant Range
$1K - $2.1M

Jonathan D And Mark C Lewis Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8,238,740 (2023)
  • Assets: $139,696,597
  • Grant Range: $500 - $2,100,000
  • Average Grant: $152,569
  • Number of Grants: 54 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Florida, West Virginia, New York, and Colorado
  • Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Address: 3595 Anchorage Way, Coconut Grove, FL 33133-5923
Phone: 305-669-8990
Website: www.lewisfoundation.com

Overview

The Jonathan D And Mark C Lewis Foundation Inc was established in July 1992 as a private family foundation with assets of approximately $139.7 million. Named for co-founders Jonathan D. Lewis (1958-2023) and his husband Mark Christopher Lewis, the foundation's mission is to "transform young dreamers into fearless change-makers to build a more just and equal world." Jonathan D. Lewis was a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and philanthropist who funded groundbreaking civil rights initiatives including GetEQUAL and served on the board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights fighting California's Proposition 8. Following Jonathan's passing in July 2023, Mark C. Lewis assumed the role of Board Chair, committed to growing the foundation's legacy. The foundation is distinguished by its hands-on approach to philanthropy, preferring to work side-by-side with local changemakers as an investor and mentor rather than a traditional benefactor.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation supports a diverse range of causes, with particular emphasis on:

  • LGBTQIA+ Rights and Equality: A core focus area reflecting the founders' activism
  • Youth Development and Empowerment: Programs that help young people challenge the status quo
  • Education: The largest category with 33 grants awarded over seven years
  • Arts and Culture: 25 grants awarded in this sector over seven years
  • Human Services: Supporting vulnerable populations
  • Philanthropy and Voluntarism: Building capacity in the nonprofit sector
  • Animal-Related Causes: 23 grants awarded in this area over seven years

Geographic Distribution

Over a seven-year period, the foundation awarded 189 grants across the United States:

  • Colorado: 49 grants (highest concentration)
  • New York: 37 grants
  • Florida: 36 grants
  • West Virginia: Focus on rural youth empowerment
  • Additional grants in major cities including Los Angeles and Chicago

Signature Program: Farms Work Wonders

The foundation's flagship initiative, Farms Work Wonders, launched in 2016 in Wardensville, West Virginia, exemplifies their innovative approach. The foundation provided startup capital for land, infrastructure, and equipment, plus a guaranteed multi-year operating grant designed to decrease as the social enterprise becomes self-sustaining. Starting with a $150,000 pilot budget and six employees, the program has grown to a $2 million budget with over 80 employees, operating multiple "living classrooms" including an organic farm, market, bakery, glass studio, and kitchen. The program has awarded $201,145 in scholarships to 47 local youth and donated $313,492 to the local community.

Known Grant Recipients

  • Farms Work Wonders (West Virginia) - Multi-year operating support
  • First Tee - Florida Gold Coast - Youth development through golf
  • Point Foundation - Jonathan D. Lewis Point Scholarship for LGBTQ students
  • Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program (OHSU) - Summer stipends for Lewis Scholars
  • Young Voter Alliance / Young Democrats of America - Youth civic engagement (historical)
  • GetEQUAL - LGBTQ direct action advocacy (historical)

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: Mark Christopher Lewis
CEO and President: Paul Yandura (21+ years of service as of 2023)

The foundation's board works largely on a volunteer basis, with the exception of the CEO who receives a salary. Following Jonathan D. Lewis's passing in 2023, Mark C. Lewis stated his commitment to keeping alive and growing Jonathan's legacy to its full potential.

Founder's Philosophy: Jonathan D. Lewis believed in creating "a hand up instead of a hand out" through sustainable economic development. He stated: "Our true return on investment is the good that we are doing and the amazing stories we hear from youth."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. The Jonathan D And Mark C Lewis Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants are awarded by invitation only, based on the board's and staff's identification of organizations and causes aligned with the foundation's mission. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation prefers a hands-on approach to philanthropy, working side-by-side with local changemakers as an investor and mentor. While there is no public application process, the foundation has demonstrated interest in:

  • Organizations working on LGBTQ+ equality and youth empowerment in their priority geographic areas (Colorado, New York, Florida, West Virginia)
  • Innovative social enterprise models that create sustainable economic opportunities for youth
  • Programs that align with their mission to "transform young dreamers into fearless change-makers"
  • Organizations serving populations in rural Appalachia and urban centers

The foundation appears to develop long-term partnerships rather than one-time grants, as evidenced by their multi-year commitment to Farms Work Wonders.

Grant Structure

The foundation employs innovative funding mechanisms:

  • Startup Capital: For land, infrastructure, and equipment
  • Multi-Year Operating Grants: Guaranteed support that decreases over time as programs become self-sustaining
  • Social Enterprise Investment: 100% of enterprise profits are reinvested into programs
  • Scholarship Programs: Direct support for youth pursuing education

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success in securing funding requires:

Alignment with Core Mission: The foundation's vision is clear - "We refuse to accept the world as it is." They seek organizations that:

  • Challenge the status quo in pursuit of a more fair, just, and equal world
  • Empower young people as agents of social change
  • Encourage experimentation and embrace bold risks
  • Create sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary interventions

Philosophy: "Figure out who you are + do it on purpose + change the world."

Hands-On Partnership Model: The foundation describes itself as providing "resources to help the next generation challenge the status quo" and works as an active partner. Organizations should be prepared for:

  • Deep engagement with foundation leadership
  • Multi-year commitments with clear sustainability plans
  • Regular reporting on youth outcomes and community impact
  • Innovative approaches that may include social enterprise components

Youth-Centered Approach: The foundation prioritizes programs that:

  • Provide direct employment and skill-building for young people
  • Create "living classrooms" for hands-on learning
  • Empower youth to contribute uniquely to their communities
  • Support young people's education through scholarships and stipends

Evidence of Sustainable Impact: Drawing from the Farms Work Wonders model, the foundation values:

  • Programs designed to become increasingly self-sustaining
  • Reinvestment of revenue back into the community
  • Measurable outcomes for youth participants
  • Long-term community transformation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation only funds preselected organizations - do not submit unsolicited proposals
  • Relationship-Driven: Focus on building awareness and relationships within their priority geographic areas and issue areas rather than formal applications
  • Youth Empowerment Focus: Programs must demonstrate clear pathways for young people to become "fearless change-makers"
  • Innovation and Risk-Taking: The foundation values experimental approaches and bold solutions over conventional programs
  • Long-Term Partnership Model: They prefer deep, multi-year investments over one-time grants, with sustainability built into the funding structure
  • Geographic Priorities: Colorado, New York, Florida, and West Virginia receive the most grants, though they fund nationally
  • LGBTQ+ Equity Centrality: Given the founders' backgrounds and activism, LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion are central to the foundation's identity
  • Social Enterprise Interest: Programs that combine employment, education, and community benefit through earned revenue models align with their approach

References

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