Marvy Finger Family Foundation (MF3)

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $3.94 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not published
Decision Time: 4-6 months (3 board meetings annually)
Grant Range: Up to $100,000+ (tiered review process)
Geographic Focus: Greater Houston, Texas

Contact Details

Website: https://www.mf3.org/
Phone: (713) 867-7088
Address: 99 Detering St., Suite #210, Houston, TX 77007
Grant Application: Online via Typeform (link on website)
Scholarship Website: www.mfffscholarship.com (redirects to main site)

Overview

The Marvy Finger Family Foundation (MF3) is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2001 with current assets of $82.4 million. Based in Houston, Texas, the foundation distributes approximately $3.94 million annually in charitable contributions. The foundation operates with a vision to "build thriving communities ensuring all have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a high quality of life." MF3 is family-led, with Elaine W. Finger serving as President, Edward A. Finger as Vice President, and family members filling other key leadership roles. The foundation notably made a significant $30 million charitable contribution in 2023, demonstrating their capacity for major philanthropic investments.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants: Up to $50,000 (streamlined review, no presentation required)
Mid-level Grants: $50,001 - $100,000 (requires in-person presentation to Board)
Major Grants: $101,000+ (requires direct foundation contact prior to application)
Scholarship Program: 2-year career and technical education scholarships for low-income HISD graduates attending Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, Lone Star College, or Texas State Technical College

Priority Areas

The foundation strategically supports five interconnected areas in Greater Houston:

Education: Creating opportunities through educational access
Medicine: Supporting health and healing initiatives
Visual & Performing Arts: Promoting beauty and expression in the community
Community Development: Direct investment to empower residents

What They Don't Fund

General operational support
Vague or undefined purposes
Organizations outside Greater Houston area
Non-501(c)(3) organizations
Projects without measurable outcomes

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership:

Elaine W. Finger (President)
Edward A. Finger (Vice President)
Ramona Reddell (Treasurer)
Jill F. Jewett (Secretary)

The foundation maintains dedicated scholarship program staff, indicating a significant commitment to their education initiatives. The Board of Trustees meets three times annually to review grant applications, suggesting a structured and deliberate approach to grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application: Submit via Typeform link on foundation website
Applications Accepted: Year-round rolling basis
Board Review: Three times annually

Required Documentation:

Current 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter
Current fiscal year budget
Detailed project budget with line items
Balance Sheet and Income Statement
Most recent Form 990
Financial audit
List of foundation and corporate supporters
Board of Directors list with affiliations

Decision Timeline

Board meets 3 times per year for grant reviews
Estimated 4-6 months from submission to decision
Larger grants ($50,000+) may require additional time for presentations

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions mentioned; unsuccessful applicants appear able to reapply in subsequent review cycles

Application Success Factors

Based on MF3's stated requirements and approach:

Clear Definition: Projects must have a clearly defined purpose with specific, measurable outcomes
Houston Focus: Strong connection to Greater Houston communities is essential
Alignment: Direct alignment with one or more of the five focus areas
Financial Documentation: Complete and thorough financial documentation demonstrates organizational capacity
Presentation Skills: For grants over $50,000, ability to present effectively to the Board is crucial
Impact Measurement: Clear metrics and evaluation plan for measuring project success
Sustainability: Evidence of how the project will create lasting community benefit

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Submit applications well in advance as Board only meets three times annually
For grants over $50,000, prepare for in-person presentation to Board
For major grants over $101,000, establish direct contact with foundation before applying
Focus on measurable outcomes and specific project goals rather than general support
Emphasize Greater Houston community impact and connection
Ensure all required financial documentation is current and complete
Consider starting with smaller grant request to build relationship with foundation

References

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Marvy Finger Family Foundation (EIN: 760625865), accessed December 31, 2024
GuideStar Profile - Marvy Finger Family Foundation (76-0625865), accessed December 31, 2024
Marvy Finger Family Foundation official website (https://www.mf3.org/), accessed December 31, 2024
MF3 Grant Application Process page (https://www.mf3.org/our-process.php), accessed December 31, 2024
MF3 Application Process page (https://www.mf3.org/application-process), accessed December 31, 2024