Timothy T. Day Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,854,861 (2023)
• Total Assets: $49.2 million (2024)
• Number of Awards: 66 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: National (with emphasis on Marine Corps organizations and dog rescue groups)
• Application Method: No public application process - invitation only/preselected organizations
• EIN: 86-0870436

Contact Details

Website: https://tdayfoundation.org
Phone: 602-595-8880
Address: 3219 E Camelback Rd # 841, Phoenix, AZ 85018-2307

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Contact through the website form is available for general inquiries only.

Overview

The Timothy T. Day Foundation Inc was established in July 1997 as a private grantmaking foundation by Timothy T. Day, founder and former CEO of Bar-S Foods Co., and his wife Sandra R. Day. A former Marine Corps Captain who later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1964, Tim Day built the foundation around his core values of leadership, excellence, and service. The foundation focuses exclusively on two primary areas: supporting Marines and the United States Marine Corps, and providing care for abused and abandoned dogs in the rescue community. In 2023, the foundation distributed $3.85 million across 66 awards. Notable philanthropic achievements include a landmark $12 million donation in 2012 to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, which was the largest individual contribution to date for the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The foundation operates on a preselected basis, working with organizations that align with its specific mission rather than accepting open applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Timothy T. Day Marine Corps Entrepreneur Fellowship (established 2005)

• Provides financial support to two MBA students annually at Harvard Business School
• Awards determined by HBS fellowship selection process
• For distinguished Marine officers with combat leadership experience and entrepreneurial interest

Timothy T. Day Marine Corps Executive Education Fellowship (established 2011)

• Funds attendance for 2-4 senior Marine officers annually in Harvard's Advanced Management Program
• Recipients selected exclusively by the Commandant of the Marine Corps
• For career officers with exceptional leadership and potential as future Marine Corps leaders

Day Scholars Program (through Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation)

• Provides financial assistance to 15 college seniors annually
• For children of current or veteran Marines
• Preference given to children of fallen, injured, and wounded Marines
• Selection based on college/field of study, academic performance, parent's military service, extracurricular activities, and Marine Corps values

Lulu's Fund (established 2012)

• Supports over 30 animal rescue organizations nationwide
• Focus on organizations rescuing abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs
• Recent example: $25,000 donation to PAWS of Jackson Hole for their 25th Anniversary Pet Gala
• Supports medical treatment, spay/neuter services, foster homes, and permanent placement

Priority Areas

Marine Corps Support Organizations:

• Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (supported since 2002, including $12 million lead gift in 2012)
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (supported since 2005)
• Marine Corps University Foundation (supported since 2005, focusing on case method instruction)
• Marine Corps Association & Foundation (supported since 2015 for Commanders' Forum Program)
• Semper Fi & America's Fund (supported since 2004, established "Tim and Sandy Day Canine Companions" program)
• Harvard Business School (for Marine Corps fellowship programs)

Animal Rescue Organizations: Organizations supported through Lulu's Fund include:

• American Humane
• Animal Adoption Center (Jackson, WY)
• Animal Guardian Network
• Arizona Pug Adoption & Rescue Network
• National Mill Dog Rescue
• PACC911
• PAWS of Jackson Hole
• The Arizona Pet Project
• The Inner Pup
• Wyoming Pug Rescue

What They Don't Fund

• Unsolicited grant proposals
• Organizations outside their two focus areas (Marine Corps support and dog rescue)
• General operating grants to organizations not preselected by the foundation
• Individual requests for financial assistance (except through established fellowship/scholarship programs with partner organizations)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Timothy T. Day - Donor, Chairman, and President

• Founded Bar-S Foods Co. in 1981, serving as CEO for over 30 years until merger with Sigma Alimentos in 2010
• U.S. Marine Corps Captain (1959-1962)
• Harvard Business School MBA 1964
• Graduate of Deerfield Academy and Wesleyan University
• Recipient of 2012 MCHF John A. Lejeune Recognition for Exemplary Leadership Award

Sandra R. Day - Vice-Chairman

• Vice President of Day Family Office
• Oversees all animal rescue activities for the foundation
• Registered nurse, Arizona State University graduate
• Married to Tim Day since 1997

W. Eric Gleason - Board Member

• Tim's oldest son
• Former Master Mariner Officer
• Maine Maritime Academy graduate

Leslie D. Pellillo - Vice President and Treasurer

• Chief Operating Officer of Day Family Office
• Manages day-to-day operations and portfolio management

Timothy T. Day Jr. - Board Member

• Tim's middle son
• Works at Gilead Sciences in HIV Division
• Arizona State University graduate

Bryan W. Day - Board Member

• Tim's youngest son
• Boston University and Arizona Culinary Institute graduate

Ira M. Shapiro - Board Member (joined November 2021)

• U.S. Marine Corps veteran (Captain)
• Senior partner at FocalPoint Wealth Management
• Investment advisory professional

Lt. General George W. Smith, Jr. - Board Member (joined 2023)

• Recently retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General
• 38 years of military service
• Newest member to the board

Day Family Office Team

• Tim Day - Chief Executive Officer
• Sandy Day - Vice President
• Leslie Pellillo - Chief Operating Officer (responsible for operations, portfolio management, and preserving family vision)
• Karen Hall - Director of Finance (handles financial reporting, investment performance, tax planning)

The Family Office was established on January 6, 2011, to manage family-related activities and affairs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Timothy T. Day Foundation does not have a public application process.

The foundation explicitly states on its website: "We do not accept requests, or offer grants for unsolicited proposals." The foundation operates exclusively on a preselected basis, meaning the board proactively identifies and selects charitable organizations to support rather than reviewing applications from potential grantees.

For Specific Programs

Day Scholars Program: Candidates are forwarded by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to the Timothy T. Day Foundation for review. Organizations cannot apply directly.

Harvard Business School Fellowships:

• MBA Entrepreneur Fellowship: Selection determined by HBS fellowship selection process
• Executive Education Fellowship: Recipients selected exclusively by the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Lulu's Fund: The foundation identifies and approaches animal rescue organizations (typically smaller, volunteer-staffed 501(c)(3) nonprofits) that align with their mission.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, as grants are made at the discretion of the board throughout the year rather than on a fixed schedule.

Application Success Factors

Since the Timothy T. Day Foundation operates on a preselected basis without accepting unsolicited applications, traditional "application success factors" do not apply. However, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations position themselves to potentially be noticed or considered for future support:

Alignment with Core Values

The foundation's giving philosophy is rooted in Tim Day's experiences as a Marine Corps officer and Harvard Business School graduate. According to the foundation website, their work emphasizes "leadership, excellence, self-discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness."

Marine Corps Connection

Organizations with strong connections to the Marine Corps community and veteran services have the highest likelihood of support. The foundation has maintained long-term relationships with key Marine Corps organizations, with some partnerships spanning nearly two decades (e.g., Marine Corps Heritage Foundation supported since 2002).

Quote from Foundation Materials

The foundation states it is "proud to be associated with many outstanding charitable organizations – particularly those that: Provide support to Marines and the United States Marine Corps; and Provide care for abused and abandoned dogs in the rescue community."

Animal Rescue Organization Profile

For Lulu's Fund, the foundation specifically seeks organizations that:

• Are 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Rescue abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs
• Treat existing medical issues
• Provide spay and neuter services
• Place dogs in safe foster homes
• Find forever homes for animals
• Are "generally smaller in size, staffed with mostly volunteers, and always struggle to meet their financial demands"

Long-Term Partnership Approach

The foundation appears to favor building sustained relationships with organizations rather than one-time grants. Multiple organizations listed on their website have received support for a decade or more, suggesting they value proven track records and ongoing impact.

Geographic Considerations

While the foundation is based in Phoenix, Arizona, it supports organizations nationwide, with particular presence in states including Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, and California (for animal rescue) and national reach for Marine Corps programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No open application process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Traditional grant writing will not be effective for securing funding.

• Highly focused mission: The foundation exclusively supports two areas - Marine Corps-related causes and dog rescue organizations. Organizations outside these niches will not be considered.

• Relationship-driven approach: The foundation builds long-term partnerships with select organizations rather than making one-time grants. Many relationships span 10-20 years.

• Significant capacity for major gifts: The $12 million donation to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in 2012 demonstrates the foundation's willingness to make transformational gifts to aligned organizations.

• Family foundation structure: As a private family foundation with Tim Day and family members on the board, decisions are made internally based on personal values and connections to the Marine Corps and animal welfare communities.

• Emphasis on smaller animal rescue groups: For Lulu's Fund, the foundation specifically seeks volunteer-driven organizations that struggle financially, providing "a much needed helping hand."

• Marine Corps values matter: For Marine Corps-related grants, alignment with values of leadership, excellence, self-discipline, and service are paramount, reflecting Tim Day's own military experience.

References

1. Timothy T. Day Foundation Official Website, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/

2. "FAQ," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/faq/

3. "Marine Corps Support Programs," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/giving/marine-corps/

4. "Animal Rescue Programs," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/giving/animal-rescue/

5. "Board of Directors," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/about-us/timothy-t-day-foundation-board-of-directors/

6. "Day Family Office Team," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/about-us/day-family-office-team/

7. "Timothy T Day Foundation Inc," ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, accessed February 7, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/860870436

8. "Timothy T Day Foundation," Cause IQ, accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/timothy-t-day-foundation,860870436/

9. "Former Marine, Bar-S Foods CEO Timothy T. Day Donates $12 Million to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation," Business Wire, June 19, 2012. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120619006563/en/

10. "Timothy T. Day Makes $12 Million Contribution For Completion of National Museum of the Marine Corps," InPark Magazine, accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.inparkmagazine.com/timothy-t-day-makes-12-million-contribution-for-completion-of-national-museum-of-the-marine-corps/

11. "Introduction - Tim's Story," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/about-us/tims-story/introduction/

12. "Lulu's Story," Timothy T. Day Foundation, accessed February 7, 2026. https://tdayfoundation.org/about-us/lulus-story/