Marguerite Casey Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $34.8 million (2023); $130 million (2025 special commitment)
Assets: $856 million+ (2023)
Grant Range: Varies from $1,000 to several million; typically 25% of grantee operating budgets
Grant Duration: 5-year multi-year general operating support
Geographic Focus: National, with regional emphasis on South, Southwest, Midwest, and California
Application Process: Invitation-only (no unsolicited applications accepted)

Contact Details

Address: 1425 4th Ave Suite 900, Seattle, WA 98101

Phone: 206-691-3134

Website: https://caseygrants.org

Email: Available on website for general inquiries

Note: The Foundation does not accept or respond to unsolicited grant proposals, inquiries, or letters of intent.

Overview

Founded in 2001 as the Casey Family Grants Program by Casey Family Programs, the Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) is a private, independent grantmaking foundation based in Seattle, Washington. With assets exceeding $856 million and annual giving of approximately $35 million (increasing to $130 million in 2025), MCF supports organizations, scholars, leaders, and initiatives focused on shifting the balance of power toward communities that have been historically excluded from shaping society. The foundation's tagline, "Shifting Power. Powering Freedom," reflects its commitment to empowering low-income families, people of color, Indigenous peoples, migrants, and queer communities through grassroots organizing and movement building. Under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Carmen Rojas since 2020, MCF has deepened its commitment to multi-year general operating grants, providing grantees with approximately 25% of their budgets for five years, along with access to advocacy, research, technical support, and connections to other funders. In 2025, the foundation announced a dramatic fivefold increase in grantmaking (to $130 million) by drawing from its endowment to respond to political challenges facing marginalized communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Core Grantmaking: Multi-year general operating grants (typically 5 years) providing approximately 25% of grantee operating budgets. The foundation provides collaborative relationships beyond funding, including advocacy, research, technical support, and connections to other grantmakers.

Freedom Scholars: $250,000 unrestricted awards to scholars whose research advances social movements in areas such as abolitionist studies, Black studies, feminist studies, queer studies, radical studies, and anti-colonialist studies. Since 2020, the program has distributed $9.5 million to 38 scholars. Invitation-only; no outside submissions accepted.

Program-Related Investments (PRIs): Up to $50 million over 10 years for investments in community development financial institutions, impact funds for disinvested communities, investment vehicles advancing economic justice, and mission-aligned projects. PRIs are made without the intention to achieve market-rate returns.

Public Dollars for Public Good (PDPG): Launched in 2023 with over $22 million invested to date. Supports organizations that leverage community organizing to shift power by helping underserved communities access and control federal and local funding, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Priority Areas

Community Development & Organizing: MCF prioritizes "increasing community power" through locally-based community organizing, including:

Leadership development helping individuals "see themselves as agents of change"
Education initiatives deepening community understanding of political, economic, and historical contexts
Growing community power and collective action

Movement Building: Supporting leaders and initiatives focused on shifting the balance of power in society, building power for communities excluded from shaping how society works and sharing in its rewards and freedoms.

Journalism & Local News: In 2025, half of the year's $130 million will support new grantees, with significant focus on journalism and local newsrooms to preserve independent media serving marginalized communities.

Economic Justice: Organizations advocating for equitable budgeting, increased access to public programs, and control over public dollar allocation.

Racial and Social Justice: Supporting multiracial democracy, racial equity, immigrant rights, workers' rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and systemic change.

Geographic Focus

National: Organizations working on nationwide issues
Regional: South, Southwest, Midwest, and California (selected 13 years ago as regions with highest poverty rates and greatest need)

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish a comprehensive list of funding exclusions, MCF's mission-aligned approach means they focus exclusively on organizations advancing power-building for marginalized communities. The foundation has stated they avoid investments that conflict with their mission (e.g., they exclude private and charter schools from their investment portfolio despite potential returns, as these don't align with their educational justice values).

Key Restriction: The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications, proposals, letters of intent, or inquiries about funding.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership

Dr. Carmen Rojas, President & CEO (since June 2020) - Dr. Rojas founded The Workers Lab in 2014 and became the nation's leading funder and supporter of new ideas about increasing worker power. She holds a Doctorate in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley. This represented the first-ever Latina-to-Latina leadership transition at a national foundation, succeeding Luz Vega-Marquis who led for nearly 20 years. Dr. Rojas also serves as Board Chair of the Children's Defense Fund.

Ian Fuller, Board Chair - New York City-based investment manager

Rami Nashashibi, Board Secretary - Executive Director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network

Board Members

Stacey Abrams - Founder of the New Georgia Project and Fair Fight Action
Rashad Robinson - President of Color of Change
Julian Castro - Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Obama Administration)
Marisa Franco - Executive Director of Mijente
Megan Ming Francis - Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington and former MCF Freedom Scholar
Angela Diaz - Board Member
Melody Barnes - Board Member
Jack Thomas - Board Member
Chad Boettcher - Board Member

Leadership Philosophy

Dr. Carmen Rojas describes herself as a "servant leader," which she defines as "leading from behind, listening to the people who have the greatest proximity to the pain, to the communities, and actively seeking to create a better future for us."

On her vision: "I imagine a world where philanthropy sits at the feet of racial justice leaders and heeds from the lessons and pains that both those leaders and the philanthropy sector are learning and holding, so we can best be of service."

On the foundation's role: "Foundations should be the accelerant for the leaders in our community, so that they have the power to shape our democracy and our economy."

Core Values

Belonging & Representation
Trust
Mutual Respect

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Marguerite Casey Foundation operates on a strictly invitation-only basis. Organizations and individuals are considered for funding only when identified and invited by the foundation.

The foundation explicitly states: "The Foundation does not accept or respond to unsolicited grant proposals, inquiries or letters of intent."

Grants are awarded through:

Foundation staff identifying organizations aligned with MCF's mission
Trustee discretion and board member connections to grassroots organizations
Existing networks within social justice movements
Relationships built through the foundation's participation in philanthropic and movement spaces

Getting on Their Radar

The Marguerite Casey Foundation identifies potential grantees through its deep engagement with social justice movements and networks. Board members like Rashad Robinson (Color of Change), Rami Nashashibi (Inner-City Muslim Action Network), and former board member Stacey Abrams have direct connections to grassroots organizing communities. The foundation's leadership actively participates in philanthropic spaces like the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) and PEAK Grantmaking, where they share their approaches to power-building and equitable grantmaking.

While you cannot apply directly, organizations doing grassroots organizing work that builds power in marginalized communities—particularly in the South, Southwest, Midwest, and California—are the types of organizations MCF seeks out. The foundation looks for organizations with strong community roots, leadership development programs, and track records of shifting power dynamics through organizing rather than direct services alone.

The foundation's website includes general contact information (phone: 206-691-3134 and email available on their site) for other purposes, but explicitly not for funding inquiries.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - invitation-only grantmaking model

Grant Structure

Once invited and accepted as a grantee:

Duration: Typically 5-year commitments
Amount: Generally 25% of the grantee organization's operating budget
Type: General operating support (unrestricted)
Additional Support: Access to advocacy resources, research, technical support, and connections to other funders and advisors

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - grantees are supported through multi-year commitments; the foundation maintains ongoing relationships with core grantees

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values (For Organizations They Identify)

Community-Rooted Power-Building: MCF prioritizes "locally-based community organizing" focused on building power for people who have been excluded from shaping society. As Dr. Rojas states, they seek to "lead from behind, listening to the people who have the greatest proximity to the pain."

Leadership Development: Organizations that help individuals "see themselves as agents of change" and develop leaders from within affected communities.

Systems Change, Not Just Services: The foundation looks for organizations working to shift power dynamics and change systems, not simply provide direct services. They want to see how organizations are helping communities gain the power to shape democracy and the economy.

Alignment with Core Values: Organizations demonstrating belonging and representation, trust, and mutual respect in their work and internal practices.

Multi-Issue, Intersectional Approaches: Given the board composition and grantee portfolio (including Dream Defenders, Southerners on New Ground, Texas Organizing Project, Workers Defense Project), MCF values organizations that understand interconnected struggles across race, class, immigration status, and LGBTQ+ identity.

Movement Participation: Organizations that are active participants in broader social justice movements, not isolated actors.

Recent Grantee Examples

MCF's 2025 expanded grantmaking includes:

The National Trust for Local News - acquiring 10 newspapers in Texas to preserve independent journalism
More Perfect Union - public-interest reporting reaching nearly 400 million views in 2024
National Tenant Union Federation - helping families stay in their homes and advocating for renters' rights
National Council of Nonprofits - defending nonprofit access to federal resources
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) - organizing across divisions to protect vulnerable communities
Deep South Today - journalism focused on the South

Core portfolio (as of October 2023) includes 66 organizations such as:

Dream Defenders
Florida Rising Together
Inner-City Muslim Action Network
Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
Southerners on New Ground
Texas Organizing Project Education Fund
Workers Defense Project
Chicago's Crossroads Fund
Native Americans in Philanthropy
Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education

Language and Framing

MCF uses specific language that reflects their values:

"Shifting the balance of power"
"Communities excluded from shaping society"
"Building power" (not "empowering")
"Leaders with proximity to the pain"
"Multiracial democracy"
"Economic justice" and "public goods"
"Servant leadership"

Strategic Context

The foundation's 2025 decision to increase grantmaking fivefold to $130 million demonstrates their commitment to responding boldly to political threats against marginalized communities. Organizations that can articulate how they're building power to resist regressive policies and advance justice during challenging political times align with MCF's current strategic emphasis.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

You cannot apply directly to this funder - MCF operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited proposals or inquiries. Focus instead on building strong grassroots organizing work that might get on their radar through movement networks.
Multi-year, flexible funding is the model - When MCF invests, they typically provide 25% of operating budgets for 5 years as general operating support, demonstrating exceptional commitment to grantee sustainability.
Power-building, not service delivery - MCF funds community organizing that shifts power dynamics, not direct service organizations. Your theory of change must center on building power for marginalized communities to shape decisions affecting their lives.
Regional focus matters - If you're organizing in the South, Southwest, Midwest, or California (or working nationally), you're more likely to fit their geographic priorities than organizations in other regions.
Movement connections are key - The foundation identifies grantees through social justice movement networks, philanthropic spaces, and board member connections. Being visible in these spaces and building authentic relationships with other movement organizations may eventually lead to MCF awareness.
They're investing heavily now - The 2025 expansion to $130 million (versus typical $25-35 million) means MCF is significantly expanding their grantee portfolio, particularly in journalism/local news, suggesting they're actively identifying new organizations to support.
Values alignment is essential - Organizations must demonstrate commitment to belonging, representation, trust, and mutual respect both in their external work and internal practices. MCF's leadership philosophy of "listening to those with greatest proximity to the pain" should resonate with your organizational culture.

References

Marguerite Casey Foundation Official Website - What We Fund. https://caseygrants.org/what-we-fund (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation Official Website - Who We Are. https://caseygrants.org/who-we-are (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation Official Website - Freedom Scholars. https://caseygrants.org/freedom-scholars (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation Official Website - Program-Related Investments. https://caseygrants.org/program-related-investments (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation Official Website - Public Dollars for Public Good. https://caseygrants.org/public-dollars-for-public-good (Accessed January 2026)
Cause IQ - Marguerite Casey Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/marguerite-casey-foundation,912062197/ (Accessed January 2026)
Inside Philanthropy - Marguerite Casey Foundation Profile. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-c/marguerite-casey-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
Philanthropy News Digest - "Marguerite Casey Foundation to boost payout to $130 million in 2025." https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/marguerite-casey-foundation-to-boost-payout-to-130-million-in-2025 (Accessed January 2026)
The Chronicle of Philanthropy - "Marguerite Casey Foundation Dips Into Endowment to Donate $130 Million This Year." https://www.philanthropy.com/article/marguerite-casey-foundation-dips-into-endowment-to-donate-130-million-this-year (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation - "Message From Our Board of Directors Announcing Our New President and CEO, Carmen Rojas, Ph.D." https://www.caseygrants.org/media/message-from-our-board-of-directors-announcing-our-new-president-and-ceo-carmen-rojas-ph-d (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation - "Marguerite Casey Foundation celebrates new President & CEO Dr. Carmen Rojas and legacy of longtime leader Luz Vega-Marquis." https://www.caseygrants.org/recent-news/marguerite-casey-foundation-celebrates-new-president-ceo-dr-carmen-rojas-and-legacy-of-longtime-leader-luz-vega-marquis (Accessed January 2026)
Inside Philanthropy - "Carmen Rojas Wants to Create a Future Where Foundations Don't Need to Exist." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2021-2-25-carmen-rojas-wants-to-create-a-world-where-foundations-dont-need-to-exist (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation - "Marguerite Casey Foundation Announces Addition of Seven New Board Members." https://www.caseygrants.org/recent-news/marguerite-casey-foundation-announces-addition-of-seven-new-board-members (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation - "Marguerite Casey Foundation and Group Health Foundation Award $1.5 Million to 2021 Freedom Scholars." https://www.caseygrants.org/recent-news/marguerite-casey-foundation-and-group-health-foundation-award-1-5-million-to-2021-freedom-scholars (Accessed January 2026)
Marguerite Casey Foundation - "Marguerite Casey Foundation launches 'Public Dollars for Public Good' program centered on economic justice." https://www.caseygrants.org/recent-news/marguerite-casey-foundation-launches-public-dollars-for-public-good-program-centered-on-economic-justice (Accessed January 2026)
Candid Foundation Directory - Marguerite Casey Foundation Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=CASE031 (Accessed January 2026)
Wikipedia - Marguerite Casey Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marguerite_Casey_Foundation (Accessed January 2026)