The Mark Hughes Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $750,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Average $26,786
• Geographic Focus: Southern California, primarily Los Angeles County

Contact Details

Mailing Address: PO Box 9399 Marina Del Rey, CA 90295-1799

Email: avandormolen@earthlink.net

Phone: 928-350-8388

Overview

The Mark Hughes Foundation was established in 1994 in California with assets totaling $11,646,785. The foundation focuses on improving the lives of economically disadvantaged children and families in Southern California, primarily Los Angeles County. With annual giving of $750,000 distributed through approximately 28 grants per year, the foundation addresses critical needs in education, health, mental health care, nutrition, and youth development. The foundation operates with a lean structure, with board members serving without compensation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides grants averaging $26,786 to organizations supporting disadvantaged children and families. In 2023, the foundation made 28 grants totaling $750,000.

Priority Areas

• Education initiatives for low-income children
• Health and mental health care services
• Public health programs
• Physical fitness and nutrition programs
• Human services and family support services
• Child welfare and protection
• Youth development programs
• Early intervention programs
• Abuse prevention (physical and emotional)

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available documentation

Governance and Leadership

President: Jeffrey Glassman (serves without compensation)

Secretary/Treasurer and Administrator: Ann Van Dormolen (serves without compensation)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations seeking grants should send a letter of inquiry that includes:

• History and mission of the organization
• Description of the project for which funding is sought
• Specific amount being requested from the foundation

The letter should be:

• On organizational letterhead and signed
• Addressed to: Ann Van Dormolen, Administrator, The Mark Hughes Foundation, PO Box 9399, Marina Del Rey, CA 90295
• Sent via mail or attached to an email to avandormolen@earthlink.net

Organizations and projects of interest to the foundation will be invited to file a formal application.

Decision Timeline

Not specified in available documentation

Success Rates

The foundation made 28 awards in 2023 and 26 awards in 2022. Application numbers and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation

Application Success Factors

• Alignment with foundation's focus on children in need in Southern California, particularly Los Angeles County
• Clear demonstration of how the project will benefit economically disadvantaged and low-income individuals
• Programs that provide early interventions and preventive services
• Organizations that can show direct impact on improving nutrition, supporting disadvantaged children and families, or preventing abuse
• Projects serving communities including Beverly Hills, Culver City, Inglewood, and Los Angeles

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus your letter of inquiry on how your project serves children in need in Los Angeles County
• Emphasize programs that address multiple foundation priorities (education, health, nutrition, family services)
• Keep initial inquiry concise but include all three required elements (history/mission, project description, specific amount)
• Highlight any early intervention or prevention aspects of your program
• Be specific about geographic service area within Southern California
• Expect an average grant size around $26,786 based on recent giving patterns

References

• Grantmakers.io Profile - The Mark Hughes Foundation (https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/954487544-the-mark-hughes-foundation/)
• The Mark Hughes Foundation | Marina Del Rey, CA | Cause IQ (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-mark-hughes-foundation,954487544/)
• THE MARK HUGHES FOUNDATION | Foundation Profile & Grants - Grantable (https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/the-mark-hughes-foundation-us-foundation-954487544)
• The Mark Hughes Foundation | Foundation Directory | Candid (https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=HERB015)
• The Mark Hughes Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954487544)
• Accessed: March 2024