The Marshall Foundation, established in 1930 by Louise Marshall seeks to enhance the lives of the citizens of Tucson, Arizona and Pima County through its support of charitable and educational institutions. It is headquartered near the University of Arizona main campus in Tucson and it’s giving is funded by retail leases on commercial properties within Main Gate Square, real estate acquired over time by founder Louise Foucar Marshall beginning in 1903.
The Foundation focuses its community giving on early childhood through graduate education and wrap-around social services supporting education for underserved populations. It also funds projects, programs and scholarships at the University of Arizona, including post-secondary levels.
Since its founding in 1930, the Marshall Foundation provided over $30 million in grants and scholarships in southern Arizona. The three categories of annual funding determined by the Board of Directors are: grants to support early childhood through graduate education, grants to support wrap-around services for underserved populations that support education, and grants and scholarships at the University of Arizona. Marshall Foundation also reserves the right to award grants at its sole discretion.
The Marshall Foundation seeks proposals in February each year and awards grant in May. Annual grant amounts start at $25,000. The foundation also accepts applications outside the annual grant round for requests of any amount, however most are under $25,000. Funds will be awarded only if available and at the discretion of the Board and Executive Director to support the mission.
All applications must be submitted through an online process through our application portal at Submittable. We encourage you to review the guidelines carefully before applying. Application for funding is a two-step process starting with a Letter of Intent (LOI) and if selected an invite to complete a full application.
Please visit www.marshallfoundation.com for more information or contact:
Kay Hoenig, Grant Management Administrator kay@marshallfoundation.com
Alexis Ryland, Executive Director alexis@marshallfoundation.com
The Marshall Foundation accepts applications within the established guidelines below; only one application will be accepted per organization unless you are applying under a fiscal agent. If you are submitting a proposal within the University of Arizona, please apply under the University of Arizona Foundation. The grant period is one year. Applications for both program support and general operating support are accepted. The organization must be performing charitable work in line with the foundation’s funding focus.
Process & Application All applications must be only be submitted through an online process with Submittable. We encourage you to review the guidelines carefully before applying. Application for funding is a two-step process starting with a Letter of Intent (LOI) and if selected, an invitation to complete a full application. All awards are determined by a committee of the Board of Directors. Requests must be a minimum of $25,000. Requests for up to $100,000 will be accepted, however most award amounts are between $25,000-$30,000.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing, conducting charitable work in Tucson or Pima County, Arizona. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted.
- The organization and program must directly benefit Tucson and Pima County.
- Grants are not made to for-profit organizations or directly to individuals.
- The grant period is one year. An organization must be current with all reporting requirements to be eligible.
- Grantees must not discriminate in their employment practices, volunteer opportunities or delivery of programs and services on the basis of Race, Religion, Gender or Gender Identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), Gender Expression, Sexual orientation, Age, Ancestry, Citizenship, Ethnicity, Familial Status, Socioeconomic Status (economic circumstances), Color, Creed, Sex (including pregnancy), Phases of Parenthood, National Origin, Marital Status, Veteran Status (past, current or prospective service in the armed forces), Genetic Information, Physical Characteristics or Appearance, Mental or Physical Disability, Any other status prohibited by applicable law.
Grantmaking Priorities The Foundation focuses its community giving on early childhood through graduate education and wrap-around social services for underserved populations that support education. It also funds projects, programs and scholarships at the University of Arizona, including post-secondary levels. You will be asked to select one of the three areas when applying and articulate your organization’s alignment with these priorities.
Important Dates
- Monday, February 2, 2026 - Letter of Intent (LOI) Open
- Friday, February 27, 2026 - Letter of Intent (LOI) Due, 5pm MST
- Monday, March 23, 2026 - Notification of applicants to move to full proposal
- Friday, April 17, 2026 - Full Proposal Due, 5pm MST
- Friday, May 22, 2026 - Final Awards
- Checks are mailed between June 2026-December 2026. More details will be available when awarded.
Contact
Please visit www.marshallfoundation.com for more information or contact:
Kay Hoenig, Grant Management Administrator kay@marshallfoundation.com
Alexis Ryland, Executive Director alexis@marshallfoundation.com