Key facts
- Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to donate at least $500 million over 10 years.
- Annual payout will increase by 50% to a baseline of $50 million.
- The foundation cites 'suffering' under President Donald Trump's policies as a reason for increased giving.
- The foundation made a $130 million grant in 2025, drawing from its endowment.
- It supports community-based organizations and government responsiveness initiatives.
The Marguerite Casey Foundation has announced a significant increase in its annual grantmaking, pledging to donate at least $500 million over the next decade. This move represents a 50% rise in its annual payout, setting a new baseline of $50 million per year. The foundation aims to encourage more urgent philanthropic action, particularly in light of what it describes as the negative impacts of President Donald Trump's policies on civil society and federal funding.
Carmen Rojas, President and CEO of the foundation, stated that this increased giving, including a $130 million payout in 2025 drawn from its endowment, demonstrates that robust grantmaking is not at odds with the foundation's long-term sustainability. The foundation's model involves providing substantial, long-term funding to community-based organizations that advocate for government to serve all citizens, focusing on economic well-being, housing, jobs, and news outlets. It also supports governmental experiments aimed at increasing local responsiveness.
This strategic shift is part of a broader call for a more proactive approach in philanthropy, moving away from a purely defensive posture. The foundation has also adjusted its investment strategy, with over half of its endowment managed by individuals from underrepresented racial groups, and has divested from industries deemed harmful, such as private prisons and predatory lenders. This initiative is positioned as a case study for other foundations, challenging the common practice of adhering strictly to the IRS-mandated minimum payout of 5% of assets.
Other foundations, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation, have also increased their giving, citing a 'crisis' exacerbated by federal policy changes. Despite these efforts, many nonprofits report increased difficulty in securing grants and face heightened demand for their services due to cuts in federal programs like Medicaid and food assistance. Concerns are also raised about potential government actions that could create a chilling effect on nonprofit operations and their ability to receive funding.