Mars Family Foundation Grants

Important Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in applying for a Mars Family Foundation grant. All funding decisions are the purview of the Foundation Board of Directors.

• The Foundation provides grants only to qualifying nonprofit organizations.
• Funding is focused primarily on Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

The Foundation cannot:

• Issue grants to individuals
• Fund overhead or indirect / administrative costs
• Support projects outside the United States

Eligibility Requirements

• Organizations must be exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Applicants should be publicly supported under Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3).
• Grants are given primarily to Wisconsin-based nonprofits.

The Mars Family Foundation has long prioritized supporting organizations that serve children and individuals with disabilities. In the current funding year, the Foundation is also placing additional focus on supporting the arts and organizations dedicated to enhancing land and outdoor spaces in ways that benefit children and families. While Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are welcome from nonprofits across a broad range of missions, priority consideration will be given to organizations aligned with these focus areas.

Application Timeline

• Letters of Inquiry are accepted through March 31, 2026.
• Organizations selected to proceed will be notified by April 30, 2026.
• If invited, completed applications are due by May 31, 2026.
• Final approvals or denials are communicated by August 1, 2026.
• Awarded funds are dispersed on or before December 1, 2026.

Please note that the average grant size awarded is $3,000.