Mars Family Foundation is a Wisconsin-based family foundation dedicated to supporting charitable organizations through both financial grants and hands-on coaching. The foundation focuses its funding on qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with priority for publicly supported organizations under Sections 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding is directed primarily to Wisconsin-based nonprofits, and the foundation does not issue grants to individuals, cover overhead or administrative costs, or support projects outside the United States.
Role of Mars Family Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The foundation operates a formal grants program with a clear application pathway. Prospective grantees begin by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through an online form. Selected organizations are then invited to complete a full application according to an annual timeline, with decisions made by the foundation’s Board of Directors. The grants page notes a typical grant size of around $3,000, giving applicants a sense of scale for their requests.
Historically, Mars Family Foundation has emphasized support for organizations serving children and individuals with disabilities. For the current funding year, it has added particular attention to arts initiatives and projects that enhance land and outdoor spaces in ways that benefit children and families. While LOIs are welcomed from a broad range of missions, alignment with these focus areas receives priority.
Programs, coaching and next-generation philanthropy
Beyond its core grants, the foundation offers creative programs such as the “Fish Tank” and “Think Tank”. The Fish Tank brings charities together with young “VIP givers” who each direct a set amount of funding—provided by the foundation—to presenting nonprofits, teaching the next generation how to give strategically. The Think Tank uses the foundation’s facility as a collaborative space where charities can refine their vision, plan projects and connect with partners.
Through these activities, Mars Family Foundation combines financial support with resources, space and guidance. It helps charities strengthen sustainability, run community projects like clothing and food drives, and develop initiatives that improve the lives of people, animals and the environment, particularly in its regional Wisconsin context.