The Marin Community Foundation
Connects the people who want to create change in the world with the organizations that can produce the greatest impact.
MCF's New Strategic Vision
MCF is announcing a new vision and mission and is launching two new major strategic initiatives, along with streamlined grantmaking processes, and a refreshed governance structure.
Click on the bear to read more about the results of our recent strategic planning process.
Giving is personal.
Perhaps there’s a cause or an organization that’s special to you. Perhaps giving is a family tradition. Or maybe you want to start a family tradition. Whatever the reason, you want to partner with someone who understands you and your goals and can make your experience easy, effective and joyful.
Welcome to MCF.
We're here to provide access to the people, resources and issue-area expertise to transform your philanthropic ambitions into reality.
At A Glance
About the Marin Community Foundation
1 Oversees over $2.9 billion in philanthropic assets
2 Distributed more than $76 million in grants in first quarter of FY24
3 Distribution trustee for the Buck Family Fund
4 Makes grants to charitable organizations locally, nationally and internationally
5 Grants go to a broad array of educational, medical, social and environmental issues
6 Partners with over 555 individuals & families in their giving
7 Manages more than 881 different funds
8 Has granted $2.6 billion over the past 30 years
MCF Innovation Timeline
2020 Launched The Lens
2021
Launched The Lens
A program which allows donors to add an increased level of intention to their philanthropy by using a racial or gender equity framework.
2019 Launched the Venture Impact Program, The Family Office of Philanthropy, and Commissioned The Book of Mom
2019
Launched the Venture Impact Program, The Family Office of Philanthropy, and The Book of Mom
Launched the Venture Impact Program
An initiative that enables impact investing via grantmaking.
Established The Family Office of Philanthropy
A multi-disciplinary team focused on serving the needs of Virtuoso clients.
Commissioned The Book of Mom
Featuring insights from a human-centered design research project of mothers living in poverty in Marin.
2018 Opened a branch office in San Francisco
2018
Opened a branch office in San Francisco
A stylish co-working space in Jackson Square to better serve advisors and donors throughout the Bay Area.
2016 Launched Virtuoso
2016
Launched Virtuoso
MCF’s modern alternative to a private foundation.
2015 Launched Philanthropy Inc.
2015
Launched Philanthropy Inc.
MCF’s customized philanthropic service for advisory firms.
2012 Commissioned A Portrait of Marin
2012
Commissioned A Portrait of Marin
The first comprehensive analysis of the county’s characteristics and disparities.
2007 Offered international grantmaking to donors
2007
Offered international grantmaking to donors.
2005 Instituted a nondiscrimination policy
2005
Instituted a nondiscrimination policy
Led the community foundation field by instituting a nondiscrimination policy for all grants, discretionary and advised.
2004 Launched the MCF Giving Center
2004
Launched the MCF Giving Center
Enabling donors to make secure online grants, 24/7.
2001 Published "Making a Difference in Marin"
2001
Published "Making a Difference in Marin"
The first comprehensive report on giving and volunteering in the county.
1999 Established MCF's Legacy Giving Program
1999
Established MCF's Legacy Giving Program
To enable donors to incorporate philanthropy into their estate planning.
1989 Launched the MCF Loan Fund
1989
Launched the MCF Loan Fund
(Now called CommunityFirst) to enable nonprofits critical access to financing options which they may not be able to access or afford through traditional commercial avenues.