Key Learnings 2010

We have enjoyed a variety of partners in our work over the last few years.  Some of the projects we funded were very successful and others were not as successful, however, we believe that in all cases, valuable learnings were gained on both sides.  We remain interested in the testing of new ideas and new approaches to solve problems.  We have learned that success comes with a clear implementation plan, not merely a worthy goal., and we have learned that we especially enjoy funding those projects that attempt to create a model that can be replicated.  The summer program at Georgetown University and the violence prevention program at the University of San Francisco are potential models for other campuses; and the Women’s Policy Institute founded by the Women’s Foundation of California is being developed in other states.

In addition, the MFF granted seed money to develop a Women Authors’ Book Fair in conjunction with the New Mexico Museum Foundation.  After three years we were able to step back and local authors and funders were able to largely take over funding the project.  In 2010 we continued our support with a smaller sustaining grant.  We will pursue other such projects in the future.

Foundation History

The Marineau Family Foundation was established in December, 2006, and is managed by family members who have a history of supporting organizations that benefit women, girls and education.  Programs that benefit economically disadvantaged persons and violence prevention are priorities.  The foundation concentrates its giving primarily in the cities where the directors reside — San Francisco, Chicago and Santa Fe.

The foundation will support nonprofit organizations or institutions that enable women and girls to live violence-free.  It will also fund educational programs that provide key building blocks for success and allow persons to achieve lasting economic independence.

The foundation will award project and program grants to nonprofit, IRS 501(c)(3) organizations and institutions that meet the following criteria:
• Focus on developing skills for independence rather than merely meeting basic needs
• Involve the populations served in planning and implementation
• Collaborate with other organizations and institutions
• Exhibit effective leadership that values transparency and respectful dialogue
• Demonstrate strong planning and process development against a clear strategic plan
• Describe what success looks like and measure against that description

Grants will be primarily made for one year; occasionally three-year grants will be awarded. In exceptional cases, we will consider five-year grants.

Grants will be made in amounts from ten to fifty thousand dollars annually. The foundation will make grants once a year in October.

Smaller discretionary grants my be awarded for less than ten thousand dollars. All organizations that receive grants will be asked to describe what success will look like and evaluate the effectiveness of projects or programs.

The 2007 round of grants will be the Marineau Family Foundation’s first awards.  The directors of the foundation begin this endeavor with humility, acknowledging that we will learn much from our grant partners as we work together trying to make the world a place where the capacity to hope and the opportunity to be productive can be a reality for all.