Mae Philanthropies is a private grantmaking foundation based in Palo Alto, California. Designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is committed to creating a world where collaboration and continuous learning lead to enduring solutions. The organization partners with other entities in addressing critical societal challenges by providing resources, expertise, and support that drive impactful and measurable change.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$131.4M
+26.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.8M
+436.3% YoY
Grant Count
17
+183.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$402K
+89.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mae Philanthropies' mission is to partner with organizations in addressing critical societal challenges by providing resources, expertise, and support that drive impactful and measurable change.
The foundation operates two primary key initiatives:
Pawsitive Impact — An initiative focused on enriching the lives of humans through service and companion dogs. The foundation funds innovative research, supports educational programs, and increases the availability of highly skilled dogs to improve mental health and provide life-changing support. The initiative also recognizes and celebrates the emotional bonds shared with all dogs.
Second Chances — An initiative supporting partners who create opportunity through education, career pathways, and personal growth. The foundation believes in the power of second chances as investments in people, potential, and possibility, supporting organizations that empower individuals and unlock their potential.
Grantmaking
Mae Philanthropies distributes grants across various focus areas including education, philanthropy, voluntarism and grantmaking, and human services. Typical grant awards range from $10,000 to $2,000,000.
Grant Range
of $668. The foundation is open to new applicants, with approximately 12% of new applicants receiving funding.
Average Grant
of $668. The foundation is open to new applicants, with approximately 12% of new applicants receiving funding.
Ready to take the next step with Mae Philanthropies?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Mae Philanthropies supports organizations across multiple U.S. states and cities, including:
States: California, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia
Cities: Alexandria, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Miami Beach, New York, New York City, Pinecrest, and Stanford
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $104 million (2023); $131.4 million (2024)
Annual Revenue: $19 million (2023); approximately $18.95 million (2024)
Annual Expenses: $2.06 million (2023)
Total Liabilities: $0 (2023)
Total Giving: $6.838 million (2024)
The foundation has maintained tax-exempt status since June 2017 and is required to file IRS Form 990-PF annually.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $131,372,354 | $103,987,834 | $79,782,897 |
| Revenue | $28,287,330 | $18,954,108 | $431,093 |
| Expenses | $7,995,283 | $2,061,952 | $2,410,331 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $7,023,223 | $1,275,000 | $1,517,500 |
| Net Investment Income | $20,720,714 | $17,542,495 | $7,815,377 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,021,136 | $3,936,564 | $4,166,630 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
38 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Jim Goetz — Founder & Chairman
Barb Izzo — President
Laura Kuhlemann — Director of Operations
Madison Miller — Grants Manager
Dr. Marlene Grenon — Grants Manager
Additional leadership includes James J. Goetz (President and Chair of the Board) and Melanie M. Goetz (Secretary and Treasurer), both of whom serve without compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES J GOETZ | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| MELANIE M GOETZ | SECRETARY, TREASURER | 2 | — |
| BARBARA IZZO | PRESIDENT | 38 | $166,656 |
Contact Information
Address: Co Frankrimerman, 1801 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Telephone: 650-845-8100
Website: maephilanthropies.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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