The Mario Family Foundation
The Mario Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Chatham, New Jersey. In 2024, it reported 19 grants totaling $2,099,024 to charitable organizations, including universities, a school, a social-services organization, and a maritime museum.
Key facts about The Mario Family Foundation
In short: The Mario Family Foundation gave $2.1M across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $110K), top state North Carolina. 18% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 20-1400656
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,099,024
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- Average grant
- $110,475
- Median grant
- $98,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (3 of 17, 2024)
- Total assets
- $25,973,402
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (42% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$26.0M
+2.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.1M
+7.8% YoY
Grant Count
19
-5.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$110K
+13.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Mario Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Mario Family Foundation open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 17 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $108K; repeat grants $127K. How we count
Medians: $100K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 76% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+1%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 130% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied purposes. For example, Rutgers University Foundation describes its mission as supporting Rutgers in education, research, and public service. Open Table Ministry says it works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty, while Cristo Rey Network describes its work as providing career-focused, college-preparatory education for students with limited economic resources. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not stated focus areas of the foundation.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $2,099,024. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $500,000, with a median of $98,000. Among the largest were $500,000 to Rutgers University Foundation for pharmacy and medical scholarships; $220,000 to Duke University Health for family chronic-care improvement and its medical center; $175,000 to North Carolina Submarine Museum for establishment of a museum; and $151,120 to Naval Institute Foundation for digitizing maritime history. Open Table Ministry received $150,000 for general support and $85,000 for an executive and assistant director position.
Ready to take the next step with The Mario Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest reported shares of grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina (42%) and New Jersey (29%), followed by Maryland (7%), Illinois (7%), and Pennsylvania (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 19 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
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
106 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RUTGERS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION New Brunswick, NJ | PHARM/ MD SCHOLARSHIPS | $500,000 |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY HEALTH Durham, NC | FAMILY CHRONIC CARE IMPROVEMENT FD & MEDICAL CENTER | $220,000 |
| NORTH CAROLINA SUBMARINE MUSEUM Durhan, NC | ESTABLISHMENT OF A MUSEUM | $175,000 |
| NAVAL INSTITUTE FOUNDATION Annapolis, MD | DIGITIZING OUR MARITIME HISTORY | $151,120 |
| CRISTO REY NETWORK Chicago, IL | CAPACITY BUILDING 2026 CAMPAIGN | $150,000 |
| OPEN TABLE MINISTRY Durham, NC | GENERAL SUPPORT | $150,000 |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC ASSOC Durham, NC | BASKETBALL LEGACY FUND | $100,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia, PA | PENN BAND | $100,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION Kingston, RI | ANNUAL FUND | $100,000 |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY PEDIATRICS Durham, NC | PEDIATRICS IMPROVE & EXPAND CARE NOW | $98,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $25,973,402 | $3,196,242 | $2,515,528 | $2,099,024 | 19 |
| 2023 | $25,292,688 | $2,241,370 | $2,315,173 | $1,946,585 | 20 |
| 2022 | $24,648,464 | $468,683 | $2,961,372 | $2,601,638 | 23 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $25,973,402 | $25,292,688 | $24,648,464 |
| Revenue | $3,196,242 | $2,241,370 | $468,683 |
| Expenses | $2,515,528 | $2,315,173 | $2,961,372 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,291,567 | $2,083,552 | $2,743,651 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,832,028 | $1,938,374 | $253,809 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,759,498 | $1,589,214 | $1,677,627 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Dr. Ernest Mario as a director, with a notation that he died on October 20, 2024. Other listed directors are Christopher B. Mario, Gregory G. Mario, Jeremy K. Mario, Samantha Ventimiglia, and Jeffrey Spritzer. Marylou Rowe is listed as executive director.
The Mario Family Foundation is led by Marylou Rowe, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 6 of 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Marylou Rowe
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$20K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Christopher B. Mario
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$5K (2021) → $10K (2024)
Gregory G. Mario
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2021) → $5K (2024)
Jeffrey Spritzer
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$5K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Jeremy K. Mario
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2021) → $10K (2024)
Samantha Ventimiglia
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Ernest Mario
Director
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 445, Chatham, NJ 07928
Phone: (973) 635-6727
Frequently asked questions about The Mario Family Foundation
How much does The Mario Family Foundation give each year?
The Mario Family Foundation gave $2.1M across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.9M across 20 grants.
What is The Mario Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Mario Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $98,000, and its average grant was $110,475, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Mario Family Foundation that year got $108K on average.
Where does The Mario Family Foundation give grants?
The Mario Family Foundation's top state is North Carolina, with 42% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New Jersey (29%) and Maryland (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Durham, NC (6 grants) and Lawrenceville, NJ (2 grants).
Does The Mario Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 26% of The Mario Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (5 of 19) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Mario Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Mario Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Rutgers University Foundation ($500,000), Open Table Ministry ($235,000 across 2 grants) and Duke University Health ($220,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 45% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Mario Family Foundation?
The Mario Family Foundation reported $26.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Mario Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied purposes. For example, Rutgers University Foundation describes its mission as supporting Rutgers in education, research, and public service. Open Table Ministry says it works with people experiencing homelessness and poverty, while Cristo Rey Network describes its work as providing career-focused, college-preparatory education for students with limited economic resources. These are th…
How do I apply for a grant from The Mario Family Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Mario Family Foundation's EIN?
The Mario Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-1400656. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Mario Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Mario Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Mario Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Texas Instruments Foundation
Dallas, TX
The Texas Instruments Foundation funds charitable and educational organizations, with interests including education, human services, racial equity, and the arts; its geographic focus is Texas, though it also gives elsewhere. In 2024 it made 4,484 grants, with a median award of $500 and amounts ranging from $13 to $1,128,000. It accepts unsolicited requests online and has no submission deadlines.
Assets
$73.0M
Grants
4,484
Total Given
$22.6M
Chubb Charitable Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Chubb Charitable Foundation supports youth development through education, mentorship, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community programs, as well as organizations working in areas such as humanitarian aid, health, and disability services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $50 to $1 million, with a median of $200; funding was concentrated in New York, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The foundation directs applicants to its proposal guidelines and states that it does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$74.9M
Grants
3,719
Total Given
$6.3M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Verizon Foundation
Basking Ridge, NJ
The Verizon Foundation funds digital inclusion, climate protection, human prosperity, K–12 literacy and STEM, and domestic violence education and prevention, with an emphasis on underserved and diverse communities. It gives nationally, with priority in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, and also supports work in India and Israel; 2024 grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a $500 median. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$23.8M
Grants
5,464
Total Given
$7.0M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds work to improve health and health equity in the United States, including health policy, community health, prevention, and social justice. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to recipients across multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports nonprofits and projects across arts, education, environment, health and human services, and social welfare. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $19,800, though awards varied widely; funding went to organizations in multiple states, with 32% of itemized grant dollars going to New Jersey. It accepts applications for specific opportunities, and its FAQ encourages eligible New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply; requirements vary by opportunity.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The fund supports local agencies, charities, and schools serving underserved populations, with interests including food, housing, education, health, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500, for communities where Crane operates or where associates have a direct connection, including locations outside the U.S. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds one-time capital needs—such as construction, renovations, equipment, and furnishings—for eligible nonprofits working in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most grants are $5,000–$20,000, and it primarily serves New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
Princeton Area Community Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, basic needs, health, housing, arts, the environment, and nonprofit capacity, with priorities including poverty and the needs of children, families, and communities. Its 2024 median grant was $15,000, and its discretionary programs focus on Greater Mercer County and central New Jersey, though donor-recommended grants may support nonprofits elsewhere. Eligible regional nonprofits may apply through competitive programs such as the Community Impact Grants.
Assets
$279.6M
Grants
515
Total Given
$31.3M
Oceanfirst Foundation
Toms River, NJ
OceanFirst Foundation funds nonprofits working in economic stability, youth development, health and wellness, housing, education, and community quality of life, including scholarships, summer camps, and flexible support. It serves communities in OceanFirst Bank’s New Jersey footprint; 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $55,000, with a median of $2,200. It accepts unsolicited requests, and deadlines vary by program.
Assets
$6.1M
Grants
425
Total Given
$1.6M
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater
Whippany, NJ
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ supports Jewish and broader-community causes, including local Jewish education, older-adult services, synagogue engagement, and specified needs in Israel; it also makes grants nationally and internationally. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,400, while its local program offers up to $15,000–$20,000 depending on category. It accepts applications from eligible agencies and synagogues for its local program during a stated application period, and from qualifying organizations for Israel grants each spring.
Assets
$648.3M
Grants
407
Total Given
$29.3M
The Pfizer Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Pfizer Foundation funds locally led health programs that improve access to care and strengthen health systems, as well as health-crisis and disaster responses, worldwide. In 2024, grants ranged from $2 to $4 million, with a median of $200. It supports only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$255.3M
Grants
9,306
Total Given
$23.2M
More Funders in New Jersey
The Mario Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?