The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn
The Roger I. and Ruth B. MacFarlane Foundation is a private foundation based in Berkeley, California. Founded in 2009, it supports organizations seeking to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life of individuals and communities.
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn at a glance
In short: The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn gave $1.7M across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $129K), mostly in California. 77% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,672,137
- +21.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $128,626
- +21.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $75,000
- Total assets
- $42,287,328
- +7.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 77% first-time grantees (10 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (55% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests in the form of Letters of Inquiry, but grant proposals are by invitation. The website requests a two- to three-page LOI; the 2024 filing describes the application materials as a written request.
- Review Cycle
- None is listed on the 2024 filing. The website describes a seasonal timeline for Category Two grants and says Category One grants are made throughout the year.
- Deadline
- None is listed on the 2024 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Roger I Ruth B Marcfarlane
Mailing address: 1909 Via Visalia, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Phone: (310) 418-7414
Website: https://macfarlanefoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn
Who The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Join Freeworld Inc ($250K). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 28 grants of 75 (37%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it primarily funds organizations whose programs focus on populations in the United States, while noting that it has also supported U.S.-based nonprofits working in other countries. In 2024, grant dollars went to organizations in California (55%), North Carolina (19%), Texas (19%), and Indiana (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn open to new grantees?
77%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 13 grantees (77%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $151K; repeat grants $55K. How we count
Medians: $149K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 8% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 52% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 98% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2021) to $2.5M (2020). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Join Freeworld Inc San Jose, CA | General Operating Support | $250,000 |
| North Carolina Justice Center Raleigh, NC | General Operating Support | $250,000 |
| Better Block Foundation Dallas, TX | General Operating Support | $250,000 |
| Building Skills Partnership Los Angeles, CA | General Operating Support | $250,000 |
| Center for Natural Lands Management Temecula, CA | General Operating Support | $222,137 |
| New North Carolina Project Concord, NC | General Operating Support | $75,000 |
| Watch Duty Santa Rosa, CA | General Operating Support | $75,000 |
| St Margarets House South Bend, IN | General Operating Support | $75,000 |
| Angel Flight South Central Addison, TX | General Operating Support | $75,000 |
| Fistula Foundation San Jose, CA | Charitable Purposes - Fispro Project | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $42,287,328 | $1,094,398 | $2,150,871 | $1,672,137 | 13 | $2,170,509 | $775,287 | $2,216,807 |
| 2023 | $39,435,471 | $2,962,314 | $1,714,237 | $1,375,000 | 13 | $1,844,951 | $591,709 | $1,863,529 |
| 2022 | $34,868,801 | $2,896,948 | $1,458,686 | $1,140,000 | 11 | $1,178,396 | $345,248 | $1,744,211 |
| 2021 | $38,946,065 | $3,760,097 | $1,782,353 | $1,100,000 | 13 | $1,116,219 | $1,105,927 | $1,738,673 |
| 2020 | $33,568,543 | $1,530,150 | $2,772,298 | $2,520,000 | 25 | — | $320,873 | $1,560,592 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn reported a distributable amount of $2.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to support organizations that strive to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life of individuals and communities.
Its website describes two grant categories. Category Two grants are larger awards, generally $200,000–$250,000; in 2026, the foundation is focusing these grants on solutions addressing climate change and protecting the environment. Examples of eligible work include clean-energy policies and practices, reducing carbon emissions, stewardship of natural environments, and frontline-community environmental efforts. Category One grants, generally $25,000–$75,000, may address issues of interest to the trustees. The foundation identifies education, health, housing, immigrant rights, and the well-being of women and girls among issues addressed by past Category One grants.
The 2024 grantees illustrate a range of work. Better Block Foundation describes its mission as helping communities reshape built environments to promote healthy, vibrant neighborhoods. Building Skills Partnership works to improve the quality of life of property service workers and their families and communities through education, leadership, and career advancement. JOIN FREEWORLD says its mission is to end generational poverty and recidivism. North Carolina Justice Center describes itself as a public policy advocacy organization working to reduce and eliminate poverty in North Carolina. Center for Natural Lands Management’s stated work includes conserving native species, habitats, and ecosystems. Other 2024 grantees include organizations serving women and children in poverty, increasing civic engagement, and supporting vulnerable children and youth.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 13 grants totaling $1,672,137. Grants ranged from $25,000 to $250,000, with a median of $75,000. Most listed grants were for general operating support. The largest awards were $250,000 each to JOIN FREEWORLD, North Carolina Justice Center, Better Block Foundation, and Building Skills Partnership; Center for Natural Lands Management received $222,137.
The foundation says grant proposals are by invitation, while it is open to receiving Letters of Inquiry. It reports receiving approximately 1,000 LOIs annually and funding fewer than 1%. The website suggests a two- to three-page LOI. Category Two prospects are identified in spring, invited to submit proposals in early summer, and decisions are made in fall; Category One grants are made throughout the year. Separately, the 2024 filing states that requests may be made in writing and lists no award restrictions.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Amy Dominguez-Arms as executive director, Roger I. MacFarlane and Ruth B. MacFarlane as trustees, Taryn MacFarlane as board chair and trustee, Alex MacFarlane as vice chair and trustee, and Katherine Meyer and Jessica MacFarlane as trustees. The foundation’s website also lists Ryan Gray as staff.
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn is led by Amy Dominguez-Arms, Executive Director on the 2024 filing; 1 of 7 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Amy Dominguez-Arms
Executive Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$45K (2024)
Taryn Macfarlane
Board Chair & Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alex Macfarlane
Vice Chair & Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Macfarlane
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Meyer
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roger I. Macfarlane
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruth B. Macfarlane
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Nicole Macfarlane (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Josh Meyer (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Andrew Egyhazi (2020–2021) — Trustee
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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $45K, to Amy Dominguez-Arms (Executive Director (As of 06/24)).
Frequently asked questions about The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn
How much does The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn give each year?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn gave $1.7M across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 13 grants.
What is The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's typical grant size?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's median grant in 2024 was $75,000, and its average grant was $128,626, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn that year got $151K on average.
Where does The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn give grants?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn gives mostly in California: 55% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (19%) and Texas (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Jose, CA (2 grants), Los Angeles, CA (2 grants) and South Bend, IN (2 grants).
Does The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn give general operating support?
Yes: 92% of The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (12 of 13) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's largest grantees?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's largest 2024 grantees include Join Freeworld Inc ($250,000), North Carolina Justice Center ($250,000) and Better Block Foundation ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 45% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn reported $42.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn fund?
The foundation’s mission is to support organizations that strive to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests in the form of Letters of Inquiry, but grant proposals are by invitation. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's EIN?
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-6157610. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The Annenberg Foundation
Conshohocken, PA
The Annenberg Foundation funds arts and culture, education, and environmental work, along with varied community initiatives, with grants across multiple states; in 2024, 58% of grant dollars went to California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though awards ranged widely, and it does not accept unsolicited requests, giving only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
543
Total Given
$53.3M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Direct Relief
Santa Barbara, CA
Direct Relief supports healthcare providers serving people affected by poverty or emergencies, including community health centers, clinics, and grassroots organizations, with medicines, supplies, and funding for health access and equity. In 2025, its grants had a median award of about $65,000, and its work spans all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,367
Total Given
$337.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-roger-i-and-ruth-b-macfarlane-fndn-morg_965bfe6ccb364e6b9cb562c665b7df9f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_266157610_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Roger I \& Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-roger-i-and-ruth-b-macfarlane-fndn-morg_965bfe6ccb364e6b9cb562c665b7df9f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Roger I & Ruth B Macfarlane Fndn down — hundreds of funders to go?