Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Grant

Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Mary Morton Parsons Foundation
Amount: US $50,000 - US $500,000
Last Updated: October 22, 2025

Summary

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

Overview

We now accept grant applications via our online application portal only. You must register and submit a Contact Form (and speak to the Executive Director) two weeks before the submission deadline ( letter of inquiry above). Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Grant The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation was founded in 1988 by Mrs. Mary Morton Parsons as a private, non-operating foundation to support the capital needs of charitable organizations. To date, the Foundation has awarded approximately $73 million to qualified grantees. Enriching Community Life throughout the Commonwealth The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation enriches communities across the Commonwealth by providing capital support to cultural arts institutions, historic preservation sites, environment and conservation initiatives, community development efforts, education infrastructure, and the social services sector. Arts & Culture Virginia's residents and visitors love Arts & Culture. That’s why The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports organizations that deliver cultural experiences through music, theatre, and visual and performing arts. Civic & Community Needs The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation funds organizations that provide services to revitalize neighborhoods and local businesses, develop citizen leadership skills, bolster economic development, contribute to workforce training, and strengthen civic engagement. Education From early childhood education to university and professional continuing education, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is proud to support educational organizations in the Commonwealth. We contribute funds to public, private, and faith-based schools that support both students and teachers. Environment & Conservation To encourage responsible stewardship of the vast natural resources in the Commonwealth, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation provides grants to conservation and environmental organizations. Historic Preservation The Commonwealth of Virginia has a deep and long history. The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is committed to preserving historically significant structures for future generations. Social Services & Welfare The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation funds nonprofit organizations that address a wide range of human needs and aspirations. The Foundation serves people of all ages, socio-economic statuses, and backgrounds. Grant Basics Please be aware of the following before you begin your application: Typically our grants fund no more than 1/3 of a project’s cost. Grant awards are made on a challenge or matching basis. Grantees must meet all conditions stated in our award letter within 12 months of approval, and failing to do so may result in grant withdrawal. In the case of a construction grant, we will likely require the commencement of construction before we fund the grant. As a condition of funding, the Board of The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation expects that 100% of the grantee’s organizational board be contributing to the organization. Application Deadline Information Applications must be completed online by 5 pm EST on the following dates: Spring Cycle: Contact Form must be submitted by Feb 28. Application must be submitted by March 17 (Foundation response Early June) Fall Cycle: Contact Form must be submitted by August 29. Application must be submitted by September 15 (Foundation response Early December) If these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted until 5:00pm on the first business day following.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To receive a grant from The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, organizations must meet the following criteria:Be exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)Not classified as a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a)Be an organization located in the Commonwealth of VirginiaBe seeking support for a capital project in one of our focus areasNot have received a grant payment from our foundation in the last five yearsNot have submitted an unsuccessful application to our foundation within the last 12 months

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not consider multi-year funding.The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation does not consider grants to support:Individuals Public sector agencies. State and local government majority-supported entities are not eligible for Foundation support; however, exceptions may be made for a limited number of institutions. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia fall into this category Endowment funds (including scholarship funds, debt reduction, or funding of deficits) Research General operating expenses associated with ongoing programs or activities or other general administrative expenses Churches or religious programs without a secular or community service focus; except for historic preservation Local chapters of national associations and societies, mass mailings, and umbrella organizations