Pledge increases grantmaking by 50% and encourages philanthropy to move more money now

Seattle, Wash. June 9, 2026 - Today, Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) announced a bold commitment to give away at least $500 million over the next decade. This increases their grantmaking by 50% and signals a new approach to philanthropy rooted in urgency, accountability, and a belief that everyone deserves a good life. They are also announcing the addition of six new board members to their board, including Ta-Nehisi Coates and Paolo Ramos.

“At MCF, we’ve been asking ourselves a simple question: What's the most money we can move to strengthen communities?" said Daniel Gould, Vice President of Investments and Operations at Marguerite Casey Foundation. “The answer is clear: we need to use the full weight of our financial resources to support our grant recipients who are working tirelessly for the future communities deserve.”

This $500 million of giving over the next decade is a 50% increase over their prior decade’s average. They are committing to a baseline of $50 million per year in 501(c)(3) grants. In strong market years, when their endowment delivers double-digit returns, they are committed to giving even more. They believe the industry-standard ceiling of 5% should be treated as a floor, not a ceiling. 

“At Marguerite Casey Foundation, our duty isn’t to the infinite perpetual growth of our endowment but to supporting organizations that best advance our mission. This increased funding commitment is how we put into action our understanding that our duty to mission is paramount,” said Carmen Rojas, PhD, president and CEO of Marguerite Casey Foundation.

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Alongside this financial commitment, they are announcing new board members Ta-Nehisi Coates, Paola Ramos, and Omar Farah, whose term will begin on July 1, 2026, and Dr. Karama Neal, George Suttles, and K. Sabeel Rahman, whose term will begin in 2027. Each new board member will bring a fresh perspective on fulfilling the foundation's core mission.

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On joining the Board, Paola Ramos, journalist and author, said: “Given the crises we face, I wake up every day thinking that our communities deserve so much better. I’m proud to be joining the Marguerite Casey Foundation board because they are moving money to fuel the organizing and journalism showing that when communities are organized, winning—in some form—is inevitable.“

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