About

The mission of the MacMillan Family Foundation is to support organizations that help strengthen and enrich our society in three major areas: cancer and medical research, education, and the arts. In addition, through our community grants program, we support local, community-based organizations that provide services and programs to maintain and enhance the health, education, and well-being of the communities where we live and work. 

The MacMillan Family Foundation was founded in January 2003 by Duncan and Nancy MacMillan. The MacMillans were early signers of the Giving Pledge. Duncan serves as Chairman of the Foundation, and Nancy serves as its President. Arlene Shuler is the Executive Director.

Program Areas

Cancer and Medical Research  

We provide funding to educational and research institutions and programs to help exceptional scientists study causes of and cures for cancer.  We also support programs and initiatives advancing health equity.  We believe that supporting basic science is fundamental to furthering discoveries that will result in treating and eliminating cancer and other diseases and that private funding is critical to this area where public funding is unavailable or insufficient. 

Education  

Education is fundamental to a healthy civil society and our goal is to improve student outcomes in under-resourced communities in New York City and New Jersey. Our current areas of focus include strengthening community schools in partnership with community-based organizations, building the capacity of school leaders and early childhood educators, and improving literacy in young people.  

Arts  

We see the arts as central to a flourishing society and seek to enhance opportunities for creativity and artistic expression which can enrich communities and the lives of individuals.  We fund infrastructure and capacity-building projects with the long-term goal of increased organizational sustainability and a thriving arts community. Current programs also include arts education for young people to enrich their lives.  

Application Procedures

We do not accept unsolicited applications. However, if you would like the MacMillan Family Foundation to consider a program or project that aligns with our goals and current program priorities, you are welcome to submit this brief survey so that we can learn more about your organization and any proposed projects. These surveys will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that due to volume, we are not able to respond individually to all inquiries.