$21.7Mthe grant amount donated to cancer research by The Foundation since 1996
1 in 3the number of women who will be diagnosed with cancer during her lifetime
852,630the estimated number of women who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2017
Throughout her life, Mary Kay Ash showed others how to live. And how to give. She gave hope to women who lacked opportunity and self-esteem, and she gave financial support to the causes she believed in. Today, we honor her legacy of love through The Mary Kay Foundation, which she founded in 1996.
Through our grant programs and awareness initiatives, we support our mission by contributing to top medical scientists who are searching for a cure for breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers, and by contributing to women's domestic violence shelters and supporting community outreach programs.
Since The Foundation began in 1996, we have granted more than $68 million to organizations fighting cancer and violence against women.
In 2016, The Foundation awarded $1.3 million in grants to select doctors and medical scientists focusing on curing cancers that affect women. These 13 recipients from across the United States received a $100,000 grant to conduct cutting-edge research. Since 1996, The Foundation has given more than $25 million to support this effort.
Grants are awarded each year to researchers at accredited medical schools recommended by The Mary Kay Foundation Research Review Committee, which is composed of prominent doctors who volunteer their time to help The Foundation select the best recipients across the United States. After reviewing these recommendations, The Foundation Board of Directors selects the grant recipients.
the grant amount donated to cancer research by The Foundation since 1996
the number of women who will be diagnosed with cancer during her lifetime
the estimated number of women who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2017
Every October, we observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by awarding grants to deserving women’s domestic violence shelters across the United States. In 2016, The Foundation awarded $3 million in grants to more than 150 women’s shelters.
Each year, we award a grant to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state that applies. Any remaining funds are distributed based on state population. Applications are reviewed and recommended by the Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Committee. After reviewing these recommendations, The Foundation selects final grant recipients.
the number of women who will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime
the amount given to underwrite the annual Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, Texas, since 2007
the grant amount donated to domestic violence shelters by The Foundation since 2000
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing abuse and needs help, text “LOVEIS” to 22522. (Standard text messaging rates apply.) You also can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800.799.SAFE (7233), or by visiting their website below.
Domestic violence shelter grant applications are available from January 15 to April 30 each year. We announce grant recipients in the fall to coincide with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
Apply now