The Mary Kay Foundation

Throughout her life, Mary Kay Ash showed others how to live and how to give. She gave hope to women who lacked opportunity, self-esteem and financial support. Now her legacy of love lives on through The Mary Kay Foundation, which she began in 1996 and operates in both the United States and Canada. The Foundation operates two grants programs and supports those wishing to raise funds for the Foundation.

The Cancer Research Grant Program awards grants each year to researchers at medical schools recommended by the The Mary Kay Foundation Research Review Committee. In May 2010, 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 $14 million to support this effort.

Through its Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program, the Mary Kay Foundation observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by awarding grants to at least one deserving women’s domestic violence shelter in every state across the United States. In 2010, the Foundation awarded $20,000 grants to more than 150 women’s domestic violence shelters across the nation for a total of $3 million.

In addition to these grant programs, the Mary Kay Foundation allows caring individuals to host 5k races, fashion shows, and fundraisers in the name of the Foundation.