About Max Mcgraw Wildlife Foundation
The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation appears to concentrate its philanthropy on large, targeted investments in wildlife-related research and public outreach rather than broad, small-dollar giving. Recent grants show major funding for a media/production partner and for university-based research, suggesting a strategy of supporting scientific study and high-profile public education about wildlife and conservation. The foundation makes a small number of sizable awards and repeats support to academic partners.
Focus Areas
University-based wildlife and conservation research (e.g., Ohio State University)Wildlife/nature media and public education production (e.g., Mission Partners Entertainment Group)Science communication and outreach projects that translate research to public audiences
Who They Fund
university research programs and facultymedia/production organizations focused on naturegeneral public/audiences (through outreach and education)conservation scientists and practitioner community
Giving Approach
About Max Mcgraw Wildlife Foundation
A single $4,875,000 grant to Mission Partners Entertainment Group in 2026 stands out in the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation’s recent giving and points to a clear interest in conservation communications and public education. That award sits alongside recurring support for Ohio State University Foundation, where the foundation has funded research in multiple years, including 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. The pattern suggests a funder that combines large media-oriented investments with steady backing for university-based wildlife and conservation research. The foundation’s grantmaking is concentrated in science and outreach rather than broad small-dollar support. Recent grants include research funding for conservation-related work and general support for a media partner tied to education about wildlife and conservation. It also awarded smaller amounts to conservation organizations and a university program, showing a portfolio that reaches across research, practitioner, and public-facing channels while remaining focused on wildlife and natural resource issues. The foundation funds organizations, not individuals, and its recent grant history shows a national reach across U.S. recipients.
What Max Mcgraw Wildlife Foundation Funds
University-based research is a core part of the foundation’s giving. It awarded $210,334 in 2023, $182,608 in 2024, $177,886 in 2025, and $136,349 in 2026 to Ohio State University Foundation for research. The foundation also supports conservation communication and public education. In 2026, it gave $4,875,000 to Mission Partners Entertainment Group for Conservation Communications and Education Support, and in 2025 it provided $948,970 for general support. Its wildlife and conservation portfolio reaches practitioner-focused organizations as well. It gave $30,000 in 2023 to Delta Waterfowl Foundation for research and $25,000 in 2024 to Ducks Unlimited for research, indicating interest in applied work connected to wildlife management and conservation science. A smaller grant to Kansas State University for general support shows that the foundation’s giving can include university partners beyond its largest recurring recipient.
How Max Mcgraw Wildlife Foundation Gives
Typical grant size is sizable: the 25th percentile is $27,500, the median is $177,886, and the 75th percentile is $196,471. That distribution fits a concentrated portfolio with a few large awards and some much smaller grants. The recent record shows repeat support to the same recipient across multiple years, especially Ohio State University Foundation, which appears in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments. Its active grant programs include General Research & Conservation Grants, Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow, and the Miller Award; among those, the Miller Award accepts unsolicited requests.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$4.9M
Total Assets
$47.8M
Total Revenue
$13.9M
Total Expenses
$13.6M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $28K and $196K, with a median of $178K.
25th Percentile
$28K
Median
$178K
75th Percentile
$196K
Geographic Reach
National5 states funded
About 0% of grants go to recipients in OH.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
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