Laffey-McHugh Foundation

students holding photos of books with their teacher.

Empowering Communities. Building Brighter Futures.

A private foundation supporting underserved populations since 1959.

The application process for the Spring 2026 grant cycle is closed.

Board decisions will be communicated by June 15.

students cleaning a creek bed

About The Foundation

The Laffey-McHugh Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations that help individuals reach their full potential and strengthen their communities.

Learn More About the Foundation

Interested in Applying for a Grant?

Review Eligibility

Review our eligibility guidelines, focus areas, and recent grants to determine whether your organization may be a fit.

Contact Us

If your organization is new to the Foundation, or your proposed request falls outside our published guidelines, please contact us before applying.

Apply by Invitation

To begin, submit a Request to Apply. If your organization and proposed request appear eligible, the Foundation will email an invitation with a link to the application.

Our Focus Areas

volunteers distributing food items

Basic Needs & Relief Services

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Communities & Quality of Life

a person repairing computer technology

Economic Mobility & Empowerment

a teacher and student giving high five

persons sitting outside participating in a music meditation circle

Health & Wellness

a person nailing shingles to a roof

students rowing

Youth Enrichment

Some Recent First-Time Grantees

Fostering Wishes Foundation

provides special occasion Wishes and everyday necessities for foster youth to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow

empowers parents as their child’s first teacher through evidence-based frameworks and wraparound supports.

Native Roots Farm Foundation

celebrates Native relationships with land, plants, and community to strengthen food, environmental, and cultural sovereignty.

NorthBay Education

immerses students in outdoor and environmental education activities while incorporating Social Emotional Learning.

SNAC Garden Foundation

cultivates health, learning, and nourishment by creating equitable access to nature and food using hands-on gardening and science-based education.

Wilmington Kitchen Collective

expands affordable high-quality commercial kitchen use and business development support to culinary entrepreneurs through underutilized facilities.