The Marc David Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Marc David Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, Jewish causes, and LBGTQ causes.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and guidelines. Grantmaking remains insular and related to the family’s personal interests; transparency is difficult here. However, this funder makes multi-year grants and is a great funder to know in the Philly area especially. It also accepts contact, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

PROFILE: Established in 1999, the Marc David Foundation is steered by Marc and David Berman. Marc Berman co-founded Service Champ in 1984, a leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts and supplies in the quick lube industry with multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. The Berman brothers have been in the automobile products business for years and are associated with R&B Inc.

The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information regarding its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Marc David Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, Jewish causes, and LBGTQ causes.

Grants for Education

The Bermans are heavily involved with Abington Friends School, an independent Quaker school in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Marc and David Berman are parents at the school. They donated to help create the new Richard N. Berman Athletics Center, which bears the name of Marc’s late brother. They’ve also supported UPenn, including its School of Veterinary Medicine. Other grantees have included Community College of Philadelphia, Attic Youth Center, Temple University, Penn State University, and Center School. They’ve also supported Experience Camps, free one-week camps for boys and girls who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

Grants for Jewish Causes

Grantees have included American Jewish World Service, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and American Jewish World Service.

Grants for LGBTQ

The Bermans have supported places like Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Philadelphia, and ACLU Foundation.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $500 to $510, 507. In a recent year, the foundation gave away around $732,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Philadelphia area, including suburban Montgomery County. Past local grantees include Community College of Philadelphia, Temple University, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Philadelphia.

The foundation keeps a low profile but accepts applications. Initial approach should begin with a letter that provides a detailed description of project and amount of funding requested; name, address and phone number of organization; and a statement of problem project will address. There are no deadlines listed.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

CONTACT:

P.O. Box 645
Spring House, PA 19477
(877) 829-5500