Mary Kay Ash Foundation Celebrates 30 Years and Over $100M Donated

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation marks its 30^th anniversary with one powerful milestone: More than $100 million has been invested in life-saving cancer research and critical domestic violence prevention and support programs across the United States, impacting millions of women and their families. For three decades, the Foundation has been a driving force for change – empowering women, advancing breakthroughs in cancer care, and ensuring survivors find safety, healing, and hope.

Founded in 1996 to honour Mary Kay Ash’s vision of enriching women’s lives, the Foundation has grown into a national leader tackling two of the most rampant issues affecting women today: cancer and domestic violence. Its impact is measured not only in dollars, but in lives transformed.

By the Numbers: 30 Years of Impact

• $100+ million donated to fund women’s cancer research and end domestic violence
• $41+ million invested in innovative cancer research, clinical trials, and support programs
• $60+ million granted to domestic violence shelters and support services nationwide
• 300+ cancer researchers funded, accelerating breakthroughs in detection, diagnosis, and treatment
• 5 years of clinical trials supported, advancing cutting-edge solutions for women’s cancers
• 2,800+ domestic violence shelters and organizations supported
• More than 4 million women and children impacted through life-changing services and programs
• 750,000+ hours of cancer research enabled
• 13 international cancer research fellows sponsored, expanding global innovation
• $30,000 Matching Gift Challenge successfully funded by The Mary Kay Family Foundation (Feb. 2026)

Read the full Mary Kay Ash Foundation 30th Anniversary Report on how the Foundation’s impact has positively changed lives for the better.

Looking Ahead

With three decades down and more work to be done, the Foundation is not slowing down in its commitment to accelerating women’s cancer research, expanding access to care, and building safer communities for women and their families. With momentum stronger than ever, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is poised to make the next 30 years even more impactful.