The Mary Kay Ash Foundation, a steadfast advocate for women’s health, safety, and empowerment, has announced nearly $3 million in new grants dedicated to advancing women’s cancer research and supporting domestic violence shelters across the United States. Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has contributed more than $98 million toward its dual mission: eradicating cancers that primarily affect women and ending domestic violence.
2025 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000) 2025 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Domestic violence shelters across all 50 states and U.S. territories each received an unrestricted $20,000 grant, totaling over $1 million. These funds will bolster critical services such as legal advocacy, counseling, facility upgrades, childcare, job readiness programs, and other life-saving initiatives.
Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000) Four North Texas shelters—Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, and The Family Place—each received $25,000 to address unique local needs and deliver essential services to survivors of abuse.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($70,000) The Foundation renewed its partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline, the nation’s premier resource for abuse survivors and their allies. Together, they are launching a nationwide campaign emphasizing trauma-informed education, community engagement, and tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The collaboration includes webinars, downloadable materials, and educational video series.
The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000) For the 19th consecutive year, the Foundation supported The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), a leading annual event in Dallas, Texas, that unites nearly 3,000 professionals to address all forms of violence against women. The multidisciplinary conference fosters collaboration across communities and organizations. Its 20th edition was held in May 2025.
2025 CANCER RESEARCH & PROGRAMS SUPPORT
Ten prominent cancer researchers from leading U.S. institutions received $100,000 each to support innovative studies targeting cancers that disproportionately affect women.
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Cancer Research & Support ($500,000) A $100,000 grant was awarded to the Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to continue Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy’s groundbreaking clinical trial investigating weight loss inhibitors as a means of preventing breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients.
A $400,000 multi-year grant will fund the new Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a pioneering initiative leveraging biomarker and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood testing for large-scale early detection and improved cancer outcomes. CancerCare ($75,000) Celebrating a 25-year partnership with CancerCare—the nation’s foremost provider of free, professional cancer support services—the Foundation continues funding the Touching Hearts program. This initiative offers financial aid to women facing cancer, with over 50,000 grants distributed and $5.6 million in total assistance provided to date.
A $25,000 grant was awarded to Cancer Support Community North Texas to sustain free support programs for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their caregivers. Services include counseling, wellness activities, yoga, crafts, and other therapeutic offerings that foster healing and hope.
“For nearly three decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has operated with one guiding belief: when women thrive, communities flourish,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “By funding cutting-edge women’s cancer research and strengthening resources for domestic violence survivors, we are helping to build healthier, safer, and more empowered communities where women can live fuller, longer lives.”