Mary Kay Ash Foundation® Invests Over $2.5 Million to Advance Cancer Research and Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

In 2026, the Foundation awards over 70 grants to non-profit organizations finding cures for cancers affecting women and providing life-saving support to women fleeing domestic violence

DALLAS, October 15, 2026--The Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, a decades-long advocate of women's health and safety through women-related cancer research and domestic violence support programs, announced it has awarded over $2.5 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country. In 2026, the Foundation celebrates two major milestones since its inception: 30 years of enriching women's lives and exceeding $100 million donated toward its two-fold mission.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations and focus areas:

2026 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

• Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000)
  Domestic violence shelters in 50 states and U.S. territories received $20,000 grants each totaling over $1 million in unrestricted funds to critical support and life-saving services such as mental health and post-trauma counseling, childcare, financial assistance, emergency and transitional housing, and more.

• Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000)
  Four North Texas domestic violence shelters received $25,000 grants each totaling $100,000 to address specific and immediate community needs. The Foundation partners with Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope's Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support, and The Family Place to help provide critical needs to women fleeing a domestic violence situation.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($75,000)
  Announced an expanded partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline ("The Hotline") and loveisrespect – the nation's leading resource for adults and teens seeking support – to create a digital and social marketing campaign that will educate teens and young adults about healthy relationships, help them recognize warning signs of abusive relationships, and connect them to confidential support services at no cost while meeting them where they are – on social channels and online platforms.

• The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000)
  For 20 consecutive years the Foundation has served as Presenting Sponsor of The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), an annual community multi-stakeholder conference in Dallas, Texas dedicated to addressing and combating all forms of crimes against women. Drawing 3,000 attendees from across the world annually, CCAW is the only conference that addresses all crimes against women with a multidisciplinary focus that encourages a coordinated community response.

  View a full list of 2026 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant recipients.