SOURCE OF WEALTH: Rap musician, songwriter, producer
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Human Services & Health, Detroit Community
OVERVIEW: Eminem does his grantmaking through the Marshall Mathers Foundation, a charity which provides assistance to disadvantaged and at-risk youth, primarily in Detroit and surrounding communities. Some grantmaking takes places outside this geographic area. The foundation keeps a low profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals.
BACKGROUND: Marshall Bruce Mathers III, or Eminem, was born in Missouri in 1972. He had a turbulent childhood, attending Lincoln High School in Warren, Michigan, where he failed the ninth grade three times and eventually dropped out at the age of 17. Eminem rose through the ranks of the Detroit underground rap scene, eventually releasing “The Slim Shady” EP, which was discovered by rap producer Dr. Dre. In 2000, Eminem released “The Marshall Mathers LP,” the fastest-selling album in rap history.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Eminem via the Marshall Mathers Foundation has supported places like The Horatio Williams Foundation, which provides educational and athletic support to Detroit metro youth, The Youth Connection, Excellence for Detroit, which prepares youth for college, Michigan State University, and Life Ties, which helps youth in crisis. Eminem also created the Verses Program at Michigan State University’s Community Music School in Detroit which teaches the fundamentals of literacy through song and lyrics.
HUMAN SERVICES & HEALTH: Past grantees include Wolverine Human Services, South Oakland Shelter in Michigan, Michigan AIDS Coalition, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Henry Ford Health System, Families Against Narcotics, and Common House, which provides a lifeline for individuals and families in crisis, victims of crime, persons with mental illness, and people trying to cope with critical situations.
DETROIT COMMUNITY: Eminem also supports arts organizations in Detroit like Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. He has supported media channel WADL, and the Fraternal Order of Police Ferndale.
LOOKING FORWARD: Eminem is only in his 40s. It is unclear what his next music move will be but expect his philanthropy to steadily focus on his Detroit hometown for now.
CONTACT:
The Marshall Mathers Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with Eminem, but below is an address associated with GSO Business Management:
The Marshall Mathers Foundation
15260 Ventura Blvd., No. 2100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
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