The Marx Family: Making a Lasting Impact

Allen ’78 and Cheech Marx first met in Oneonta as students at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, respectively. Their deep commitment to philanthropy has led them to establish the Marx Family Foundation, which supports several scholarships at SUNY Oneonta, including the Marx Family Scholarship for Community Service and the ITK Scholarship.

One of the key ways the Marx family supports these causes is through the use of their family foundation and donor-advised fund (DAF). By making their gift using a DAF, they can request grants that align with their charitable priorities while enjoying several key benefits:

1. Tax Advantages: Contributions to a DAF qualify for an immediate tax deduction, enabling donors to maximize charitable impact while reducing tax liability. 
2. Flexibility: Donors can recommend grants to their chosen charities over time, supporting both immediate and long-term initiatives. 
3. Enduring Legacy: Donors can designate the SUNY Oneonta Foundation as a beneficiary of their DAF—either for the entire account or a percentage—while naming loved ones as successors to guide future grant recommendations.

You can join the Marx family in making a meaningful difference in the lives of SUNY Oneonta students and the broader community. Consider creating a family legacy of giving by establishing a donor-advised fund today.