You might know the names Derek and Shelaine Maxfield from the beauty world. Derek founded Younique, that massive social-selling makeup brand, but lately, the conversation around this power couple has shifted. It’s less about mascara and more about a massive philanthropic engine called the Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation.
Most people get this confused with Saprea, their other nonprofit. Honestly, it’s an easy mistake to make. While Saprea (formerly The Younique Foundation) focuses specifically on healing survivors of child sexual abuse, the Maxfield Family Foundation is their "big picture" vehicle. It’s where they put their personal wealth to work for global education, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian relief. Basically, if Saprea is the specialist, the Family Foundation is the general practitioner for the world's problems.
What is the Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation, really?
Launched formally in 2021, this private foundation is headquartered in Lehi, Utah. It doesn't just cut checks to local charities. It targets systemic issues. We’re talking about things like vocational training in Brazil and keeping girls in school in Mali.
The foundation operates on a pretty simple philosophy: opportunity is the only thing that creates lasting change. You can give someone a meal, or you can build a school. The Maxfields are very much in the "build a school" camp. In 2022 alone, the foundation reported revenues of over $4.2 million, which they funneled into 28 different grants. They aren't just sitting on a pile of cash; they are moving it.
Why the shift from makeup to missions?
Derek Maxfield has often shared a story about a promise he made to a dying friend to do something significant with his life. That’s a heavy weight to carry. Shelaine, who serves as the board chair for Saprea and is deeply involved in the family foundation, has described their work as a "moral responsibility." It’s not just a tax write-off. For them, it seems to be the literal point of their success.
The Brazil and Mali Connection
One of the most impressive things they’ve done recently is a multi-year partnership with the Academy for Creating Enterprise (ACE).
Brazil is currently one of ACE’s most active regions. Why? Because the Maxfield Family Foundation put up the capital to scale it. As of late 2025, this collaboration has helped support nearly 200 chapters and over 1,600 graduates who have started more than 400 new businesses. They are teaching people how to be self-reliant in some of the toughest economic climates.
Then there’s the work in Mali.
Working with Mali Rising, the foundation has been aggressive about gender equity in education.
- They funded full school fees for girls to prevent early marriage.
- They’ve provided over 1,365 new textbooks.
- They support menstrual health programs so girls don't have to skip school every month.
It’s these kinds of "unsexy" details—like buying textbooks and funding period products—that actually keep a kid in a classroom. The foundation gets that.
Where the Money Goes (The Breakdown)
It's easy to say "we give to charity," but the Maxfield Family Foundation is remarkably transparent about their grantees. If you look at their filings and recent announcements, the diversity of their reach is pretty wild.
- The Policy Project: They put $500,000 toward health and education advocacy.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A $300,000 unrestricted donation, likely reflecting their personal faith and community ties in Utah.
- Fight the New Drug: Over $132,000 to help address the impacts of pornography.
- Hands on Houses (The Equip Foundation): Around $80,000 specifically for building houses for widows.
They also support the Sistergoods program, which focuses on period poverty, and various mentorship programs in developing countries. It’s a mix of local Utah values and a very global, "citizens of the world" outlook.
The "E-E-A-T" Factor: Why This Matters
In the world of high-net-worth philanthropy, it's common to see "donor-advised funds" where money just sits. The Maxfields are doing the opposite. By establishing a private family foundation, they have more control over where the funds go, but they also take on more scrutiny.
Shelaine Maxfield isn't a silent partner here. She’s the boots-on-the-ground visionary. While Derek brings the entrepreneurial "how do we scale this" energy, Shelaine focuses on the human element. This duo dynamic is why they were named Philanthropists of the Year by Utah Valley Magazine a few years back. They aren't just writing checks; they are building infrastructure.
Is it all perfect?
Philanthropy at this scale always has critics. Some people naturally eye MLMs like Younique with skepticism, and by extension, they look at the foundations funded by that wealth through a similar lens. However, even the harshest critics have a hard time arguing with the data coming out of places like Mali and Brazil. When 400 new businesses start in a struggling region because of a grant, that’s a tangible, non-debatable win.
Actionable Insights for the Inspired
If you’re looking at what the Maxfields are doing and wondering how to apply that "impact-first" mindset to your own life or business, here are a few takeaways:
- Target the root, not the symptom. The foundation doesn't just give handouts; they fund education and business training. If you want to help, look for organizations that provide tools, not just temporary relief.
- Transparency builds trust. The reason the Maxfield Family Foundation is gaining traction in 2026 is because they are open about their numbers and their partners.
- Find your "Saprea." Everyone has a cause that hits home. For the Maxfields, it’s child safety and healing. For you, it might be local literacy or animal welfare. Deep focus usually beats broad, shallow giving.
The Derek and Shelaine Maxfield Family Foundation is proof that business success doesn't have to be the end goal. It can be the fuel for something much bigger. Whether it’s building a school in Africa or a startup in South America, the "Maxfield model" is about using capital to unlock human potential.
To stay updated on their latest projects or to see how their grants are performing, you can follow their official announcements through the Maxfield Family Office or check the annual impact reports from partners like Mali Rising and ACE. Watching how they pivot their strategies in real-time is a masterclass in modern, high-impact giving.