How to apply
Requests must be submitted in writing Contact: Gregory Besse, Po Box 250, Wells, Mi, 9065537435 Deadlines: NONE Restrictions: Limited to the geographic area of the upper peninsula of michigan and the state of wisconsin.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2025
31 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Tech FdHoughton, MI | Ford center sawmill | $110K |
| Trees for TomorrowEagle River, MI | Educational | $57K |
| Marquette City BandMarquette, MI | Band shell donation | $45K |
| Gladstone Public Safety DepartmentGladstone, MI | Aireal drone donation | $13K |
| Pregnancy Services of Delta CountyEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $13K |
| Bay Cliff Health CampBig Bay, MI | Charitable support | $10K |
| Community Foundation of Delta CountyEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $10K |
| Lakeview CemeteryEscanaba, MI | Operations and improvements | $8,000 |
| Baraga County Community FoundationBarage, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Bay College FoundationEscanaba, MI | Operations | $5,000 |
| Bonifas Fine Art CenterEscanaba, MI | Building improvements | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation of Marquette CountyMarquette, MI | Operating endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Delta County Cancer AllianceEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Escanaba TownshipGladstone, MI | Equipment for fire department | $5,000 |
| Fortune Lake Lutheran CampCrystal Falls, MI | Charitable support - camp | $5,000 |
| Holy Name Catholic SchoolEscanaba, MI | Endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Lakestate IndustriesEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Northern Michigan University FoundationMarquette, MI | Scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of GladstoneMarquette, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of EscanabaEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Tri-County Safe HarborEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Up State Fair AuthorityEscanaba, MI | Military museum operations | $5,000 |
| United Way of Delta CountyEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| YMCA Northern Lights of Delta CountyEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Youth Empowering ServicesEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Redeemer Lutheran ChurchMarquette, MI | Donation | $3,000 |
| Gladstone Rapid River KiwanisGladstone, MI | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Gladstone SchoolsGladstone, MI | Robotics team & senior party donation | $800 |
| Community Thanksgiving of Delta CountyEscanaba, MI | Donation | $500 |
| Michigamme - SpurrMichigamme, MI | July 4th donation | $500 |
| Rotary Club of EscanabaEscanaba, MI | Charitable support | $350 |
About this foundation
John and Melissa Besse Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Wells, Michigan, administered in care of John D Besse, tax-exempt since 2005. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does John and Melissa Besse Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. Requests must be submitted in writing Deadlines: NONE.
How much does John and Melissa Besse Foundation give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $357K across 31 grants, a median of $5,000.
Where does John and Melissa Besse Foundation give?
Michigan (31 grants), per its latest filing.
More foundations near Wells that accept applications
All in Michigan| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W K Kellogg Foundationsince 2014 | Battle Creek, MI | $304M1,819 grants · 2024 | $100K | Yes | $475M |
| Kresge Foundationsince 1928 | Troy, MI | $170M800 grants · 2024 | $140K | Yes | $4.1B |
| The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundationsince 2012 | Detroit, MI | $141M413 grants · 2024 | $100K | Yes | $1.0B |
| Herbert H & Grace a Dow Foundationsince 1943 | Midland, MI | $14M2 grants · 2024 | $7.0M | Yes | $621M |
| Dow Company Foundationsince 1980 | Midland, MI | $20M221 grants · 2024 | $10K | Yes | $237M |