Private foundation · EIN 38-3245131 · Grand Rapids, Michigan · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Simon and Mary Vanderkooy Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 15 grants paid, $215K total, median $13K. 80% of grants stayed in Michigan.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
15
$215K
Median grant
$13K
Stays in MI
80%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$3.6M

Grants paid in 2025

15 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Grand Rapids Community FndGrand Rapids, MIdesignated fund$30K
Luke SocietySioux Falls, SDoperating funds$20K
Alpha GrGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds and building fund$20K
World RenewGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$20K
Conductive Learning CenterGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$20K
In the ImageGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$13K
Salvation ArmyGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$13K
Mel Trotter MissionGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$13K
Guiding Light MissionGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$13K
Tunnel to Tower FoundationNew York, NYoperating funds$13K
Daffodil MinistriesWyoming, MIoperating funds$10K
Institute of Contextual HealthGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$10K
Feeding AmericaGrand Rapids, MIoperating funds$10K
Life Water InternationalBentonville, ARoperating funds$7,500
Comstock Park RotaryComstock Park, MINeighborhood coat drive$2,000

By state: Michigan 12 · South Dakota 1 · New York 1 · Arkansas 1

About this foundation

Simon and Mary Vanderkooy Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, administered in care of Janis Vander Kooy, tax-exempt since 1995. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Simon and Mary Vanderkooy Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Simon and Mary Vanderkooy Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $215K across 15 grants, a median of $13K.

Where does Simon and Mary Vanderkooy Foundation give?

Michigan (12 grants), South Dakota (1 grants), New York (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Grand Rapids that accept applications

All in Michigan
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The David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundationsince 2005 Grand Rapids, MI $8.4M49 grants · 2024 $51KYes $112M
Cdv5 Foundationsince 1992 Grand Rapids, MI $4.2M59 grants · 2024 $25KYes $72M
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