Private foundation · EIN 38-3618818 · Detroit, Michigan · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Crain Family 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: 11 grants paid, $80K total, median $5,000. 27% of grants stayed in Michigan.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
11
$80K
Median grant
$5,000
Stays in MI
27%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.6M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Greenwich Country Day SchoolGreenwich, CTUnrestricted$24K
University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MIUnrestricted$20K
The Goldfinch FoundationNashville, TNUnrestricted$10K
BasblueDetroit, MIUnrestricted$5,000
Care House of Oakland CountyPontiac, MIUnrestricted$5,000
Saddle UpFranklin, TNUnrestricted$5,000
Friends of Franklin ParksFranklin, TNUnrestricted$4,500
The Ensworth FundNashville, TNUnrestricted$2,500
The Next Door RecoveryNashville, TNUnrestricted$2,000
Nashville Public Library FoundationNashville, TNUnrestricted$1,500
GoodwillNashville, TNUnerstricted$500

By state: Michigan 3 · Tennessee 7 · Connecticut 1

About this foundation

Crain Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Detroit, Michigan, administered in care of Keith E Crain, tax-exempt since 2001. 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 Crain Family 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 Crain Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $80K across 11 grants, a median of $5,000.

Where does Crain Family Foundation give?

Michigan (3 grants), Tennessee (7 grants), Connecticut (1 grants), per its latest filing.

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