Updated Oct 31, 2026
Private foundations based in Birmingham, Michigan
42 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, holding $375M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 7 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aa Van Elslander Foundationsince 2016 | $8.0M26 grants · 2024 | $50K | Yes | $13M |
| The Alix Foundationsince 1994 | $4.4M16 grants · 2024 | $24K | Preselected only | $64M |
| Leinweber Foundationsince 2016 | $4.1M15 grants · 2024 | $75K | Yes | $72M |
| Milner Hotels Foundationsince 2016 | $1.7M24 grants · 2025 | $50K | Preselected only | $31M |
| Edwin and Jeanette May Foundationsince 1994 | $1.1M10 grants · 2025 | $88K | Yes | $24M |
| Charrington Foundationsince 2014 | $1.1M1 grants · 2024 | $1.1M | Preselected only | $4.1M |
| Zlotoff Generations Fundsince 2009 | $1.0M24 grants · 2025 | $5,750 | Preselected only | $9.3M |
| Ralph L and Winifred E Polk Foundationsince 1964 | $759K37 grants · 2024 | $16K | Preselected only | $16M |
| Strum Allesee Family Foundationsince 1998 | $689K22 grants · 2025 | $18K | Preselected only | $11M |
| Karen & Drew Peslar Foundationsince 1998 | $557K18 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $5.5M |
| Eugene Applebaum Family Foundationsince 1988 | $492K40 grants · 2024 | $4,910 | Preselected only | $25M |
| U S-China Cultural Foundationsince 1995 | $477K8 grants · 2024 | $28K | Preselected only | $6.4M |
| The Fk Legacy Foundationsince 1969 | $431K1 grants · 2025 | $431K | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| Artichoke Garlic Foundationsince 2016 | $422K13 grants · 2023 | $15K | Preselected only | $5.9M |
| Richard C Devereaux Foundationsince 1986 | $415K4 grants · 2024 | $88K | Preselected only | $5.6M |
| Thewes Family Foundationsince 2012 | $380K14 grants · 2025 | $18K | Preselected only | $9.7M |
| Van Elslander Family Foundationsince 1993 | $355K6 grants · 2025 | $50K | Yes | $7.5M |
| George M and Jo Elyn Nyman Charitable Trsince 2019 | $325K30 grants · 2024 | $2,500 | Preselected only | $1.8M |
| The Shirley K Schlafer Foundationsince 1986 | $314K5 grants · 2024 | $50K | Preselected only | $1.9M |
| Car Dealers Care National Foundationsince 2016 | $290K2 grants · 2025 | $145K | Preselected only | $7.9M |
| Whitman Family Foundationsince 1994 | $268K4 grants · 2025 | $7,658 | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Marjorie & Maxwell Jospey Foundationsince 1951 | $246K53 grants · 2024 | $2,500 | Yes | $4.4M |
| Marigowda Nagaraju MD & Renuka Nagaraju Charitable Family Foundatsince 1985 | $238K6 grants · 2024 | $3,750 | Preselected only | $5.2M |
| Trott Foundationsince 2003 | $206K25 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $5.3M |
| Mps Foundationsince 2000 | $200K25 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $2.3M |
| Holley Foundationsince 1944 | $198K9 grants · 2024 | $20K | Yes | $3.0M |
| Oakland Civic Charities Foundationsince 2015 | $172K6 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.9M |
| Blaser Family Foundationsince 2024 | $165K3 grants · 2025 | $55K | Preselected only | $2.3M |
| Williams Family Fundsince 1989 | $121K6 grants · 2025 | $18K | Yes | $5.3M |
| Acheson Family Foundationsince 2006 | $103K8 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| Fieldman Family Foundationsince 2002 | $90K12 grants · 2025 | $2,250 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Herb & Cece Schreiber Foundationsince 1983 | $79K3 grants · 2025 | $34K | Preselected only | $1.8M |
| Rochelle Rosenthal Forester Andrandolph L Forester Foundationsince 2006 | $78K34 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Ruth F Rattner and the Ann F and Norman D Katz Charitable Foundatiosince 1960 | $78K4 grants · 2025 | $25K | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| E-B Foundationsince 2001 | $75K7 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Peck Foundation Incsince 2001 | $74K11 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Rhoda Burke Andrews Foundationsince 1992 | $70K12 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.0M |
| Slominski Family Foundationsince 2023 | $65K13 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Wetsman Foundationsince 1962 | $64K18 grants · 2024 | $1,500 | Preselected only | $2.6M |
| Fischer Family Fundsince 2003 | $60K12 grants · 2024 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Petcoff Family Foundationsince 2008 | $33K2 grants · 2024 | $17K | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Richard P and Doris Beneicke Family Foundationsince 2005 | $30K3 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.6M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Michigan
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Michigan Arts and Culture Council — Organizational GrantsStateMichigan Arts and Culture Council | Michigan Arts and Culture Council | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Michigan Humanities — Humanities GrantsStateMichigan Humanities | Michigan Humanities | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Birmingham, Michigan?
Our directory lists 42 private grantmaking foundations in Birmingham, Michigan with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $375M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.