Updated Nov 6, 2026
Private foundations based in Detroit, Michigan
84 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, holding $2.9B in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahavas Avraham Foundationsince 2014 | $3.0M286 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Yes | $2.6M |
| Alvin J Perry Residuary Educational and Charitable Trsince 1996 | $327K1 grants · 2024 | $327K | Preselected only | $1.9M |
| Mildred E Small & Robert D Toye Scholarship Trust Uid 7-5-95since 2006 | $281K23 grants · 2024 | $9,234 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Henry and Mary Ellen Bellaimeyfoundationsince 2006 | $190K32 grants · 2024 | $4,250 | Preselected only | $1.9M |
| Carl F Vaught Charitable Trsince 2004 | $150K1 grants · 2024 | $150K | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Dt Midstream Foundationsince 2022 | $141K35 grants · 2024 | $2,500 | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Lucille Yeany Charitable Trsince 2021 | $115K3 grants · 2024 | $38K | Preselected only | $2.4M |
| Walter and May Reuther Memorial Fundsince 1970 | $115K12 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Lawrence a Wisne Foundationsince 2019 | $112K6 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Trixie Puff Foundationsince 2001 | $111K31 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Yes | $2.1M |
| John Scully Foundationsince 2002 | $106K3 grants · 2024 | $23K | Yes | $1.6M |
| Anne Ford Foundationsince 2012 | $99K12 grants · 2024 | $8,750 | Yes | $1.5M |
| Hartmann Foundation Incsince 1994 | $96K10 grants · 2025 | $2,250 | Preselected only | $2.2M |
| Morton Feldman Foundationsince 2010 | $89K7 grants · 2024 | $10K | Yes | $1.6M |
| Alexander Strug Tuw Trsince 2021 | $85K1 grants · 2024 | $85K | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| Crain Family Foundationsince 2001 | $80K11 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| John Franklin Stone Charitable Trsince 1996 | $60K3 grants · 2024 | $20K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| McGee Foundationsince 2014 | $60K4 grants · 2024 | $15K | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Irma Giddey Charitable Fundsince 1994 | $59K2 grants · 2024 | $30K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| Bell Family Foundationsince 2023 | $54K3 grants · 2024 | $18K | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Ann Harder Charitable Foundationsince 2016 | $50K3 grants · 2024 | $20K | Preselected only | $2.5M |
| Shumaker Family Foundationsince 2022 | $49K10 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| May Mitchell Royal Foundationsince 1982 | $30K2 grants · 2024 | $15K | Yes | $1.8M |
| Grace Medical Research and Education Fundsince 2001 | $5,0001 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.7M |
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 3| 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 Detroit, Michigan?
Our directory lists 84 private grantmaking foundations in Detroit, Michigan with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $2.9B. 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.