Updated Nov 1, 2026
Private foundations based in Traverse City, Michigan
26 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, holding $170M 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| He Rayfield Jr Foundation Incsince 1997 | $3.6M16 grants · 2025 | $113K | Preselected only | $26M |
| Joseph G & Helen I Zimmerman Charitable Trustsince 2019 | $1.8M16 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $5.1M |
| Oleson Foundationsince 1962 | $1.6M88 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $23M |
| Margaret Dunning Foundationsince 1997 | $1.1M33 grants · 2025 | $30K | Yes | $25M |
| Ames Fam Foundationsince 2002 | $865K18 grants · 2024 | $48K | Preselected only | $10M |
| Mariel Foundationsince 1997 | $701K27 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $11M |
| Broad Family Foundation Incsince 2015 | $542K29 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $10M |
| Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundationsince 1999 | $523K38 grants · 2024 | $6,400 | Yes | $7.1M |
| Les and Anne Biederman Foundationsince 1987 | $489K41 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $7.3M |
| Green Brick Foundation Incsince 2016 | $457K70 grants · 2025 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $6.8M |
| Herrington Fitch Family Foundation Incsince 1998 | $342K35 grants · 2025 | $1,000 | Preselected only | $2.7M |
| Kegley Family Foundationsince 2019 | $288K34 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Worthington Family Foundationsince 2009 | $246K11 grants · 2024 | $20K | Yes | $4.7M |
| Wilda C Tiffany Charitable Trsince 2005 | $245K6 grants · 2025 | $38K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| Cosgrove Foundationsince 2017 | $220K17 grants · 2025 | $11K | Yes | $6.8M |
| Stonisch Foundationsince 1961 | $210K11 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| Alabaster Fundsince 2003 | $122K6 grants · 2025 | $23K | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| James M Childs and Susan M Childs Fdnsince 2022 | $106K31 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $2.2M |
| Laus Deo Foundation Incsince 2022 | $100K6 grants · 2025 | $20K | Preselected only | $4.3M |
| Mahogany Foundationsince 2003 | $89K5 grants · 2025 | $20K | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Julius H and Barbara B Beers Family Foundationsince 1999 | $86K23 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Wildfong Family Foundationsince 2019 | $74K10 grants · 2025 | $5,500 | Preselected only | $1.9M |
| Mills Family Foundation Trsince 2025 | $72K14 grants · 2025 | $2,000 | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Carl a Lemcool Memorial Foundation Incsince 1984 | $60K5 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.0M |
| Berndine Macmullen Tuohy University of Michigan Student Loan Fundsince 1984 | $43K2 grants · 2025 | $22K | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm Foundationsince 2013 | — | — | Preselected only | $2.3M |
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 Traverse City, Michigan?
Our directory lists 26 private grantmaking foundations in Traverse City, Michigan with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $170M. 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.