Aa Van Elslander Foundation
The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2016 to honor the philanthropic legacy of Art Van Elslander. Based in Birmingham, Michigan, the foundation provides grants to qualified charitable organizations within Michigan. The foundation represents a continuation of Mr. Van Elslander's lifetime commitment to philanthropy, with combined impact from both the foundation and his personal giving exceeding $100 million.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.6M
-32.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.0M
+136.6% YoY
Grant Count
26
+13.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$308K
+109.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports non-profit organizations qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that benefit Michigan communities in the following areas:
- Children
- Health and Human Services
The foundation favors organizations that are lean, entrepreneurial, and seek to be self-sustainable.
Grantmaking
The foundation maintains an annual inquiry window. Grant inquiries are accepted September 1 - September 30 only. Applicants must review eligibility requirements before submitting inquiries.
Grant Range
s & Activity:**
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation exclusively funds organizations and programs within the State of Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $18,653,761
- Total Revenues: $915,889
- Total Expenses: $3,869,550
- Investment Income and Dividends: $488,074
- Total Liabilities: $0
Staff: 0 employees (as of 2023)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,646,359 | $18,653,761 | $21,607,530 |
| Revenue | $2,391,891 | $915,889 | $717,578 |
| Expenses | $8,399,293 | $3,869,550 | $7,291,453 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $8,100,000 | $3,587,994 | $6,995,782 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,073,199 | $652,504 | $517,481 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,003,517 | $1,118,875 | $1,355,566 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
109 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Aa Van Elslander Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Gary A Van Elslander - Trustee
- Diane E Wells - Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARY A VAN ELSLANDER | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| DIANE E WELLS | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| GARY A VAN ELSLANDER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has made significant grants to support its mission areas:
**$2.5 Million Grant** to New Day Foundation for Families for transformative family services
A.A. Van Elslander Foundation Awards Transformative $2.5 Million ...**$2 Million Gift** to Henry Ford Health for philanthropic support
Henry Ford Health Receives $2M Philanthropic Gift from A.A. Van Elslander**$1.5 Million Gift** to Beyond Basics to advance literacy initiatives in Detroit, including support for Denby High School
A.A. Van Elslander Foundation Gifts $1.5M to Beyond Basics to Advance Literacy**$1 Million Grant** to SAY Detroit for the Annex project
The Van Elslander Family Foundation, a related multigenerational foundation established by Art and Mary Ann Van Elslander's children and grandchildren, continues the family's philanthropic legacy by supporting children and human services in Michigan.
A.A. Van Elslander Foundation Awards Transformative $2.5 Million ...Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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