Aa Van Elslander Foundation
The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation is a private foundation based in Birmingham, Michigan. Founded in 2016, it supports qualifying charitable organizations and programs benefiting communities in Michigan, with a focus on children, health, and human services.
Aa Van Elslander Foundation at a glance
In short: Aa Van Elslander Foundation gave $8.0M across 26 grants in 2024 (avg $308K), mostly in Michigan. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $8,010,000
- +136.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 26
- +13.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $308,077
- +109.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $12,646,359
- -32.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (11 of 26, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Aa Van Elslander Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited grant inquiries through its website during September. Organizations that qualify after inquiry are invited to submit a full application, with further instructions provided at that stage. Inquiries must be submitted online; phone inquiries are not accepted. Grants must support charitable purposes and public benefit through a qualifying 501(c)(3) public charity, and must fit the foundation’s Michigan eligibility and focus criteria.
- Review Cycle
- Inquiries are accepted September 1–30. Qualifying organizations are invited to apply by October 31, grant notifications are made by November 30, and grants are issued by December 31. If September 30 falls on a weekend, inquiries are accepted through 5:00 p.m. the following Monday.
- Deadline
- Inquiries are accepted September 1–30.
- Contact
Application contact: Aa Van Elslander Foundation
Mailing address: 35795 Woodward Ave Ste 200, Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: (248) 590-2700
Website: https://vanelslanderfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Aa Van Elslander Foundation
Who Aa Van Elslander Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Full Circle Foundation ($4.0M). Together the top 10 received $7.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
109 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 37 grants of 109 (34%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds organizations and programs within Michigan that benefit Michigan communities. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Aa Van Elslander Foundation open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 11 of 26 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $398K; repeat grants $242K. How we count
Medians: $40K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 58% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+13%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 807% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.2M (2020) to $8.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 26 grants totaling $8.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Full Circle Foundation Grosse Pointe Woods, MI | Operations Support | $4,000,000 |
| Benjamin's Hope Holland, MI | Humanitarian | $1,000,000 |
| Say Detroit Southfield, MI | Humanitarian | $550,000 |
| New Day Foundation for Families Rochester Hills, MI | Operations Support | $500,000 |
| Province of St Joseph of Capuchin Order Detroit, MI | Operations Support | $500,000 |
| Racquet up Detroit, MI | Operations Support | $340,000 |
| Sanctum House Royal Oak, MI | Operations Support | $200,000 |
| Dutton Farm Rochester Hills, MI | Operations Support | $165,000 |
| Living & Learning Enrichment Center Northville, MI | Operations Support | $100,000 |
| Motor City Mitten Mission St Clair Shores, MI | Operations Support | $75,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Aa Van Elslander Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12,646,359 | $2,391,891 | $8,399,293 | $8,010,000 | 26 | $8,100,000 | $2,073,199 | $1,003,517 |
| 2023 | $18,653,761 | $915,889 | $3,869,550 | $3,385,220 | 23 | $3,587,994 | $652,504 | $1,118,875 |
| 2022 | $21,607,530 | $717,578 | $7,291,453 | $6,885,520 | 26 | $6,995,782 | $517,481 | $1,355,566 |
| 2021 | $35,745,264 | $1,672,316 | $7,505,658 | $7,093,791 | 27 | $7,198,643 | $1,382,662 | $1,772,133 |
| 2020 | $41,561,881 | $444,607 | $3,732,715 | $3,233,586 | 7 | — | $375,213 | $1,811,080 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Aa Van Elslander Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to provide support within Michigan in the areas of children, health, and human services. Its stated special focus areas are addiction, cognitive and developmental disabilities, and eyesight. It supports public charities qualified under Section 501(c)(3), not private foundations, and requires organizations to be located in Michigan and benefit Michigan communities. Qualifying organizations must not discriminate based on age, creed, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The foundation favors organizations that are entrepreneurial-minded and seek to be self-sustaining. It also expresses interest in grassroots nonprofits whose founders have shown personal investment and commitment to their vision.
Examples of grantees’ work include Full Circle Foundation’s support for opportunities that foster self-worth and independence for people with disabilities; Benjamin’s Hope’s residential, treatment, fellowship, and work opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities; and SAY Detroit’s pathways to success for Detroiters in need. These are descriptions of the grantees’ missions, not the foundation’s.
The foundation generally does not fund capital projects unless it initiates them; fundraising events or conferences; individuals; K–12 schools, secondary schools, or universities; lobbying or political campaigns; religious purposes unless it initiates the grant; units of government; or veterans organizations.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 26 grants totaling $8,010,000. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $4,000,000, with a median of $50,000. The largest awards included $4,000,000 to Full Circle Foundation for operations support, $1,000,000 to Benjamin’s Hope for a humanitarian purpose, and $550,000 to SAY Detroit for a humanitarian purpose. Other notable grants included $500,000 each to New Day Foundation for Families and the Province of St Joseph of the Capuchin Order for operations support, and $340,000 to Racquet Up for operations support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Gary A. Van Elslander as president and treasurer, and Diane E. Wells as secretary.
Aa Van Elslander Foundation is led by Gary A. Van Elslander, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Gary A. Van Elslander
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diane E. Wells
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Aa Van Elslander Foundation
How much does Aa Van Elslander Foundation give each year?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation gave $8.0M across 26 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.4M across 23 grants.
What is Aa Van Elslander Foundation's typical grant size?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $50,000, and its average grant was $308,077, across 26 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Aa Van Elslander Foundation that year got $398K on average.
Where does Aa Van Elslander Foundation give grants?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (4 grants), Rochester Hills, MI (2 grants), Southfield, MI (2 grants) and St Clair Shores, MI (2 grants).
Does Aa Van Elslander Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 26 grants with a stated purpose on Aa Van Elslander Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Operations Support" (23 grants) and "Humanitarian" (3 grants).
Who are Aa Van Elslander Foundation's largest grantees?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Full Circle Foundation ($4,000,000), Benjamin's Hope ($1,000,000) and Say Detroit ($550,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Aa Van Elslander Foundation?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation reported $12.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $8.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Aa Van Elslander Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to provide support within Michigan in the areas of children, health, and human services. Its stated special focus areas are addiction, cognitive and developmental disabilities, and eyesight. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Aa Van Elslander Foundation?
The foundation accepts unsolicited grant inquiries through its website during September. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Aa Van Elslander Foundation's EIN?
Aa Van Elslander Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-3973354. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Aa Van Elslander Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Aa Van Elslander Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Detroit, MI
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan funds nonprofits working in economic opportunity, health equity, youth and education, arts and culture, and public space and the environment across seven southeast Michigan counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; organizations begin with a brief proposal, and selected applicants are invited to submit a full application.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
938
Total Given
$105.1M
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Detroit, MI
United Way for Southeastern Michigan funds basic needs, youth opportunity, family financial stability, and racial-equity work, primarily across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; listed opportunities include specific funds, but the profile does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests.
Assets
$59.9M
Grants
360
Total Given
$81.1M
DTE Energy Foundation
Detroit, MI
DTE Energy Foundation funds community transformation, human needs, economic development, education, employment, and environmental initiatives, primarily in Michigan. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $10,000, though amounts ranged from $100 to $1.2 million. Its general application process is invitation-only, but it has offered open calls for specific Michigan programs.
Assets
$129.1M
Grants
442
Total Given
$15.8M
Consumers Energy Foundation
Jackson, MI
Consumers Energy Foundation funds Michigan projects focused on basic needs, education and workforce readiness, environmental protection, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and arts and culture, mainly in Lower Peninsula communities served by Consumers Energy. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $5,000; its 2026 Community Impact program offers up to $20,000 per project. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$67.1M
Grants
296
Total Given
$7.5M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Children’s Foundation of Michigan funds community programs, pediatric research and medical education, and Children’s Hospital of Michigan initiatives focused on children’s mental and physical health, substance use, and health equity. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1.6 million, with a median of $47,500; it serves Michigan, with a concentration in southeastern Michigan. The profile describes an inquiry process but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$165.1M
Grants
36
Total Given
$5.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Michigan
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Aa Van Elslander Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/aa-van-elslander-foundation-morg_926cad7c401943ff9d928c517e9002dd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_813973354_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Aa Van Elslander Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/aa-van-elslander-foundation-morg_926cad7c401943ff9d928c517e9002dd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Aa Van Elslander Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Aa Van Elslander Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?