Alden and Vada Dow Fund
The Alden and Vada Dow Fund is a private foundation established in 1960 and located in Midland, Michigan. It operates as part of the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations, which represent three generations of the Alden and Vada Dow family. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that makes grants to support charitable causes across Michigan.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$740K
-8.1% YoY
Grant Count
22
-33.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$34K
+37.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission of the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations is to enhance the quality of life in the state of Michigan through funding programs in the following areas:
- Arts
- Environment
- Education
- Health and Human Services
- Youth Programs
The foundation's approach is guided by the philosophy that "human life has no boundaries provided it recognizes the wonderful and beautiful potentialities of the individual human being," as expressed by Alden B. Dow.
Grantmaking
The foundation made 25 grants in 2023, with total giving of $740,000 in 2024. Grant amounts typically range from $810 to $233,390, with a median grant size in the mid-range of this spectrum.
Grant Range
in the mid-range of this spectrum.
Review Cycle
dates, as the system will not accept submissions after the deadline passes.
How to Apply
The foundation is transitioning to a new grantee and applicant experience beginning January 1, 2026, utilizing a Blackbaud Grantmaking portal. Applicants should pay special attention to deadline dates, as the system will not accept submissions after the deadline passes.
Ready to take the next step with Alden and Vada Dow Fund?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations make grants in Central and Northern Michigan, with a particular focus on:
- Midland County
- Bay County
- Saginaw County
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $11,037,040
- Total Revenue: $1,340,298
- Total Expenses: $988,838
- Net Income: $351,460
- Total Liabilities: $0
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $10,685,580
- Total Revenue: $600,196
- Total Expenses: $1,017,767
The foundation has maintained stable assets and consistent grantmaking activity over recent years.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
137 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Alden and Vada Dow Creativity Foundation ($233,390), Interlochen Arts Academy ($50,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region ($30,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alden and Vada Dow Creativity Foundation Midland, MI | Operating | $233,390 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region Midland, MI | Operating | $30,000 |
| CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region Saginaw, MI | Operating | $20,000 |
| Chemical City Band Midland, MI | Operating | $3,000 |
| Child & Family Services of Sagianw Saginaw, MI | Operating | $30,000 |
| East Side Soup Kitchen Saginaw, MI | Operating | $30,000 |
| Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Saginaw, MI | Operating | $20,000 |
| Great Lakes Discovery Ctr & Pier Traverse City, MI | Operating | $25,000 |
| Greater Midland Coleman Family Center Coleman, MI | Operating | $30,000 |
| Greater Midland North Family Center Midland, MI | Operating | $30,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Lloyd Dow | President/Trustee | 1 | — |
| Bonnie Kendall Mills | Treasurer/Trustee | 1 | — |
| Michael Lorence Dow | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Christopher B Mills | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Barbara Dow Carras | Trustee | 1 | — |
| John Carras | Trustee | 1 | — |
Contact Information
- Address: 315 Post Street, Midland, MI 48640-6615
- Phone: 989-839-7444
- Website: www.avdowfamilyfoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Alden and Vada Dow Fund fund?
The mission of the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations is to enhance the quality of life in the state of Michigan through funding programs in the following areas: • Arts • Environment • Education • Health and Human Services • Youth Programs The foundation's approach is guided by the philosophy that "human life has no boundaries provided it recognizes the wonderful and beautiful potentialities of the individual human being," as expressed by Alden B. Dow.
How do I apply for a grant from Alden and Vada Dow Fund?
The foundation made 25 grants in 2023, with total giving of $740,000 in 2024. Grant amounts typically range from $810 to $233,390, with a median grant size in the mid-range of this spectrum. Notable grants made in 2023 include: • Chippewa Nature Center: $190,000 (operating support) • Inland Seas Education Association: $50,000 (operating support) • Child and Family Service of Saginaw: $35,000 (operating support) The foundation primarily funds operating expenses for grantees. The Alden and Vada D…
Where does Alden and Vada Dow Fund make grants?
The Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations make grants in Central and Northern Michigan, with a particular focus on: • Midland County • Bay County • Saginaw County
What size grants does Alden and Vada Dow Fund award?
In 2024, Alden and Vada Dow Fund awarded 22 grants totaling $740K — an average of about $34K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Alden and Vada Dow Fund's EIN?
Alden and Vada Dow Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-6058512. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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