Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
The an individual recipient Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a public charity based in an individual recipient, Michigan, established in 1963 as a permanent source of community capital in Washtenaw County. It supports nonprofits through grants and students through scholarships, and helps individuals, families, groups, and organizations pursue philanthropic goals.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation gave $8.1M across 204 grants in 2024 (avg $40K), mostly in Michigan. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $8,110,711
- +6.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 204
- +11.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $39,758
- -4.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,249
- Total assets
- $227,205,548
- +9.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (52 of 203, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (92% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
- How to Apply
-
AAACF uses an online application portal. Organizations register to access the portal, review the requirements for the program they wish to apply to, and submit an application when that program is open. Applicants should check program-specific instructions, which may include additional requirements such as attending an information session. Eligible organizations may submit one unique application per program in a cycle, and AAACF does not make out-of-cycle grants. All applicants are to be contacted no later than eight weeks after the relevant deadline.
- Contact
Mailing address: 301 N Main St 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 663-0401
Website: https://aaacf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
28 open opportunities from Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
AAACF Arts and Culture Program
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
AAACF Community Grantmaking Program
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Amount
Up to US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
AAACF Community Grantmaking Program
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Regents of the University of Michigan ($295K). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($27,706), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
997 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 767 grants of 997 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AAACF describes its community focus as Washtenaw County, Michigan, and says its grants are made primarily in the Washtenaw County area. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan (92%), Massachusetts (4%), Wisconsin (1%), New York (1%), and California (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 204 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 52 of 203 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $47K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 65% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−6%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $7.6M (2023) to $9.0M (2022). In 2024 it made 204 grants totaling $8.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Regents of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI | Education | $295,026 |
| Humane Society of Huron Valley Ann Arbor, MI | Animals | $258,126 |
| Washtenaw Housing Alliance Ann Arbor, MI | Housing / Shelter | $243,760 |
| Peace Neighborhood Center Ann Arbor, MI | Human Services - Other | $226,819 |
| United Way for Southeastern Michigan Detroit, MI | Community Development | $198,759 |
| Feonix - Mobility Rising Ann Arbor, MI | Human Services - Other | $180,000 |
| Community Action Network Ann Arbor, MI | Youth Development | $155,013 |
| Shelter Association of Washtenaw County Ann Arbor, MI | Housing / Shelter | $154,391 |
| Berkshire Humane Society Pittsfield, MA | Animals | $151,564 |
| American Heart Association Southfield, MI | Physical Health Care | $150,353 |
Ready to take the next step with Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $227,205,548 | $22,654,824 | $14,740,954 | $8,110,711 | 204 | $16,030,309 |
| 2023 | $208,073,440 | $10,246,540 | $13,318,645 | $7,626,456 | 183 | $4,829,264 |
| 2022 | $186,101,503 | $23,281,932 | $13,519,607 | $8,965,836 | 205 | $19,011,755 |
| 2021 | $219,428,649 | $31,760,954 | $13,783,733 | $8,595,849 | 209 | $14,155,468 |
| 2020 | $177,501,252 | $22,445,696 | $10,573,509 | $7,779,924 | 196 | $2,079,413 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is to enrich quality of life in its region through knowledgeable leadership, engaged grantmaking, and creative partnerships with donors to make philanthropic investments and build endowment. Its signature programs include a community scholarship program intended to incentivize local students’ college degree attainment; the EmpowerMENt Fund, which supports young Black men in educational success; work to advance healthy and fulfilling aging; health and human services funding, including programs and systems change; and an allocation of 5% of its endowment to local impact investments.
The 2024 grants show support for organizations working in education, animal welfare, housing and shelter, human services, community development, youth development, health care, philanthropy, and arts and culture. For example, the Humane Society of Huron Valley describes its mission as supporting the loving, responsible care of animals in its community. Washtenaw Housing Alliance says its mission is to end homelessness in its community, while Peace Neighborhood Center describes providing programs for people affected by social and economic problems and helping them build skills and self-sufficiency.
AAACF’s website says 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing services in Washtenaw County are eligible to apply for its grants. The foundation also holds endowments for more than 100 nonprofits and offers nonprofits non-endowed funds.
Grantmaking
In 2024, AAACF reported 204 grants totaling $8,110,711. Grant amounts ranged from $5,175 to $295,026, with a median grant of $20,249. The largest listed awards included $295,026 to the Regents of the University of Michigan for education; $258,126 to the Humane Society of Huron Valley; $243,760 to Washtenaw Housing Alliance; and $226,819 to Peace Neighborhood Center. Other large awards included $198,759 to United Way for Southeastern Michigan, $180,000 to Feonix – Mobility Rising, and $155,013 to Community Action Network.
AAACF’s website describes multiple competitive grant programs. As of the website information provided, the AAPS Education Fund, Senior Citizens Housing of an individual recipient program, and Glacier Hills Legacy Fund – Golden Opportunities were listed as open; several programs, including Youth Council, Arts and Culture, Dedicated Grant, EmpowerMENt Fund, Ypsilanti Area Community Fund, and Community Grantmaking, were listed as closed and opening in 2027. The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation program’s stated September 30, 2026 deadline has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Shannon Polk as president and CEO; James Hunter as CFO and vice president for operations; Dorcas Patterson as director for operations; and Christopher Lemon as vice president for community investments. Listed board officers include Sean Duval, chair; Karen Andrews, vice chair; Laura Hayden, treasurer; and Karla Olson-Belfi, secretary. The filing also lists Arsalan Alavi and Tabitha Ferrer Bentley as board members.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is led by Shannon Polk, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2022); 5 of 24 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Shannon Polk
President & CEO
CEO → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$196K (2022) → $223K (2024)
Sean Duval
Chair
Member → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dorcas Patterson
Director for Operations
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$128K (2024)
James Hunter
CFO & Vice President for Operations
Chief Financial Officer → CFO, 2021
CFO → CFO & Vice President for Operations, 2023
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$118K (2020) → $144K (2024)
Karen Andrews
Vice Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$27K (2023) → $18K (2024)
Christopher Lemon
Vice President for Community Investments
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$108K (2023) → $121K (2024)
Aaron Dworkin
Board Member
Member → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bill Brinkerhoff
Board Member
Member → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christina Kim
Board Member
Member → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chuck Warpehoski
Board Member
Member → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Hayden
Treasurer
Member → Board Member, 2021
Board Member → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sri Maddipati
Board Member
Member → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Audrey Price Dimarzo
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tabitha Ferrer Bentley
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Damschroder
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dilip Das
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Karla Olson-Bellfi
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary Start, 2023
Secretary Start → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cathi Duchon
Board Member
Board Member Start → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Bergen
Board Member
Board Member Start → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ken Fischer
Board Member
Board Member Start → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sonya Jacobs
Board Member
Board Member Start → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Arsalan Alavi
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Patton
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Crowley
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Betsy Petoskey (2020–2023) — Chair
- Former: Kiana Barfield (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Staebler (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ella Racette (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Doug Weber (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Cookie Baugh (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Eliza Shearing (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Fernando Ortiz (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Jillian Rosen (2020–2021) — Vice President Community Investment
- Former: Neelav Hajra (2020–2021) — CEO
- Former: Shelley Strickland (2020–2021) — Vice President Philan. & Int. CEO
- Former: Tim Wadhams (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Audry Price Demarzo (2020) — Member
- Former: Elena Garcia (2020) — Member - Partial Year
- Former: Jeffrey Hauptman (2020) — Member - Partial Year
- Former: Linh Song (2020) — Member - Partial Year
- Former: Marie Deveney (2020) — Secretary - Partial Year
- Former: Michelle Crumm (2020) — Member - Partial Year
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $223K, to Shannon Polk (President & CEO). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
How much does Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation give each year?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation gave $8.1M across 204 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $7.6M across 183 grants.
What is Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,249, and its average grant was $39,758, across 204 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation that year got $20K on average.
Where does Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation give grants?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 92% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Ann Arbor, MI (102 grants), Ypsilanti, MI (32 grants), Detroit, MI (5 grants) and Chelsea, MI (5 grants).
Does Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 204 grants with a stated purpose on Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Arts / Culture" (35 grants), "Education" (30 grants) and "Human Services - Other" (30 grants).
Who are Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Regents of the University of Michigan ($295,026), Humane Society of Huron Valley ($258,126) and Washtenaw Housing Alliance ($243,760), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($27,706), which are not listed by name. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation reported $227.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $22.7M.
What does Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation fund?
The organization’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is to enrich quality of life in its region through knowledgeable leadership, engaged grantmaking, and creative partnerships with donors to make philanthropic investments and build endowment. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation?
AAACF uses an online application portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's EIN?
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-6087967. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ann-arbor-area-community-foundation-morg_d4b29180671d489ba3626632394ddf26
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_386087967_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ann-arbor-area-community-foundation-morg_d4b29180671d489ba3626632394ddf26},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Ann Arbor Area Community 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.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?