Colina Foundation
The Colina Foundation is a private foundation based in Grosse Ile, Michigan, focused on helping children. Founded in 1992 by John and Nancy Colina, it supports projects intended to improve children’s lives, with a geographic preference for southwestern Wayne County and additional grantmaking in communities where trustees live or have interests.
Colina Foundation at a glance
In short: Colina Foundation gave $181K across 34 grants in 2024 (avg $5K), mostly in Michigan. 47% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $180,615
- -3.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 34
- +3.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $5,312
- -6.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $4,099,556
- +6.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 47% first-time grantees (16 of 34, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (70% 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 Colina Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states on its filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website also provides an online application process: applicants are instructed to review the guidelines, create or log into a portal account, and complete an application. The filing says the foundation does not fund buildings, construction, capital expenditures, sports activity booster funds, ongoing operational support, college scholarships, or individual aid. It says the foundation often offers matching grants.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists quarterly reviews in March, June, September, and December, with proposals due by the 15th of the preceding month. Applicants are usually notified within two weeks after the grant cycle ends.
- Deadline
- The website lists quarterly reviews in March, June, September, and December, with proposals due by the 15th of the…
- Contact
Application contact: John Or Nancy Colina
Mailing address: PO Box 667, Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Phone: (734) 516-6685
Website: https://colinafoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Colina Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Detroit Public Television ($25K). Together the top 10 received $110K.
Grant Size Distribution
173 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 173 grants of 173 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies southwestern Wayne County, Michigan, as its geographic area of preference, with additional support primarily in communities where trustees live or have interests. Its guidelines describe regional priorities for the Downriver Detroit area; greater Kalamazoo and Traverse City/Elk Rapids; greater Grand Rapids; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Fort Collins and northern Colorado. The 2024 grant distribution by recipient state was Michigan 70%, Colorado 20%, and Florida, New York, and California 3% each.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 34 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Colina Foundation open to new grantees?
47%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 16 of 34 grantees (47%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $5K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $4K repeat.
- 41% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−9%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 95% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 $176K (2020) to $199K (2021). In 2024 it made 34 grants totaling $181K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Public Television Wixom, MI | Educate as to Importance of Water | $25,000 |
| Ecology Center Ann Arbor, MI | Healthy Environment | $12,000 |
| Book Trust Denver, CO | Free Books for Schools (Pre-K, Elementary) | $10,000 |
| Fish & Loaves Taylor, MI | Choice Pantry | $10,000 |
| Girl Scouts of SE Michigan Detroit, MI | STEAM | $10,000 |
| National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI | Nutrition | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mtns Denver, CO | Health Education | $10,000 |
| Vista Maria Dearborn Heights, MI | Help At-Risk Young Women | $10,000 |
| Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center Portage, MI | Autistic/Disability Education | $7,000 |
| Community Grown Gardens Grosse Ile, MI | Nutrition, Science, STEM | $6,385 |
Ready to take the next step with Colina 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 | $4,099,556 | $328,048 | $206,035 | $180,615 | 34 | $181,565 | $303,578 | $191,274 |
| 2023 | $3,839,284 | $21,285 | $210,909 | $187,341 | 33 | $188,717 | $60,789 | $176,092 |
| 2022 | $3,345,961 | $176,299 | $206,895 | $177,636 | 34 | $178,271 | $153,289 | $186,314 |
| 2021 | $4,306,645 | $390,024 | $229,021 | $198,880 | 33 | $228,556 | $389,486 | $192,737 |
| 2020 | $3,740,140 | $393,037 | $206,225 | $175,925 | 39 | — | $374,925 | $169,347 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Colina Foundation reported a distributable amount of $191K 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 “Helping Children.” Its values emphasize education, environmental stewardship, respect and responsibility, and the encouragement of art and beauty. In the Downriver Detroit area, it prioritizes programs for children ages 0–5 and their families, while also considering programs for children through age 18. Its guidelines identify regional priorities that include environmental issues, healthy living, children’s education, health and nutrition, women’s and girls’ rights, diversity and inclusion, animal welfare, outdoor recreation, and the arts.
In 2024, grants included support for Detroit Public Television’s water education, Ecology Center’s healthy-environment work, Book Trust’s free books for schools, Fish & Loaves’ choice pantry, and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan’s STEAM activities. Grantees describe their own work in varied terms: the Ecology Center says it develops solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet; Book Trust says it provides children equitable access to books of choice; and Vista Maria says it provides care, treatment, and education for vulnerable youth and families. These are descriptions of the grantees’ missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation made 34 grants totaling $180,615. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $25,000, with a median of $5,000. Its stated typical grant range is $500–$10,000. The largest reported award was $25,000 to Detroit Public Television for water education. Other notable grants included $12,000 to Ecology Center for a healthy environment, and $10,000 each to Book Trust for free books for schools, Fish & Loaves for a choice pantry, Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan for STEAM, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan for nutrition, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains for health education, and Vista Maria to help at-risk young women.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists John Colina as president and Nancy Colina as secretary/treasurer. Trustees listed are JoMarie Goerge, Lori Colina-Lee, Simon Lee, Michael Goerge, Tyler Goerge, Cassandra Goerge, Annika Gurrola, and Issac Zeke Nave.
Colina Foundation is led by John Colina, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 10 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
John Colina
President
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
JoMarie Goerge
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Lori Colina-Lee
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Michael Goerge
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Simon Lee
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Tyler Goerge
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Annika Gurrola
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Cassandra Goerge
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Issac Zeke Nave
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Nancy Colina
Secretary & Treasurer
Secretary → Secretary & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
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 Colina Foundation
How much does Colina Foundation give each year?
Colina Foundation gave $181K across 34 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $187K across 33 grants.
What is Colina Foundation's typical grant size?
Colina Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $5,312, across 34 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Colina Foundation that year got $6K on average.
Where does Colina Foundation give grants?
Colina Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 70% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Colorado (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were Ann Arbor, MI (2 grants), Denver, CO (2 grants), Taylor, MI (2 grants) and Detroit, MI (2 grants).
Does Colina Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 6% of Colina Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 34) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Colina Foundation's largest grantees?
Colina Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Detroit Public Television ($25,000), Ecology Center ($12,000) and Book Trust ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Colina Foundation?
Colina Foundation reported $4.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $182K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $191K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Colina Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is “Helping Children.” Its values emphasize education, environmental stewardship, respect and responsibility, and the encouragement of art and beauty. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Colina Foundation?
The foundation states on its filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Colina Foundation's EIN?
Colina Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3082610. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Colina Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, 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 Colina Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Michigan
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds work to help children, families, and communities thrive, including early education, health equity, food systems, family economic well-being, and racial equity. In 2025, its grants ranged from $50 to nearly $5 million, with a median of $100,000; it funds across the United States, with long-term commitments in several states and communities, as well as parts of Mexico and Haiti. It accepts unsolicited proposals online at any time.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
1,818
Total Given
$303.9M
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
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Flint, MI
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation funds nonprofits working in civil society, youth engagement, environmental sustainability, and Flint-area community development, in Flint and communities around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,000, though awards ranged widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and supports preselected organizations.
Assets
$3.8B
Grants
834
Total Given
$166.4M
The Kresge Foundation
Troy, MI
The Kresge Foundation funds nonprofit operations, projects, and planning across arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and community development, with a focus on equity and opportunity in U.S. cities—especially Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans, and Fresno. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $5 million, with a median of $140,000. Program teams most often invite applicants, though some programs issue open calls or RFPs; unsolicited requests are not described as generally accepted.
Assets
$4.0B
Grants
800
Total Given
$170.0M
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
More similar funders
More Funders in Michigan
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Colina Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/colina-foundation-morg_59235aeb4c9a400c8a0e1e8871cc1123
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383082610_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Colina Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/colina-foundation-morg_59235aeb4c9a400c8a0e1e8871cc1123},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Colina 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.
Colina Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?