Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation
The Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation is a private foundation based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. It provides grants for organizations working in health and wellness, hunger, and youth education.
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation at a glance
In short: Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation gave $91K across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $4K), mostly in Wisconsin. 100% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $91,138
- -49.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- -28.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $3,963
- -29.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $3,000
- Total assets
- $268,646
- +4.3% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 100% first-time grantees (23 of 23, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (67% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Apply online. The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Previous grantees must wait at least one year before submitting another application.
- Contact
Application contact: Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundat
Mailing address: N28W13400 Leon Road, Menomonee Fall, WI 53051
Phone: (262) 253-7700
Email: foundation@cousinssubs.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation
Who Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Minneapolis Foundation ($15K). Together the top 10 received $61K.
Grant Size Distribution
136 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 132 grants of 136 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 67% of grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin, 17% to Minnesota, 8% to Missouri, 5% to Iowa, and 3% to Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation open to new grantees?
100%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 23 of 23 grantees (100%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $4K. How we count
- 0% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 37% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 775% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $90K (2020) to $208K (2023). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $91K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Minneapolis Foundation Minneapolis, MN | General Support | $15,152 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Dah Green Bay, WI | General Support | $7,500 |
| Washington University in St Louis - Dah St. Louis, MO | General Support | $7,500 |
| Making a Mark Foundation Inc Oconomowoc, WI | General Support | $5,000 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College - Legacy West Allis, WI | General Support | $5,000 |
| Northeast WI Technical College - Legacy Green Bay, WI | General Support | $5,000 |
| University of Iowa - Legacy Iowa City, IA | General Support | $5,000 |
| Uw Milwaukee - Legacy Milwaukee, WI | General Support | $5,000 |
| Center for Deaf and Blind Persons West Allis, WI | General Support | $3,000 |
| Explore Children's Museum of Sun Prairie Sun Prairie, WI | General Support | $3,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Cousins Subs Make It Better 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $268,646 | $105,678 | $94,671 | $91,138 | 23 | $94,563 | $7,208 | $12,209 |
| 2024 | $257,639 | $217,229 | $185,897 | $179,946 | 32 | $185,848 | $4,015 | $9,915 |
| 2023 | $226,307 | $233,060 | $213,084 | $208,104 | 30 | $212,779 | $3,518 | $10,578 |
| 2022 | $206,331 | $172,275 | $152,673 | $144,300 | 22 | $144,885 | $341 | $11,552 |
| 2021 | $184,629 | $163,863 | $159,840 | $158,280 | 29 | $158,562 | $9 | $9,113 |
| 2020 | $180,606 | $104,930 | $90,452 | $89,899 | 32 | — | $375 | $8,308 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation reported a distributable amount of $12K for 2025 — 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 identifies health and wellness, hunger, and youth education as its three focus areas. Its 2025 filing says it gives greater consideration to applications from 501(c)(3) charitable or educational organizations whose missions align with one of those areas.
Its grantees include organizations with varied missions. For example, Hunger Task Force says it works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need and promoting policies toward a hunger-free community. The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh describes its work as supporting the university’s educational priorities and connecting community resources with university needs. The University of Wisconsin–an individual recipient Alumni & Friends Foundation says it promotes the university’s welfare through charitable and educational activities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $91,138. Grant amounts ranged from $586 to $15,152, with a median of $3,000. The largest listed grants were $15,152 to The Minneapolis Foundation for general support; $7,500 each to the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Washington University in St. Louis, and several other recipients; and $5,000 each to Making a Mark Foundation, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, the University of Iowa, and UW Milwaukee. The listed grants were designated for general support.
The foundation’s current Make It Better Foundation Grant program lists awards of up to $5,000. Its filing directs applicants to apply online. Greater consideration is given to applications from qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable, or educational organizations aligned with its three focus areas. Organizations that have already received funding must wait at least one year before applying again.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Christine Specht as president and Christopher Cholka as treasurer. Directors listed are Justin McCoy, Alan Lundeen, Jim Valentine, Nick Schmitt, May Jo Lorentz, and Kim Lesch.
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation is led by Christine Specht, President since 2022 (on filings since 2020); none of the 8 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christine Specht
President
President & Secretary → President, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alan Lundeen
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin McCoy
Director
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Valentine
Director
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
May Jo Lorentz
Director
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nick Schmitt
Director
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kim Lesch
Director
On filings since 2023
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Cholka
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Josh Thurmer (2022) — Director
- Former: Jason Westhoff (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Jj Grube (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Joe Ferguson (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation
How much does Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation give each year?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation gave $91K across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $180K across 32 grants.
What is Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's typical grant size?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $3,000, and its average grant was $3,963, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation that year got $4K on average.
Where does Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation give grants?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation gives mostly in Wisconsin: 67% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Minnesota (17%) and Missouri (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were West Allis, WI (4 grants), Milwaukee, WI (4 grants), Green Bay, WI (2 grants) and Madison, WI (2 grants).
Does Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (23 of 23) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's largest grantees?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include The Minneapolis Foundation ($15,152), University of Wisconsin Green Bay - Dah ($7,500) and Washington University in St Louis - Dah ($7,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation reported $269K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $95K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $12K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation fund?
The foundation identifies health and wellness, hunger, and youth education as its three focus areas. Its 2025 filing says it gives greater consideration to applications from 501(c)(3) charitable or educational organizations whose missions align with one of those areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation?
Apply online. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's EIN?
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-3640866. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
Green Bay Packers Foundation
Green Bay, WI
The Green Bay Packers Foundation funds Wisconsin charities working in areas such as families, athletics, children’s safety and education, animal welfare, and other focus areas that vary by year. Its 2026 announcement describes typical awards of $3,000–$8,000, though some grants are larger; it accepts online applications during its stated cycle, February 2–April 1, 2026.
Assets
$57.2M
Grants
530
Total Given
$3.6M
Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation
Elm Grove, WI
The Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation supports Wisconsin organizations across education, health, conservation, culture, and human services. In 2025, it made 94 grants ranging from $350 to $400,000, with a median grant of $1,500; it accepts requests using a written form and lists no deadlines.
Assets
$16.3M
Grants
94
Total Given
$1.0M
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Herbert H Kohl Charities Inc
Milwaukee, WI
Herbert H Kohl Charities funds charitable organizations, with its affiliated philanthropy emphasizing education, civic engagement, and community initiatives in Milwaukee and Wisconsin; most 2025 grant dollars went to Wisconsin recipients. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $2 million, with a median of $5,000, and Homegrown Grants offer up to $5,000. It makes contributions only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
258
Total Given
$14.2M
Youth Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
Youth Foundation Inc supports children and young people through grants to organizations and college scholarships, with 2025 grants going to Wisconsin recipients. Organization grants typically are small: the 2025 median was $1,000, with awards from $300 to $3,800; its separate Hadden Scholarship offers up to $10,000 per scholar. It accepts grant applications through its application process and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$2.6M
Grants
99
Total Given
$123K
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/cousins-subs-make-it-better-foundation-morg_2611fdb882cb468da9be11314640b6e0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_453640866_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/cousins-subs-make-it-better-foundation-morg_2611fdb882cb468da9be11314640b6e0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Cousins Subs Make It Better 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.
Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?