The Gillett Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2007 and based in Ada, Michigan. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it operates as a family foundation focused on philanthropic giving across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.6M
+2.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$293K
+9.1% YoY
Grant Count
37
+8.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$8K
+0.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gillett Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $294K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation primarily funds museums, education, youth centers, police canine support, animal welfare organizations, senior centers, religious organizations, public schools, and food assistance for children. Its funding interests span education, philanthropy and grantmaking, and human services.
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Michigan, New York, and Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $4.51M–$4.62M
- Total Revenue: $297,118
- Total Expenses: $309,221
- Investment Income and Dividends: $156,761
- Total Liabilities: $0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,616,849 | $4,508,386 | $4,553,941 |
| Revenue | $449,868 | $297,118 | $169,088 |
| Expenses | $337,442 | $309,221 | $377,186 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $298,460 | $273,614 | $329,930 |
| Net Investment Income | $410,886 | $261,511 | $130,422 |
| Distributable Amount | $293,803 | $273,062 | $292,440 |
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
178 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Blandford Nature Center ($40,000), National Multiple Sclerosis Society ($25,000), Grand Rapids Art Museum ($20,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER GRAND RAPIDS, MI | ARTS ORGANIZATION | $5,000 |
| BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER GRAND RAPIDS, MI | ENVIRONMENT | $40,000 |
| BLANDFORD SCHOOL GRAND RAPIDS, MI | EDUCATION | $2,000 |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GRAND RAPIDS COMMONWEALTH GRAND RAPIDS, MI | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT | $3,000 |
| BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS GRAND RAPIDS, MI | COMMUNITY EVENTS | $4,500 |
| CANNONSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROCKFORD, MI | EDUCATION | $5,000 |
| CASA OF KENT COUNTY GRAND RAPIDS, MI | LEGAL SERVICES | $10,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HEALING CENTER GRAND RAPIDS, MI | CHILDREN'S HEALING ENVIRONMENT | $10,000 |
| CITY HIGH MIDDLE SCHOOL GRAND RAPIDS, MI | EDUCATION | $2,000 |
| DA BLODGETT - ST JOHN'S GRAND RAPIDS, MI | FAMILY SERVICES | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD M GILLETT JR | PRESIDENT & TREASURER | 1 | — |
| MEGAN G VOGRIG | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| SARAH A GILLETT | CO-TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
Contact Information
Telephone: 616-915-6024
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gillett Family Foundation fund?
The foundation primarily funds museums, education, youth centers, police canine support, animal welfare organizations, senior centers, religious organizations, public schools, and food assistance for children. Its funding interests span education, philanthropy and grantmaking, and human services.
How do I apply for a grant from Gillett Family Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 34 grants in 2023 • Typical award range: $1,000–$40,000 • Total giving in 2023: $292,500–$309,221 **Recent Grant Examples (2023):** • Blandford Nature Center: $35,000 (Environment) • National Multiple Sclerosis Society: $25,000 (Research and Awareness) • Gerald R Ford Presidential Foundation: $15,000 (Library and Museum Activities)
Where does Gillett Family Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Michigan, New York, and Illinois.
What size grants does Gillett Family Foundation award?
In 2024, Gillett Family Foundation awarded 37 grants totaling $293K — an average of about $8K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Gillett Family Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Gillett Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $294K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Gillett Family Foundation's EIN?
Gillett Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1606747. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gillett Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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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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