John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation
The John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation is a private family foundation established in the early 1980s by John A. and Marlene L. Boll. Based in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and functions as a private grantmaking foundation. The foundation was created as an expression of stewardship, with the founders seeking to provide charitable assistance to deserving organizations that align with their values and vision for community impact.
Key facts about John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation
- EIN
- 38-2708121
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $252,575
- Grants made (2024)
- 47
- Average grant
- $5,374
- Median grant
- $4,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (10 of 47, 2024)
- Total assets
- $504,421
- Primary geography
- Michigan (54% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Grant proposals may be submitted at any time from qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation's 47 itemized 2024 grants were Michigan (54%), Florida (24%) and North Carolina (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Key Largo, FL (7 grants), Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (6 grants), Detroit, MI (6 grants) and Grosse Pointe Shores, MI (3 grants). 4% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Is John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 47 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $5K; repeat grants $6K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 72% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 82% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$504K
-5.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$253K
-0.5% YoY
Grant Count
47
+11.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
-11.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation reported a distributable amount of $26K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on strengthening and enriching communities through support of organizations that share the Bolls' values. Primary funding interests include:
- Educational scholarships to institutions with curriculum based, in part, on Judeo-Christian traditions
- Arts and cultural programming
- Support for seniors to enable healthy, independent lives
- Support for children and families
- Health services
- Unrestricted organizational support for qualified nonprofits
The foundation emphasizes organizations that demonstrate vision and skills in reaching out to others through ministry or organizational efforts.
Grantmaking
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily focuses on communities where the Bolls have lived and maintained business interests, with particular emphasis on Michigan-based organizations. Recent grants indicate support for both local and national organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 47 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Summary:
- Total Revenue: $408,240
- Total Expenses: $439,854
- Total Assets: $504,421
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Number of Employees: 1
Tax Status:
- EIN: 38-2708121
- Tax-exempt since February 1987
- Established in Michigan in 1986
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $504,421 | $536,035 | $512,567 |
| Revenue | $408,240 | $463,598 | $515,838 |
| Expenses | $439,854 | $440,130 | $374,724 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $427,147 | $428,364 | $363,676 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,823 | $411 | $14,414 |
| Distributable Amount | $26,070 | $23,226 | $19,981 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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
242 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Project Dance Foundation ($25,000), Baptist Health ($20,000), The Helm Center at the Boll Life Center ($20,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| PROJECT DANCE FOUNDATION BOONE, NC | TO POSITIVELY IMPACT CULTURE THROUGH ARTISTIC INTEGRITY | $25,000 |
| BAPTIST HEALTH CORAL GABLES, FL | TO SUPPORT BAPTIST HOSPITAL OF MIAMI - HELIPAD | $20,000 |
| THE HELM CENTER AT THE BOLL LIFE CENTER GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI | TO SUPPORT HEALTHY INDEPENDENT LIVES FOR SENIORS | $20,000 |
| GROSSE POINTE MEMORIAL CHURCH GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI | TO SUPPORT & ENRICH THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY | $15,000 |
| JT MESTDAGH FOUNDATION ST CLAIR SHORES, MI | TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO PROGRAMS & SUPPLIES FOR FAMILIES WITH MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES | $15,000 |
| OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION KEY LARGO, FL | TO SUPPORT CHARITABLE EFFORTS THROUGHOUT OCEAN REEF AND THE SURROUNDING AREA | $15,000 |
| GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION GROSSE POINTE SHORES, MI | TO MAINTAIN, RESTORE AND PRESERVE THE GPYC CLUBHOUSE | $10,000 |
| HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY HIGH POINT, NC | TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS | $10,000 |
| GROSS POINTE SHORES IMPROVEMENT GROSS POINTE WOODS, MI | TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A SCHOOL PLAYGROUND | $10,000 |
| GROSSE POINTE SOUTH HOCKEY GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI | TO HELP RAISE FUNDS TO IMPROVE THE LOCKER ROOM | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Founders:
- John A. Boll – Described as a rugged construction worker comfortable both on a bulldozer and in a boardroom, with significant business acumen and astute boardmanship
- Marlene L. Boll – A graceful and elegant dancer by profession, schooled in and appreciative of culture and the arts
The foundation reflects the contrasting strengths of its founders: John's pragmatic and honest business practices combined with Marlene's appreciation for culture, beauty, and grace. Together, they have created a legacy emphasizing hard work, concern for the poor and children, faith in a Creator God, and commitment to improving quality of life in their communities.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlene L Boll | Vice President & Director | 5 | — |
| Kristine B Mestdagh | President & Director | 35 | $150,000 |
| James T Mestdagh | Director | 5 | — |
| James T Mestdagh Jr | Secretary, Treasurer & Director | 5 | $15,000 |
| John a Boll | Director | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation continues active grantmaking with quarterly board meetings to review proposals. In 2024, the foundation distributed grants across multiple focus areas including arts and culture, senior services, and community development. The foundation remains committed to its founding vision of supporting organizations that share the Bolls' values and demonstrate capacity to make meaningful community impact.
John A & Marlene L Boll Foundation - Full Filing - Nonprofit ExplorerSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission centers on strengthening and enriching communities through support of organizations that share the Bolls' values. Primary funding interests include: • **Educational scholarships** to institutions with curriculum based, in part, on Judeo-Christian traditions • **Arts and cultural programming** • **Support for seniors** to enable healthy, independent lives • **Support for children and families** • **Health services** • **Unrestricted organizational support** for qualified…
How do I apply for a grant from John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation?
Grant proposals may be submitted at any time from qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily focuses on communities where the Bolls have lived and maintained business interests, with particular emphasis on Michigan-based organizations. Recent grants indicate support for both local and national organizations.
What size grants does John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation award?
In 2024, John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation awarded 47 grants totaling $253K — an average of about $5K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation reported a distributable amount of $26K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation's EIN?
John a & Marlene L Boll Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-2708121. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in John a & Marlene L Boll 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.