Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Kalamazoo Community Foundation is a public charity based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It supports charitable work in Kalamazoo County through grants and scholarships, and says its work is focused on advancing racial, social and economic justice.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Kalamazoo Community Foundation gave $21.4M across 282 grants in 2024 (avg $76K), mostly in Michigan. 24% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $21,437,066
- -6.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 282
- +23.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $76,018
- -23.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $31,700
- Total assets
- $698,598,440
- +9.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 24% first-time grantees (69 of 282, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (94% 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 Kalamazoo Community Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s website describes applications for its grant programs and gives eligibility and reporting requirements for multiyear grants.
- Review Cycle
- The next multiyear general operations grant opportunity is listed for spring 2028; the deadline is to be determined.
- Deadline
- The next multiyear general operations grant opportunity is listed for spring 2028; the deadline is to be determined.
- Contact
Mailing address: 402 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 381-4416
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
49 open opportunities from Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Aldrich Focus on Science Scholarship Grant
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Amount
US $3,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ann N. MacGregor Scholarship Grant
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Benjamin & Cherie Gubin Scholarship Grant
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Amount
More than US $2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Kalamazoo Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was YWCA of Kalamazoo ($1.3M). Together the top 10 received $5.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,249 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 749 grants of 1,249 (60%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated geographic focus is Kalamazoo County. In 2024, 94% of grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan, with 3% going to California and 1% each to New York and Ohio. The reported share for Florida was 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 282 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Kalamazoo Community Foundation open to new grantees?
24%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 69 of 282 grantees (24%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $44K; repeat grants $86K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $39K repeat.
- 65% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+17%). 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 $18.4M (2021) to $23.4M (2020). In 2024 it made 282 grants totaling $21.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| YWCA of Kalamazoo Kalamazoo, MI | Human Service-Multipurpose/Other | $1,275,426 |
| Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Kalamazoo, MI | Arts, Culture, Humanities | $782,459 |
| Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center Kalamazoo, MI | Education/Instruction | $736,059 |
| Tides Center San Francisco, CA | Public Affairs/Society Benefit | $597,333 |
| Pretty Lake Camp Mattawan, MI | Youth Development | $506,502 |
| Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Kalamazoo, MI | Arts, Culture, Humanities | $451,839 |
| Michigan Organizing Project (Michigan United) Kalamazoo, MI | Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy | $400,000 |
| United Way of South Central Michigan Kalamazoo, MI | Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grant Making Foundations | $375,000 |
| Kalamazoo Public Library Kalamazoo, MI | Education/Instruction | $371,386 |
| Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency Portage, MI | Education/Instruction | $360,172 |
Ready to take the next step with Kalamazoo Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $698,598,440 | $71,389,653 | $34,688,443 | $21,437,066 | 282 | $51,449,304 |
| 2023 | $639,999,796 | $40,712,525 | $32,393,557 | $22,878,906 | 229 | $21,526,282 |
| 2022 | $567,971,966 | $41,967,790 | $29,976,106 | $19,529,648 | 271 | $28,757,565 |
| 2021 | $677,092,659 | $78,067,850 | $28,000,711 | $18,374,316 | 223 | $64,627,939 |
| 2020 | $585,479,604 | $122,279,191 | $31,049,211 | $23,447,801 | 244 | $108,054,523 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County. Its stated community impact priorities are wealth, housing, education and neighborhoods. Its website also emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, racial equity, anti-racism and access for people with intersecting oppressed identities.
The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and public entities serving Kalamazoo County, as well as eligible projects with fiscal sponsors. Its grants and funds support a range of work. For example, the YWCA of Kalamazoo describes its work as dedicated to social justice, raising women’s economic status and eliminating racism. Kalamazoo Civic Theatre says it creates theatrical productions and educational experiences that build community and foster social justice and anti-racism. Family Health Center describes its mission as ensuring access to quality, comprehensive, patient-centered health care.
The foundation also administers scholarship funds. Its 2024 filing says scholarship funds provided fellowships and scholarships to 464 students. Grants from donor-advised and designated funds are made to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations with the capacity to use the grant as intended. Grants from unrestricted funds require an application describing the purpose and expected outcomes, followed by a project report.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 282 grants totaling $21,437,066. The median grant was $31,700; grants ranged from $5,150 to $1,275,426.
The largest reported 2024 grants included $1,275,426 to YWCA of Kalamazoo for multipurpose human services; $782,459 to Kalamazoo Civic Theatre for arts, culture and humanities; $736,059 to Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center for education; and $597,333 to Tides Center for public affairs and society benefit. Other large awards included $506,502 to Pretty Lake Camp for youth development, $451,839 to Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for arts, culture and humanities, and $375,000 to United Way of an individual recipient for philanthropy and grantmaking.
The foundation’s grant guide describes multiyear general operations, annual responsive, capital and mobilizing grants. Multiyear general operations grants are for organizations serving Kalamazoo County and aligned with at least one of the foundation’s WHEN priorities. The guide lists awards of $25,000 to $175,000 per year, with an estimated average of $50,000, for a three-year term. Organizations can apply once every three years; recipients generally will not be prioritized for Annual Responsive Grants. The guide says the next multiyear application opportunity is in spring 2028.
The foundation does not fund, through its multiyear general operations grant, election-intervention projects, support for or opposition to political candidates, voter registration or lobbying purposes; annual appeals or event sponsorships; episodic or one-time programs and events; or direct funding for individuals. Its scholarship grants include awards directed to educational institutions. For example, the Benjamin & Cherie Gubin Scholarship listing describes a one-time award for eligible graduate students, while the William R. Steers scholarship listing describes a $1,500 renewable award for eligible high school seniors planning to attend Albion College full-time. The listed typical March 1 scholarship deadline is past for 2026.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Von Washington Jr as chair/trustee; Dr. L Marshall Washington as treasurer/trustee; and Amy Upjohn as vice chair/trustee. It also lists trustees Jorge Gonzalez, Artrella Cohn, James Escamilla, Xiaoan Li, Kama Tai Mitchell, Sydney Parfet and Lucas Mansberger.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation is led by Grace Lubwama, CEO & President on every filing since 2023; 10 of 21 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Grace Lubwama
CEO & President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$144K (2023) → $365K (2024)
Von Washington Jr.
Chair & Trustee
Trustee → Chair & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robyn Bennett
Director, People & Culture
Hr Director → Director, People & Culture, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$116K (2023) → $125K (2024)
Andrew Grayson
Director & Scholorships
New on the 2024 filing
39.2 hrs/week
$106K (2024)
Cynthia Trout
Director & Development
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$117K (2024)
Amy Upjohn
Vice Chair & Trustee
Trustee → Vice Chair & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Escamilla
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jorge Gonzalez
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sydney Parfet
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Artrella Cohn
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kama Tai Mitchell
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
L. Marshall Washington
Treasurer & Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lucas Mansberger
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Xiaoan Li
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joanna Dales
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Vice President & Donor Relations → Chief Philanthropy Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$151K (2020) → $174K (2024)
Alyssa Stewart
Chief Community Impact Officer
New on the 2024 filing
37 hrs/week
$122K (2024)
Demetrias Wolverton
Chief People & Public Affairs Officer
New on the 2024 filing
38 hrs/week
$104K (2024)
Henry Toledo
Chief Technology Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$121K (2024)
Joshua Sledge
Chief Investment Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$152K (2024)
Raymond Byers
Chief Financial Officer -
New on the 2024 filing
37 hrs/week
$105K (2024)
Sarah Jennings
Fractional CFO -
Fractional CFO → Fractional CFO -, 2024
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Erycka Hunter (2021–2023) — Vice President, People & Operations
- Former: Jennifer Heymoss (2021–2023) — Vice President, Initiatives & Public Policy
- Former: Riccardo Stoeckicht (2022–2023) — Interim CFO
- Former: Sarah Lee (2022–2023) — Vice President & Marketing Communications
- Former: Kenlana Ferguson (2023) — Community Impact Director
- Former: Carolyn Pickett-Erway (2020–2022) — CEO & President -
- Former: Carolyn Williams (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Stephen Johnson (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Susan Springgate (2020–2022) — Vice President, Finance & Investments -
- Former: Sandra Loken (2021–2022) — Vice President, Community Impact & Investment
- Former: Mee Moua (2022) — Interim Co-Ceo -
- Former: Vallay Varro (2022) — Interim Co-Ceo -
- Former: Frank Sardone (2020–2021) — Vice Chair & Trustee
- Former: Martha Gonzalez-Cortes (2020–2021) — Vice President & Community Investment
- Former: Mary Harper (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Elena Mireles-Hill (2021) — Interim Vice President & Community Investment
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 $365K, to Grace Lubwama (CEO/President). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Kalamazoo Community Foundation
How much does Kalamazoo Community Foundation give each year?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation gave $21.4M across 282 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $22.9M across 229 grants.
What is Kalamazoo Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $31,700, and its average grant was $76,018, across 282 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Kalamazoo Community Foundation that year got $44K on average.
Where does Kalamazoo Community Foundation give grants?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 94% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Kalamazoo, MI (165 grants), Portage, MI (15 grants), Detroit, MI (12 grants) and New York, NY (8 grants).
Does Kalamazoo Community Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 3% of Kalamazoo Community Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (8 of 282) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Education/Instruction" (47 grants), "Human Service-Multipurpose/Other" (40 grants) and "Religious Related/Spiritual Development" (33 grants).
Who are Kalamazoo Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include YWCA of Kalamazoo ($1,275,426), Kalamazoo Civic Theatre ($782,459) and Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center ($736,059), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Kalamazoo Community Foundation?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation reported $698.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $71.4M.
What does Kalamazoo Community Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County. Its stated community impact priorities are wealth, housing, education and neighborhoods. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Kalamazoo Community Foundation?
The foundation’s website describes applications for its grant programs and gives eligibility and reporting requirements for multiyear grants. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Kalamazoo Community Foundation's EIN?
Kalamazoo Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3333202. 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 November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 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 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Kalamazoo Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Kalamazoo Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/kalamazoo-community-foundation-morg_2953e48417074d02b2671b33bc810f56
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383333202_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Kalamazoo Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/kalamazoo-community-foundation-morg_2953e48417074d02b2671b33bc810f56},
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 Kalamazoo 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.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?