Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation
The Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation is a private foundation based in Holland, Michigan. Its 2025 filing reports 10 grants totaling $186,250, all to Michigan recipients.
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation at a glance
In short: Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation gave $186K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $19K), mostly in Michigan. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $186,250
- -23.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- -33.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $18,625
- +14.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $6,875
- Total assets
- $5,239,504
- +4.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (3 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% 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 Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1979, Holland, MI 49422-1979
Phone: (616) 396-6521
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids ($80K). Together the top 10 received $186K.
Grant Size Distribution
78 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 71 grants of 78 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Michigan. The listed grants went to organizations in Grand Rapids, Holland, Allendale, and Lansing.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 10 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $24K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $6K repeat.
- 60% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 40% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 60% 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 (2020–2025). 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 $186K (2025) to $309K (2022). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $186K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI | Program Service | $80,000 |
| Community Foundation of Holland-Zeeland Holland, MI | Program Service | $50,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of West Michigan Grand Rapids, MI | Program Service | $20,000 |
| Arbor Circle Grand Rapids, MI | Program Service | $10,000 |
| Grand Rapids Art Museum Grand Rapids, MI | Program Service | $7,500 |
| Community Action House Holland, MI | Program Service | $6,250 |
| GVSU Hillel Allendale, MI | Program Service | $5,000 |
| Grand Rapids Symphony Grand Rapids, MI | Program Service | $3,750 |
| Holland Educational Foundation Holland, MI | Program Service | $2,500 |
| Lansing Symphony Orchestra Lansing, MI | Program Service | $1,250 |
Ready to take the next step with Louis and Helen Padnos 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 | $5,239,504 | $369,443 | $230,442 | $186,250 | 10 | $186,250 | $331,326 | $312,632 |
| 2024 | $5,002,757 | $461,447 | $283,978 | $244,500 | 15 | $244,500 | $152,828 | $292,050 |
| 2023 | $5,211,834 | $51,228 | $289,185 | $252,833 | 15 | $252,833 | $9,128 | $279,322 |
| 2022 | $5,472,702 | $394,141 | $356,030 | $309,478 | 23 | $309,478 | $502,254 | $309,045 |
| 2021 | $5,564,597 | $390,175 | $246,953 | $205,200 | 15 | — | $450,281 | $307,646 |
| 2020 | $5,058,778 | $223,827 | $313,082 | $269,500 | 14 | — | $247,451 | $306,000 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation reported a distributable amount of $313K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for organizations whose stated missions span community services, arts, mental wellbeing, and Jewish community needs. For example, the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids says it strengthens and unifies the Jewish community and provides for cultural, social, and financial needs; Arbor Circle says it advances mental wellbeing through counseling and supportive services; the Grand Rapids Art Museum describes its work as connecting people through art, creativity, and design; and Community Action House says it provides food, clothing, shelter, and skills-building opportunities.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 10 grants totaling $186,250. Grant amounts ranged from $1,250 to $80,000, with a median grant of $6,875. The largest grants were $80,000 to the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids, $50,000 to the Community Foundation of Holland-Zeeland, $20,000 to Planned Parenthood of West Michigan, $10,000 to Arbor Circle, and $7,500 to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. All were listed with the purpose “PROGRAM SERVICE.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jeffrey S. Padnos as president and trustee; Mitchell W. Padnos as treasurer and trustee; Shelley E. Padnos as secretary and trustee; and Douglas B. Padnos, Daniel P. Padnos, William R. Padnos, and Cynthia B. Padnos as trustees.
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation is led by Jeffrey S. Padnos, President & Trustee on every filing since 2020; none of the 7 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jeffrey S. Padnos
President & Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia B. Padnos
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel P. Padnos
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas B. Padnos
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mitchell W. Padnos
Treasurer & Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shelley E. Padnos
Secretary & Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William R. Padnos
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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 Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation
How much does Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation give each year?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation gave $186K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $245K across 15 grants.
What is Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's typical grant size?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $6,875, and its average grant was $18,625, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation that year got $24K on average.
Where does Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation give grants?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Grand Rapids, MI (5 grants) and Holland, MI (3 grants).
Does Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Service" (10 grants).
Who are Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's largest grantees?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids ($80,000), Community Foundation of Holland-Zeeland ($50,000) and Planned Parenthood of West Michigan ($20,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 81% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation reported $5.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $186K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $313K (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 Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for organizations whose stated missions span community services, arts, mental wellbeing, and Jewish community needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's EIN?
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3476218. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Louis and Helen Padnos 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 October 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 April 1, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 9, 2026)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 10, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Michigan
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Community Foundation funds nonprofits and eligible public or fiduciary-sponsored organizations working in education, health, neighborhoods, arts and culture, economic prosperity, and the environment, with an emphasis on equity and reducing barriers. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,065 to $2.36 million, with a median of $23,000, and primarily serve Kent County and West Michigan; eligible applicants can submit an online pre-application for projects fitting its priorities.
Assets
$483.6M
Grants
377
Total Given
$22.0M
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area Inc
Holland, MI
The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area funds charitable work across areas including education, health, housing, human services, arts, and community development, serving the greater Holland/Zeeland area of Michigan. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $23,300; responsive grants include capital awards up to $40,000 and eligible program expansions up to $60,000 over two years. Applicants are directed to contact foundation staff to begin the application process; whether unsolicited requests are accepted is not stated.
Assets
$134.9M
Grants
217
Total Given
$12.6M
Frey Foundation
Grand Rapids, MI
The Frey Foundation supports community building, children and families, community arts, and environmental work in West and Northern Michigan. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $500,000. It accepts brief inquiries from charitable or tax-exempt organizations whose work fits its priorities.
Assets
$162.4M
Grants
195
Total Given
$4.8M
Howard Miller Foundation
Zeeland, MI
The Howard Miller Foundation supports organizations across varied fields, primarily in Michigan, where 95% of its 2025 grant dollars went. Its 57 grants ranged from $5,000 to $280,000, with a median of $13,000. The filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests; scholarship details are available upon request.
Assets
$17.6M
Grants
57
Total Given
$1.1M
CDV5 Foundation
Grand Rapids, MI
CDV5 Foundation funds children’s health and wellness, mental health, entrepreneurship—especially among women and youth—American values, and direct assistance, primarily in Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, with support for select regions elsewhere. In 2024, grants ranged from $7,500 to $925,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts applications at any time through its online portal and reviews requests on a rolling basis.
Assets
$72.2M
Grants
59
Total Given
$4.2M
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
More similar funders
More Funders in Michigan
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/louis-and-helen-padnos-foundation-morg_a9e5ac04acde43bbbca2d4320285546a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383476218_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/louis-and-helen-padnos-foundation-morg_a9e5ac04acde43bbbca2d4320285546a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 Louis and Helen Padnos 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.
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?