Michigan State University Research, based in East Lansing, Michigan, supports the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and activities related to the university. Its work includes funding university research, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
Key facts about Michigan State University Research Foundation
In short: Michigan State University Research Foundation gave $12.7M across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $552K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 23-7326030
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $12,692,673
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- Average grant
- $551,855
- Median grant
- $18,420
- Total assets
- $656,424,728
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$656.4M
+0.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$12.7M
+5.1% YoY
Grant Count
23
-25.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$552K
+41.6% YoY
How Michigan State University Research Foundation gives
- 57% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−14%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s filing states that its purpose is to support the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and to promote, sponsor, assist, and carry out educational, scientific, charitable, and related activities and objectives of the university. Its website describes its mission as supporting the MSU ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation.
Its stated strategic pillars are Discovery, Innovation, and Connection. Discovery includes grants for research across disciplines; Innovation includes programming and investments for entrepreneurs; Connection includes environments for collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses. The organization also describes endowment management, team and culture, and communication as enabling pillars.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the organization reported 23 grants totaling $12,692,673. Grant amounts ranged from $8,695 to $12,162,542, with a median of $18,420. The largest grant, $12,162,542, went to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees for university support. Other listed grants included $53,368 to The Ohio State University for an NSF ENGINES subrecipient purpose, and startup support grants including $49,620 to Reel Free LLC, $44,239 to Vetr Health LLC, and $42,000 to Carbon Stealth Design LLC.
Open Grants
10 open opportunities from Michigan State University Research Foundation
Conquer Accelerator
Michigan State University Research Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Distinguished Professors
Michigan State University Research Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Michigan Innovation Fund
Michigan State University Research Foundation
Amount
$60,000,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Michigan State University Research Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 filing lists grants to recipients in Michigan and Ohio, with Michigan accounting for the reported grant dollars. The organization describes its venture funding as supporting high-tech startups built around Michigan innovation and its Michigan Rise program as providing capital and grant support to Michigan-based technology startups.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $12.1M (2024) to $18.2M (2023). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $12.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Michigan State University Board of Trustees ($12.2M). Together the top 10 received $12.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
72 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 63 grants of 72 (88%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University Board of Trustees East Lansing, MI | Support University | $12,162,542 |
| The Ohio State University Columbus, OH | NSF Engines Subrecipient | $53,368 |
| Reel Free LLC Lowell, MI | Startup Support | $49,620 |
| Vetr Health LLC Grand Rapids, MI | Startup Support | $44,239 |
| Carbon Stealth Design LLC Ada, MI | Startup Support | $42,000 |
| Ride Yourway Dutton, MI | Startup Support | $40,278 |
| Healthbar Grand Rapids, MI | Startup Support | $34,786 |
| Movefactorx Grand Rapids, MI | Startup Support | $31,856 |
| Sharp & Flat Inc Holland, MI | Startup Support | $25,000 |
| Wimage Grand Rapids, MI | Startup Support | $22,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant total | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $656,424,728 | $44,725,234 | $24,891,311 | $12,692,673 | 23 |
| 2024 | $655,014,665 | $31,661,100 | $25,784,029 | $12,077,470 | 31 |
| 2023 | $600,365,725 | $35,711,061 | $29,167,774 | $18,158,243 | 16 |
The filing type is 990T.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $656,424,728 | $655,014,665 | $600,365,725 |
| Revenue | $44,725,234 | $31,661,100 | $35,711,061 |
| Expenses | $24,891,311 | $25,784,029 | $29,167,774 |
| Net Investment Income | $33,073,886 | $16,994,748 | $23,246,663 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists David Washburn as CEO, Phil Zecher as president, Randolph Cowen as chairman, Scott Eston as vice chairman through December 2024, and John Phillips as vice chairman as of December 2024. It also lists Bruce Leech as treasurer, Linda Hubbard as secretary as of December 2024, and Howard Akumiah, Jon Braeutigam, and Kermitt Brooks as directors.
Michigan State University Research Foundation is led by David Washburn, CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 8 of 34 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
David Washburn
CEO
Executive Director → CEO & Executive Director, 2024
CEO & Executive Director → CEO, 2025
On filings since 2020
37 hrs/week
$403K (2020) → $463K (2025)
Jeffrey Wesley
Executive Director & Ventures
Executive Director → Executive Director Rcv, 2022
Executive Director Rcv → Executive Director & Ventures, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$266K (2020) → $352K (2025)
Phil Zecher
President
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Randolph Cowen
Chairman
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frank Urban
Director of Venture Creation
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$117K (2020) → $166K (2025)
Rebekah Skrzyniarz
Director of Finance
On filings since 2020
38 hrs/week
$126K (2020) → $197K (2025)
Bradley Fingland
Director of Venture Creation
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$141K (2021) → $161K (2025)
Thomas Stewart
Director & Venture Programming
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$139K (2025)
Tommy Skinner
Director Venture Investments
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$150K (2025)
Douglas Gage
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janice Stipp
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Degraaf
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joel Wittenberg
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jon Braeutigam
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Hemingway Hall
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Seifert
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kermitt Brooks
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stan Sokolowski
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Jeitschko
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brianna Scott
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ethel Cormier
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Howard Akumiah
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathryn Stewart
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Tebay
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Guskiewicz
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Glasmacher
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Frace
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Renee Knake Jefferson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Lasch
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Okoneski
Venture Asociate
Venture Associate → Venture Asociate, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$116K (2023) → $151K (2025)
Bruce Leech
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Phillips
Vice Chairman
Secretary → Vice Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Hubbard
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Eston
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (22)
- Former: Melissa Woo (2020–2024) — President
- Former: Prem Bodagala (2021–2024) — Director of Red Cedar Vent.
- Former: Teresa Woodruff (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Kyle McGregor (2023–2024) — Director of Health Innov.
- Former: Norm Beauchamp (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Melanie Foster (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Samuel L. Stanley Jr. MD (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Pat O'Keefe (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Dianne Byrum (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Steve Hsu (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Teresa Sullivan (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Traci Cannon (2020–2021) — Fmr Special Projects
- Former: Alexander McAree (2020) — Director
- Former: John McLane (2020) — Director
- Former: June Youatt (2020) — Director
- Former: Nancy Schlichting (2020) — Director
- Former: Paul Jaques (2020) — Si-Director & Stu. Eng.
- Former: Sarah Kunst (2020) — Director
- Former: Satish Udpa (2020) — Director
- Former: Stan Sokowski (2020) — Director
- Former: Sue Unger (2020) — Director
- Former: Wolfgang Bauer (2020) — President
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $463K, to David Washburn (CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 325 E Grand River Ave Ste 275, East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 353-9268
Website: https://msufoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about Michigan State University Research Foundation
How much does Michigan State University Research Foundation give each year?
Michigan State University Research Foundation gave $12.7M across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $12.1M across 31 grants.
What is Michigan State University Research Foundation's typical grant size?
Michigan State University Research Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $18,420, and its average grant was $551,855, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Michigan State University Research Foundation give grants?
Michigan State University Research Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Grand Rapids, MI (12 grants).
Does Michigan State University Research Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on Michigan State University Research Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Startup Support" (21 grants).
Who are Michigan State University Research Foundation's largest grantees?
Michigan State University Research Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Michigan State University Board of Trustees ($12,162,542), The Ohio State University ($53,368) and Reel Free LLC ($49,620), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 97% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Michigan State University Research Foundation?
Michigan State University Research Foundation reported $656.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $44.7M.
What does Michigan State University Research Foundation fund?
The organization’s filing states that its purpose is to support the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and to promote, sponsor, assist, and carry out educational, scientific, charitable, and related activities and objectives of the university. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Michigan State University Research Foundation?
Michigan State University Research Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check msufoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Michigan State University Research Foundation's EIN?
Michigan State University Research Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7326030. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Michigan State University Research Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Michigan State University Research Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds community-led work focused on children’s health and education, good food, family economic security, racial equity and equitable opportunity. It gives across the United States, with long-term commitments in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans, and also funds in parts of Mexico and Haiti; its 2024 median grant was $100,000. It accepts proposals at any time through its website and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
1,818
Total Given
$303.9M
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Detroit, MI
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan funds work in economic opportunity, health equity, youth and education, arts and culture, and public space and the environment across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely; organizations can submit a brief proposal request for its Community Grants Program, with full applications by invitation.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
938
Total Given
$105.1M
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Flint, MI
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation funds nonprofits working in civil society, youth engagement, environmental sustainability, and Flint-area community development, in Flint and communities around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,000, though awards ranged widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and supports preselected organizations.
Assets
$3.8B
Grants
834
Total Given
$166.4M
The Kresge Foundation
Troy, MI
The Kresge Foundation funds nonprofits working to expand equity and opportunity in U.S. cities, across arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, with particular focus on Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $5 million, with a median of $140,000; it most often invites applicants, though some programs issue open calls, and its Social Investment Practice does not accept unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$4.0B
Grants
800
Total Given
$170.0M
DTE Energy Foundation
Detroit, MI
DTE Energy Foundation funds community transformation, human needs, economic development, education, employment, and environmental initiatives, primarily in Michigan. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $10,000, though amounts ranged from $100 to $1.2 million. Its general application process is invitation-only, but it has offered open calls for specific Michigan programs.
Assets
$129.1M
Grants
442
Total Given
$15.8M
The Skillman Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Skillman Foundation funds Detroit organizations working on education systems change, youth development, and community services that support Detroit youth. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000 and ranged from $50 to $500,000; it generally proactively invites partnership applications, though it welcomes connections from organizations and currently accepts applications to its $2,500–$10,000 President’s Discretionary Fund.
Assets
$418.5M
Grants
416
Total Given
$17.8M
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funds active lifestyles, preparation for success, caregiver support, entrepreneurship and economic development, and nonprofit-sector innovation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, though awards vary widely. It accepts applications year-round through an initial Letter of Inquiry; selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.
Assets
—
Grants
413
Total Given
$141.2M
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Detroit, MI
United Way for Southeastern Michigan funds basic needs, youth opportunity, family financial stability, and racial-equity work, primarily across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; listed opportunities include specific funds, but the profile does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests.
Assets
$59.9M
Grants
360
Total Given
$81.1M
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
Flint and Genesee Group Foundation
Flint, MI
The Flint and Genesee Group Foundation supports educational, charitable, youth, and economic-development activities focused on Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. A 2021 recipient received $15,000, but filings show no grants in 2022–2024, so a typical giving level is unclear. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$183.6M
Grants
304
Total Given
$4.5M
Consumers Energy Foundation
Jackson, MI
Consumers Energy Foundation funds Michigan projects focused on basic needs, education and workforce readiness, environmental protection, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and arts and culture, mainly in Lower Peninsula communities served by Consumers Energy. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $5,000; its 2026 Community Impact program offers up to $20,000 per project. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$67.1M
Grants
296
Total Given
$7.5M
Feeding America West Michigan
Kentwood, MI
Feeding America West Michigan funds hunger-relief organizations and food-distribution programs, including food pantries, meal sites, and summer and mobile food programs, in West Michigan and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (40 counties). Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,028 to $2,280,020, with a median of $40,417. It invites eligible organizations to begin a partner review, which it says is not a formal application.
Assets
$35.8M
Grants
527
Total Given
$44.7M
More Funders in Michigan
Michigan State University Research Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?