The Miller Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation based in Battle Creek, Michigan. Established in 1963 and tax-exempt since March 1964, the foundation was originally named the Albert L. and Louise B. Miller Foundation to honor the parents of founder Robert B. Miller. For over 50 years, the foundation has maintained a commitment to building, serving, and giving within the Battle Creek community, guided by Robert B. Miller's vision to "help things happen in Battle Creek."
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$588K
+7.5% YoY
Grant Count
84
+12.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
-4.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the Battle Creek community area by supporting local organizations and government agencies that provide for:
- Economic development
- Neighborhood improvement
- Improving educational outcomes for youth
- Eliminating barriers to employment
- Arts and creative education
The foundation's primary funding focus areas include education, human services, poverty alleviation, and nonprofit support. A significant initiative is the BCreative program, which funds field trip grants for teachers and scholarships for K-12 students in Battle Creek to attend creative camps and programs. The foundation recognizes the need for comprehensive arts programs and aims to bring arts education back into local school classrooms.
Grantmaking
The Miller Foundation welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations that serve Battle Creek, Michigan. All grantees must be 501(c)(3) organizations.
Grant Types
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Miller Foundation focuses exclusively on Battle Creek, Michigan and the surrounding area.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $20,846,057
- Total Giving: $587,590
- Total Revenue: $951,712
- Total Expenses: $1,200,086
- Staff: 2 employees
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $21.1 million
- Revenue: $1.3 million
- Expenses: $1.17 million
- Total Liabilities: $209,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Legal Services of South Central Michigan ($70,000), Charitable Union ($65,000), Bc Habitat for Humanity ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BATTLE CREEK AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOL BATTLE CREEK, MI | CEO GRANTS | $100 |
| BATTLE CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS BATTLE CREEK, MI | STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS | $1,268 |
| BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED BATTLE CREEK, MI | COMMUNITY SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED BATTLE CREEK, MI | CEO GRANTS | $500 |
| BATTLEGROUND SKATE HOUSE & YOUTH BATTLE CREEK, MI | BOARD GRANTS | $10,000 |
| BC CHRISTIAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER BATTLE CREEK, MI | CEO GRANTS | $500 |
| BC HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BATTLE CREEK, MI | BOARD GRANTS | $50,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BATTLE CREEK, MI | BOARD GRANTS | $20,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BATTLE CREEK, MI | CEO GRANTS | $500 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BATTLE CREEK, MI | NP ORGANIZATION SUPPORT | $500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Sara Wallace — President
The foundation is served by three generations of the Miller family.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEBORAH DINGWALL | SECRETARY | 2 | $5,000 |
| JOHN GALLAGHER | CHAIRMAN | 1 | $12,500 |
| GREG DOTSON | VICE CHAIRMAN | 1 | $5,000 |
| JIM LANCE | TREASURER | 1 | $5,000 |
| PAUL OHM | TRUSTEE | 1 | $5,000 |
| KEN TSUCHIYAMA | TRUSTEE | 1 | $4,000 |
| KATE SEGAL | TRUSTEE | 1 | $5,000 |
| SARA WALLACE | PRESIDENT & CEO | 1 | $171,724 |
Contact Information
Address: 310 Wahwahtaysee Way, Battle Creek, MI 49015-4065
Phone: 269-964-3542
Website: www.themillerfoundation.com
EIN: 38-6064925
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Miller Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the Battle Creek community area by supporting local organizations and government agencies that provide for: • Economic development • Neighborhood improvement • Improving educational outcomes for youth • Eliminating barriers to employment • Arts and creative education The foundation's primary funding focus areas include education, human services, poverty alleviation, and nonprofit support. A significant initiative is the **BCreative p…
How do I apply for a grant from Miller Foundation?
The Miller Foundation welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations that serve Battle Creek, Michigan. All grantees must be 501(c)(3) organizations. **Grant Activity:** • Typical award amounts range from $50,000 to $70,000 • In 2024, the foundation made 81 grants totaling $587,590 • Recent grantees include Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), Charitable Union, and Safe Place • Over $35 million in grants has been distributed throughout the foundation's history • More than $500,000 has been given t…
Where does Miller Foundation make grants?
The Miller Foundation focuses exclusively on Battle Creek, Michigan and the surrounding area.
What size grants does Miller Foundation award?
In 2024, Miller Foundation awarded 84 grants totaling $588K — an average of about $7K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Miller Foundation's EIN?
Miller Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-6064925. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Miller 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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