Otsego Community Foundation
Otsego Community Foundation is a public charity based in Gaylord, Michigan, formed in 1994. It builds and manages charitable funds, awards grants, and convenes local leaders to support community needs and opportunities, with its work serving Otsego County.
Otsego Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Otsego Community Foundation gave $611K across 32 grants in 2025 (avg $19K), mostly in Michigan. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $611,254
- -58.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 32
- +68.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $19,102
- -75.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $15,254,603
- +30.3% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (16 of 32, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Otsego Community Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s website invites organizations to review the grant guidelines and readiness checklist, then contact the foundation to discuss potential fit. For the Community Grant Program, applicants submit one online application for review by multiple funding partners.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 344, Gaylord, MI 49734
Phone: (989) 731-0597
Website: https://otsegofoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Otsego Community Foundation
Community Grant Program
Otsego Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Otsego Community Foundation Scholarship Program
Otsego Community Foundation
Amount
$500 - $1,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Otsego Community Grant Program
Otsego Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Otsego Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Otsego County Sportsplex ($84K). Together the top 10 received $424K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($12,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
93 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 79 grants of 93 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that its services cover Otsego County. All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 32 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Otsego Community Foundation open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 16 of 32 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $30K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $29K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $163K (2021) to $1.5M (2024). In 2025 it made 32 grants totaling $611K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Otsego County Sportsplex Gaylord, MI | Swim Lessons, Facility Upgrades, Ice Storm Disaster Grant | $83,973 |
| Otsego County United Way Gaylord, MI | High impact start grant, united way immediate relief, annual grant distributions, ice storm disaster grant | $66,612 |
| Otsego County Economic Alliance Gaylord, MI | Ice Storm Disaster Grants | $55,000 |
| Otsego County Food Pantry Gaylord, MI | Annual Grant Distribution, Food Pantry, Disaster Grant | $40,529 |
| Gaylord Community Schools Gaylord, MI | Immediate Relief, Basketball and Football Support | $33,274 |
| Johannesburg Lewiston Area Schools Johannesburg, MI | Literacy Grants, Staff Retainage | $31,799 |
| The Refuge in Otsego County Gaylord, MI | A brighter future for all otsego, immediate relief, ice storm disaster grant | $31,500 |
| Pigeon River Country Association Gaylord, MI | Part-Time Staff Person and Chimney Repair | $30,500 |
| The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Gaylord, MI | Homeless Prevention | $27,500 |
| Vanderbilt Area Schools Vanderbilt, MI | Pigeon river outdoor education & community engagement program, ice storm disaster grant, career pathway counseling | $23,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Otsego Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15,254,603 | $3,563,190 | $1,213,031 | $611,254 | 32 | $888,649 |
| 2024 | $11,705,976 | $3,287,760 | $2,102,426 | $1,487,811 | 19 | $1,041,297 |
| 2023 | $10,476,929 | $2,528,294 | $2,124,801 | $1,056,411 | 14 | $757,907 |
| 2022 | $9,479,509 | $4,643,437 | $1,572,787 | $968,129 | 15 | $371,730 |
| 2021 | $8,104,663 | $1,234,595 | $507,231 | $163,304 | 13 | $401,468 |
| 2020 | $6,724,279 | $834,598 | $564,289 | $247,051 | 18 | $162,005 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is “Activate Generosity for a Strong Community,” through building endowments, awarding grants, and convening leaders. Its stated areas of grant support include arts and culture, conservation, community and economic development, health and human services, education, and youth initiatives.
Its 2025 grants included support for organizations whose own missions span recreation and wellness, community services, economic growth, education, food assistance, and disaster response. For example, Otsego County Sportsplex describes its mission as providing health, wellness, and recreational opportunities; Otsego County United Way says it works to build a stronger community; and Otsego County Economic Alliance says it champions economic growth and quality of life in the region. These are the grantees’ stated missions.
Grantmaking
The foundation’s 2025 filing reports 32 grants totaling $611,254. Grants ranged from $5,293 to $83,973, with a median grant of $10,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $83,973 to Otsego County Sportsplex, $66,612 to Otsego County United Way, $55,000 to Otsego County Economic Alliance, $40,529 to Otsego County Food Pantry, and $33,274 to Gaylord Community Schools. Reported purposes included facility upgrades, food pantry support, education, immediate relief, and disaster grants.
The foundation offers multiple grant opportunities, including its Community Grant Program, Community Choice Grants, capacity-building initiatives, and High Impact Partners. Its website says the Community Grant Program uses a shared application reviewed by multiple funding partners. A 2025 update set a request limit of $500–$10,000, stated that presentations would not be required, and allowed an optional follow-up Q&A if requested by the committee; it also said no new multi-year grants would be made in that cycle. Those 2025 cycle details are past. The website indicates that the 2026 Community Grant Program application is open.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Dana Bensinger as executive director; Justine Hees as chairperson; Annette Wells as vice chairperson; James Camiller as treasurer; and Nancy Kussrow as secretary. Directors listed are Jan Kellogg, Brian Switalski, Katy Xenakis-Makowski, Dave Beyers, and Brandie Meisner.
Otsego Community Foundation is led by Dana Bensinger, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 16 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Dana Bensinger
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
32 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $75K (2025)
Justine Hees
Chairperson
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cherie Nutter
Director
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2023
Chairperson → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katy Xenakis-Makowski
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brandie Meisner
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bob Wilson
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Switalski
Director
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2023
Vice Chairperson → Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Avery Huston
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jan Kellogg
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tanner Catt
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave Beyers
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Merisa Campbell
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Toni Straughen
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Camiller
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Annette Wells
Vice Chairperson
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Kussrow
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Bill Forreider (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Mischa Beyers (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Steve Hutchison (2023) — Director
- Former: Barb Brown (2020–2022) — Chairperson
- Former: Brian Pearson (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Pat Morse (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Bob Courtois (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Grace Blust (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Kaylie McKinley (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Lisha Ramsdell (2020–2021) — Vice Chairperson
- Former: Paul Hartmann (2020–2021) — Chairperson
- Former: Mary Tomaski (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Paul Slough (2020) — Director
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 $75K, to Dana Bensinger (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Otsego Community Foundation
How much does Otsego Community Foundation give each year?
Otsego Community Foundation gave $611K across 32 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.5M across 19 grants.
What is Otsego Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Otsego Community Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $19,102, across 32 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Otsego Community Foundation that year got $8K on average.
Where does Otsego Community Foundation give grants?
Otsego Community 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 Gaylord, MI (20 grants), Traverse City, MI (4 grants) and Johannesburg, MI (3 grants).
Does Otsego Community Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 6% of Otsego Community Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 32) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Otsego Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Otsego Community Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Otsego County Sportsplex ($83,973), Otsego County United Way ($66,612) and Otsego County Economic Alliance ($55,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($12,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Otsego Community Foundation?
Otsego Community Foundation reported $15.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.6M.
What does Otsego Community Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is “Activate Generosity for a Strong Community,” through building endowments, awarding grants, and convening leaders. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Otsego Community Foundation?
The foundation’s website invites organizations to review the grant guidelines and readiness checklist, then contact the foundation to discuss potential fit. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Otsego Community Foundation's EIN?
Otsego Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3216235. 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.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 1, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 4, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 22, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Otsego Community Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Otsego Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Otsego Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/otsego-community-foundation-morg_8841c15a32af4ca295c338128ef16921
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383216235_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Otsego Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/otsego-community-foundation-morg_8841c15a32af4ca295c338128ef16921},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Otsego 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.
Otsego Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?