Sage Foundation
SAGE Foundation is a private foundation based in Brighton, Michigan, established in March 1955. The organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operates as a philanthropic grantmaking entity supporting various charitable initiatives across the United States.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+0.6% YoY
Grant Count
70
-11.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$27K
+13.5% YoY
Grantmaking
SAGE Foundation distributed approximately $1.87 million in grants during fiscal year 2024. The foundation maintains total assets of $46.9 million, positioning it as a significant regional funder.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
SAGE Foundation's grantmaking extends across multiple U.S. states and cities, with particular emphasis on:
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Kentucky
- California
- Colorado
- New York
The foundation supports major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $46,851,639
- Total Revenue: $2,407,979
- Total Expenses: $2,393,978
- Net Income: $14,001
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Total Giving: $1,866,500
The foundation maintains a strong financial position with no outstanding liabilities and consistent annual grantmaking activity.
| 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
152 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Hillsdale College ($200,000), Grant Park Orchestral Association ($125,000), Joffrey Ballet ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Center For the Arts Adrian, MI | General, charitable, educational | $10,000 |
| Adrian College Adrian, MI | General, charitable, educational - Music Program (Steinway Piano) | $75,000 |
| Adrian College Adrian, MI | General, charitable, educational - Hockey program | $7,500 |
| After School Matters Chicago, IL | General, charitable, educational | $15,000 |
| Alice Lloyd College Pippa Passes, KY | General, charitable, educational | $10,000 |
| American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation Chicago, IL | General, charitable, educational | $5,000 |
| Ascension Providence Foundation Novi, MI | General, charitable, educational | $10,000 |
| Associated Charities of Lenawee County Adrian, MI | General, charitable, educational | $10,000 |
| Beds 4 Kids Oak Park, MI | General, charitable, educational | $2,500 |
| Big Shoulders Fund Chicago, IL | General, charitable, educational | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Melissa Sage Fadim serves as Chairperson, President, Secretary, and Treasurer, dedicating 20 hours per week with annual compensation of $75,000.
Additional key personnel include:
- Emily M Booth – Trustee (no compensation)
- James E Van Doren – Vice President and Trustee (no compensation)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Sage Fadim | Chairprson,President,Secretary,Treasur | 20 | $75,000 |
| Emily M Booth | Trustee | 1 | — |
| James E Van Doren | Vice President, Trustee | 2 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a grant from Sage Foundation?
SAGE Foundation distributed approximately $1.87 million in grants during fiscal year 2024. The foundation maintains total assets of $46.9 million, positioning it as a significant regional funder. **Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $1,000–$200,000 • Primary funding focus areas include Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services • The foundation supports a diverse range of initiatives and remains open to new applicants
Where does Sage Foundation make grants?
SAGE Foundation's grantmaking extends across multiple U.S. states and cities, with particular emphasis on: • Illinois • Michigan • Kentucky • California • Colorado • New York The foundation supports major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
What size grants does Sage Foundation award?
In 2024, Sage Foundation awarded 70 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $27K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Sage Foundation's EIN?
Sage Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-6041518. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Sage 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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