Saginaw Community Foundation
Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a public charity based in Saginaw, Michigan, created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984, it makes grants and works with donors and community organizations to support charitable activities benefiting the county.
Key facts about Saginaw Community Foundation
In short: Saginaw Community Foundation gave $2.3M across 93 grants in 2025 (avg $25K), mostly in Michigan. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 38-2474297
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,285,070
- Grants made (2025)
- 93
- Average grant
- $24,571
- Median grant
- $15,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (28 of 93, 2025)
- Total assets
- $114,726,847
- Primary geography
- Michigan (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$114.7M
+8.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.3M
+18.6% YoY
Grant Count
93
+31.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$25K
-9.4% YoY
Is Saginaw Community Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 28 of 93 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $28K. How we count
Medians: $11K first-time, $16K repeat.
- 49% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+5%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). 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
SCF’s stated mission is “To fulfill donor wishes and enable community initiatives to come to life, now and forever.” Its grantmaking is guided by donor wishes and supports projects that enhance or preserve quality of life in Saginaw County, address needs not adequately served by existing resources, leverage additional funds or community resources, or foster cooperation between organizations.
SCF awards grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local units of government, and religious institutions for work benefiting Saginaw County. Individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and youth groups may be eligible when SCF or another nonprofit serves as a fiscal sponsor. Its website says grants must benefit Saginaw County citizens or programs, while noting that collaboration with regional community foundation partners can extend impact across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. United Way of Saginaw County says its mission is to increase people’s organized capacity to care for one another and to help create a safe, nurturing community where families can thrive. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region describes its work as providing programs for youth, with particular concern for disadvantaged young people and the growth needs of all youth. Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra describes its work as creating memorable experiences through symphonic music.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, SCF reported 93 grants totaling $2,285,070. Grants ranged from $5,234 to $235,467, with a median of $15,000. The largest reported grants included $235,467 to United Way of Saginaw County for its Ramp/Mobility Program, Imagination Library, program support, and work benefiting Saginaw County; $174,572 to an individual recipient State University Foundation for scholarships and other named programs; and $86,860 to Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra for general support and an agency distribution. Other large awards included $72,469 to Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan, $60,898 to Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square, and $56,785 to Hidden Harvest.
SCF’s general grant application is considered by one or more of five competitive grantmaking committees through a single application. Applicants must contact staff before applying to discuss eligibility and receive a grant number; the number must be included in the application. The application is supplied in editable format after a number is assigned. The website says supporting materials may include project expense documentation, up to five letters of support, a map, or photographs.
SCF generally makes grants for one year. Its guidelines say grants normally do not support operating budgets, basic municipal services, basic educational functions, endowment campaigns, previously incurred debt, or sectarian religious programs. Grant funding cannot be used for political campaigns, religious activities, or expenses unrelated to the funded project or program.
SCF’s website lists the HSC Care Fund, Community Improvement Initiative Grant, and Grants for Excellence as current programs, but provides limited program details. General grant applications have recurring February 1, June 1, and October 1 deadlines. The October 1, 2026 deadline has passed.
Open Grants
10 open opportunities from Saginaw Community Foundation
Community Improvement Initiative Grant
Saginaw Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Community Improvement Initiative Grant Program
Saginaw Community Foundation
Amount
Up to US $40,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Dow communityGives Grant
Saginaw Community Foundation
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with Saginaw Community Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
SCF’s general guidelines say grants ordinarily must benefit Saginaw County, and its website says grantmaking should reach communities throughout the county. In 2025, 99% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 93 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2020) to $2.3M (2023). In 2025 it made 93 grants totaling $2.3M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was United Way of Saginaw County ($235K). Together the top 10 received $766K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($174,572), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
354 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 309 grants of 354 (87%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Way of Saginaw County Saginaw, MI | Ramp/Mobility Program, Imagination Library, Program support and For the benefit of Saginaw County | $235,467 |
| 1 individual scholarship Recipients not named | — | $174,572 |
| Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra Saginaw, MI | General Support and 2024 Agency Distribution | $86,860 |
| Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan Saginaw, MI | General support, Higher Purpose, and Agency Distribution | $72,469 |
| Children's Zoo at Celebration Square Saginaw, MI | Edward and Erna Ederer Memorial Saginaw Children's Zoo Fund, General support | $60,898 |
| Hidden Harvest Saginaw, MI | General support, Hidden Harvest - Capital Campaign, and Hunger Solution Center Expansion | $56,785 |
| Saginaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau Saginaw, MI | Tourism Economic Development Project | $55,645 |
| Covenant Academies Foundation Muskegon, MI | Saginaw Covenant Academy, General support | $52,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region Bay City, MI | Program support and Building Brighter Futures Capital Campaign | $51,000 |
| Saginaw County Youth Protection Council Saginaw, MI | Program support | $50,359 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,726,847 | $13,548,875 | $10,269,339 | $2,285,070 |
| 2024 | $105,685,649 | $12,328,285 | $7,415,140 | $1,926,191 |
| 2023 | $94,932,376 | $8,646,028 | $6,560,445 | $2,329,561 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $114,726,847 | $105,685,649 | $94,932,376 |
| Revenue | $13,548,875 | $12,328,285 | $8,646,028 |
| Expenses | $10,269,339 | $7,415,140 | $6,560,445 |
| Net Investment Income | $7,503,066 | $5,436,179 | $2,974,894 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 6, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS October 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS December 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 8, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Renee Johnston as President and CEO; Todd Gregory as Board Chair; Dana Tell as Vice Chair; Iris Marteja as a physician; Rob Kain as Treasurer; Tom Miller Jr as Assistant Treasurer; Elian Fichtner as Community Liaison; John Shelton as Immediate Past Board Chair; and Kwame Akowuah and Andy Ault as directors.
Saginaw Community Foundation is led by Renee Johnston, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2019); 3 of 22 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Renee Johnston
President & CEO
President → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$116K (2019) → $171K (2025)
Todd Gregory
Board Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori TenEyck
Director of Finance
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$102K (2025)
Brian Keenen-Lechel
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Pryor
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rumi Shahzad
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Collier
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Ault
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jill Miller
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kwame Akowuah
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Ellison
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Ellis
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Brown
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Nigl
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Webster
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Rutheford
COO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$129K (2025)
Dana Tell
Vice Chair
Community Li → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elian Fichtner
Community Liaison
Director → Community Liaison, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Iris Marteja
Physician
Director → Assistant Tr, 2022
Assistant Tr → Physician, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Shelton
Immediate Past Board Chair
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Immediate Past Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rob Kain
Treasurer
Director → Community Li, 2022
Community Li → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Miller Jr.
Assistant Treasurer
Director → Assistant Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Richard Watson IV (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Felicia Rose-Barry (2019–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Laura B. Yockey (2019–2023) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Mike Gomez (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Odie Pruitt III (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Jessica Hernandez (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Jill Dralle (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Trish Luplow (2019–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Mamie Thorns (2020–2021) — Immediate Pa
- Former: Nana Kwame Akowuah (2021) — Director
- Former: Kathy Stewart (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Jodi McFarland (2019) — Director
- Former: Keith Wenzel (2019) — United Way L
- Former: Marnie Thorns (2019) — Chair
- Former: Smallwood Holoman Jr. (2019) — Immediate Pa
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $171K, to Renee Johnston (President & CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1 Tuscola St Rmste 100, Saginaw, MI 48607
Phone: (989) 755-0545
Website: https://saginawfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about Saginaw Community Foundation
How much does Saginaw Community Foundation give each year?
Saginaw Community Foundation gave $2.3M across 93 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 71 grants.
What is Saginaw Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Saginaw Community Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $24,571, across 93 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Saginaw Community Foundation that year got $17K on average.
Where does Saginaw Community Foundation give grants?
Saginaw Community Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Saginaw, MI (53 grants), Bay City, MI (5 grants), Freeland, MI (4 grants) and Frankenmuth, MI (4 grants).
Does Saginaw Community Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 38% of Saginaw Community Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (35 of 93) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Region 5 PQC mini grant" (5 grants) and "Program support" (3 grants).
Who are Saginaw Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Saginaw Community Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include United Way of Saginaw County ($235,467), Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra ($86,860) and Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan ($72,469), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($174,572), which are not listed by name. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Saginaw Community Foundation?
Saginaw Community Foundation reported $114.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $13.5M.
What does Saginaw Community Foundation fund?
SCF’s stated mission is “To fulfill donor wishes and enable community initiatives to come to life, now and forever.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Saginaw Community Foundation?
Saginaw Community Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check saginawfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Saginaw Community Foundation's EIN?
Saginaw Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-2474297. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching Saginaw Community Foundation by hand.
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