The Kiefer Foundation
The Kiefer Foundation works to end distracted driving and save lives by changing behavior through education on the importance of safe driving, and by promoting technology that helps to prevent distracted driving.
The Kiefer Foundation at a glance
In short: The Kiefer Foundation gave $65K across 5 grants in 2025 (avg $13K), top state Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $65,340
- -34.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 5
- +400.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $13,068
- -86.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,169
- Total assets
- $1,083,801
- +29.0% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Illinois (42% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Who The Kiefer Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 4 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Stop Distractions Org ($28K). Together the top 4 received $55K.
Grant Size Distribution
11 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 7 grants of 11 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 5 itemized grants.
Cities
How The Kiefer Foundation gives
- Giving fell 41% from 2022 to 2025. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $65K (2025) to $114K (2023). In 2025 it made 5 grants totaling $65K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Distractions Org Woodridge, IL | Funding for services related to educating on the importance of hands-free laws. | $27,500 |
| Rapid Press Inc Tallahasse, FL | Printing of Ground Your Parents (Distracted Driving) educational kits to fulfill grant obligations from State Farm Funding | $12,159 |
| Miscellaneous | General | $10,169 |
| The Celani Family Foundation Novi, MI | Sponsorship of Cars & Cigars Event, and "Hunger Free in the D" Bocce Ball Fundraising event | $9,000 |
| Impact Solutions Lansing, MI | Hand paddles and wrist bands (promotional materials) to support various events | $6,512 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,083,801 | $739,899 | $622,120 | $65,340 | 5 | $28,320 |
| 2024 | $840,386 | $748,180 | $435,966 | $100,000 | 1 | $29,897 |
| 2023 | $535,672 | $559,254 | $277,161 | $113,750 | 2 | $16,640 |
| 2022 | $253,579 | $276,930 | $300,540 | $110,000 | 2 | $156 |
| 2021 | $277,189 | $42,180 | $310,269 | $100,000 | 1 | $48 |
| 2020 | $545,278 | $4,625 | $125,142 | $90,854 | 2 | $195 |
About The Kiefer Foundation
Based on IRS filings
The Kiefer Foundation is a public charity focused on Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness & Relief, based in Plymouth, MI. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $1.1M in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 5 grants totaling $65K. Net investment income was $28K.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Kiefer Foundation is led by Melissa Hamrick, Executive Director on the 2025 filing; 1 of 7 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Melissa Hamrick
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$89K (2025)
Steve Kiefer
President & Chairman
President → President & Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Knoth
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rob Fischer
Director
Board Member → Trustee, 2024
Trustee → Director, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Hotchkiss
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Blake S. Kiefer
Secretary & Vice President
Vice President & S → Vice President, 2024
Vice President → Secretary & Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Mistry
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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 $89K, to Melissa Hamrick (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The Kiefer Foundation
How much does The Kiefer Foundation give each year?
The Kiefer Foundation gave $65K across 5 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $100K across 1 grant.
What is The Kiefer Foundation's typical grant size?
The Kiefer Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,169, and its average grant was $13,068, across 5 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Kiefer Foundation give grants?
The Kiefer Foundation's top state is Illinois, with 42% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Michigan (24%) and Florida (19%).
Does The Kiefer Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 20% of The Kiefer Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 5) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Kiefer Foundation's largest grantees?
The Kiefer Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Stop Distractions Org ($27,500), Rapid Press Inc ($12,159) and The Celani Family Foundation ($9,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 74% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Kiefer Foundation?
The Kiefer Foundation reported $1.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $740K.
What is The Kiefer Foundation?
The Kiefer Foundation is a public charity focused on Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness & Relief, based in Plymouth, MI. It holds $1.1M in total assets as of 2025.
What is The Kiefer Foundation's EIN?
The Kiefer Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4314355. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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