The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation is a private foundation based in Troy, Michigan, established in 1924. It works nationally to expand equity and opportunity in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing, with a particular focus on Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno.
The Kresge Foundation at a glance
In short: The Kresge Foundation gave $170.0M across 800 grants in 2024 (avg $213K), top state Michigan. 19% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $170,024,313
- +3.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 800
- +0.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $212,530
- +3.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $140,000
- Total assets
- $3,984,695,361
- -2.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (123 of 651, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (25% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Kresge Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Review the relevant program’s application details. Where an opportunity is available, use the Fluxx portal; some opportunities use an open call or request-for-proposals process, while others invite applicants.
- Contact
Application contact: The Kresge Foundation
Mailing address: 3215 West Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
Phone: (248) 643-9630
Email: grantsmanagement@kresge.org
Website: https://kresge.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from The Kresge Foundation
Detroit Arts Support Grant
The Kresge Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Detroit Parks Coalition 2026 Summer Parks Programming Grants
The Kresge Foundation
Amount
Up to US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Gilda Awards Grant
The Kresge Foundation
Amount
US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Kresge Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Foundation for Detroits Future ($5.0M). Together the top 10 received $31.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($1,019,370), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
4,264 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 1,805 grants of 4,264 (42%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Kresge describes itself as a national foundation, with most funding directed to work in the United States; its Education Program also supports a portfolio of institutions in South Africa. The filing identifies particular focus in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan (25%), the District of Columbia (15%), California (13%), New York (7%) and Maryland (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 800 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Kresge Foundation open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 123 of 651 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $152K; repeat grants $287K. How we count
Medians: $80K first-time, $150K repeat.
- 73% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+4%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $153.5M (2020) to $170.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 800 grants totaling $170.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation for Detroits Future Detroit, MI | Project Support for the Detroit Retiree- Art Trust | $5,000,000 |
| The Blackbaud Giving Fund Charleston, SC | Matching Gift | $4,406,874 |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Detroit, MI | General Operating Support | $2,830,000 |
| Vose River Charitable Fund Bethesda, MD | Project support grant to support university of South Florida college of public health (COPH) to serve as the new national program office (NPO) | $2,700,000 |
| The Barack Obama Foundation Chicago, IL | Project Support Grant to Support the Obama Foundation | $2,400,000 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc New York, NY | Project support to aid operating support to the center for community investment. | $2,150,000 |
| Marygrove Conservancy Support Corporation Detroit, MI | Project support grant to the marygrove conservancy support corporation (MCSC) to fund the new market tax credits transaction for the marygrove early education center. | $2,000,000 |
| Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Washington, DC | Project support grant toward the collection of oral histories and establish a permanent collection of artifacts. | $2,000,000 |
| Wayne State University Research & Technology Park in the City of Detroit Detroit, MI | Project support to co.act detroit to for kresge innovative projects: detroit round 9. | $2,000,000 |
| College for Creative Studies Detroit, MI | Project support grant to contribute to the vibrancy of detroit communities by providing critical support to individual artists in the tri-county region. | $1,823,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Kresge Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,984,695,361 | $61,261,641 | $214,406,587 | $170,024,313 | 800 | $229,604,073 | $175,937,912 | $199,450,283 |
| 2023 | $4,065,070,521 | $279,706,042 | $236,434,347 | $164,818,702 | 799 | $215,348,887 | $285,126,455 | $194,212,106 |
| 2022 | $4,041,565,416 | $244,988,163 | $214,603,451 | $164,312,456 | 808 | $201,710,543 | $146,828,869 | $217,562,530 |
| 2021 | $4,659,732,301 | $373,549,633 | $238,258,079 | $162,753,736 | 890 | $195,602,532 | $475,276,690 | $215,840,935 |
| 2020 | $4,221,623,029 | $288,149,512 | $168,618,328 | $153,483,157 | 967 | — | $116,791,653 | $182,090,935 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Kresge Foundation reported a distributable amount of $199.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated purpose is to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities and address systemic inequities. It works across programs that include American Cities, Arts & Culture, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services, as well as a Social Investment Practice.
Kresge supports nonprofit operations, projects and planning activities. Its grantmaking includes single-year and multiyear awards, and its social investments use tools such as loans, deposits, equity and guarantees. Examples of grantees’ work include the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, whose mission is to expand equitable access to opportunity in the region, and CultureSource, which says it advances creative and cultural expression in Southeast Michigan. The College for Creative Studies describes its work as educating visual artists and designers and nurturing creativity, while Enterprise Community Partners says it works to make home and community places of pride, belonging and opportunity.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Kresge reported 800 grants totaling $170,024,313. Awards ranged from $150 to $5 million, with a median grant of $140,000. Among the largest grants were $5 million to Foundation for Detroit’s Future for project support for the Detroit Retiree-Art Trust; $4,406,874 to The Blackbaud Giving Fund for a matching gift; $2,830,000 to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for general operating support; and $2.7 million to Vose River Charitable Fund for support of the University of South Florida College of Public Health as a national program office. Other large awards included $2.4 million to The Barack Obama Foundation and $2.15 million to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for support of the Center for Community Investment.
The foundation’s website says program teams most often invite applicants, but sometimes issue open calls for letters of inquiry within a focus area; initiatives may use open requests for proposals. Applications are managed through the Fluxx portal, and first-time users must create an account. The foundation’s 2024 filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its website for application materials and award restrictions. The website’s current funding opportunities page states that no opportunities are open. Separate program listings describe Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit Plus grants and Detroit Arts Support grants as currently open.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Richard Rip Rapson as president, CEO and trustee; Cecilia Munoz as board chair and trustee; and John Barker as vice president and CIO. Other listed officers and trustees include Zenna Elhasan, Benjamin S. Kennedy, Amy B. Robinson, Richard R. Buery Jr., Audrey Choi and John A. Fry. James L. Bildner is listed as a trustee whose service ended in June 2024.
The Kresge Foundation is led by Richard R. Buery Jr Stmt, President, CEO, Trustee & Trustee on every filing since 2020; all 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Richard R. Buery Jr Stmt
President, CEO, Trustee & Trustee
On filings since 2020
55 hrs/week
$851K (2020) → $947K (2024)
Cecilia Munoz Stmt
Board Chair & Trustee
Trustee → Board Chair & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$17K (2020) → $44K (2024)
James L. Bildner Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $14K (2024)
John A. Fry Stmt
Vice President, CIO & Trustee
Trustee → Vice President, CIO & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
55 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $1.2M (2024)
Kathy Ko Chin Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $29K (2024)
Maria Otero Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $14K (2024)
Paula B. Pretlow Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$29K (2020) → $29K (2024)
Suzanne Shank Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$7K (2020) → $29K (2024)
Saunteel Jenkins Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$14K (2022) → $29K (2024)
Audrey Choi Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
$29K (2023) → $29K (2024)
S. Scott Kresge Stmt
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
$14K (2023) → $29K (2024)
Anna Blanding Stmt
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$14K (2024)
Linda Hill Stmt
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$14K (2024)
Amy B. Robinson Stmt
Vice President, CFO, CAO & Treasurer
Vice President, CFO & CAO → Vice President, CFO, CAO & Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
55 hrs/week
$455K (2020) → $548K (2024)
Benjamin S. Kennedy Stmt
Vice President & Programs
On filings since 2020
55 hrs/week
$348K (2020) → $452K (2024)
Zenna Elhasan Stmt
General Counsel & Board Secretary
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$263K (2021) → $395K (2024)
Former officers (9)
- Former: Cynthia L. Kresge Stmt (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Elaine D. Rosen Stmt (2020–2022) — Board Chair Trustee
- Former: Michael S. Barr Stmt (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Nancy M. Schlichting Stmt (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Paul C. Hillegonds Stmt (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Robert J. Manilla Stmt (2020–2022) — Vice President & CIO
- Former: Ariel H. Simon Stmt (2020) — Vice President & Chief Program Officer
- Former: Phillip L. Clay Ph D. Stmt (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Steven K. Hamp Stmt (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $1.2M, to John Barker STMT 24 (VP & CIO). 18 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Kresge Foundation
How much does The Kresge Foundation give each year?
The Kresge Foundation gave $170.0M across 800 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $164.8M across 799 grants.
What is The Kresge Foundation's typical grant size?
The Kresge Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $140,000, and its average grant was $212,530, across 800 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Kresge Foundation that year got $152K on average.
Where does The Kresge Foundation give grants?
The Kresge Foundation's top state is Michigan, with 25% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were District of Columbia (15%) and California (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (123 grants), Washington, DC (120 grants), New York, NY (45 grants) and New Orleans, LA (43 grants).
Does The Kresge Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 24% of The Kresge Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (191 of 800) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Matching Gift" (20 grants), "Annual Member Support" (19 grants) and "Trustee Recognition Grant" (7 grants).
Who are The Kresge Foundation's largest grantees?
The Kresge Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Foundation for Detroits Future ($5,000,000), The Blackbaud Giving Fund ($4,406,874) and Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan ($4,183,000 across 6 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($1,019,370), which are not listed by name. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Kresge Foundation?
The Kresge Foundation reported $4.0B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $229.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $199.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Kresge Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated purpose is to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities and address systemic inequities. It works across programs that include American Cities, Arts & Culture, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services, as well as a Social Investment Practice. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Kresge Foundation?
Review the relevant program’s application details. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Kresge Foundation's EIN?
The Kresge Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-1359217. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Kresge Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Detroit, MI
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan funds nonprofits working in economic opportunity, health equity, youth and education, arts and culture, and public space and the environment across seven southeast Michigan counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; organizations begin with a brief proposal, and selected applicants are invited to submit a full application.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
938
Total Given
$105.1M
The Skillman Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Skillman Foundation funds Detroit organizations working on education systems change, youth development, and community services that support Detroit youth. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000 and ranged from $50 to $500,000; it generally proactively invites partnership applications, though it welcomes connections from organizations and currently accepts applications to its $2,500–$10,000 President’s Discretionary Fund.
Assets
$418.5M
Grants
416
Total Given
$17.8M
Surdna Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Surdna Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits working toward just and sustainable communities, with a focus on racial justice, inclusive economies, healthy environments, and thriving cultures. In 2025, grants ranged from $500 to about $4.08 million, with a median of $90,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests and awards are invitation-based.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
397
Total Given
$56.5M
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds work to help children, families, and communities thrive, including early education, health equity, food systems, family economic well-being, and racial equity. In 2025, its grants ranged from $50 to nearly $5 million, with a median of $100,000; it funds across the United States, with long-term commitments in several states and communities, as well as parts of Mexico and Haiti. It accepts unsolicited proposals online at any time.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
1,818
Total Given
$303.9M
Freedom Together Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation funds work to strengthen multiracial democracy and build community and worker power, racial and gender justice, movement infrastructure, reproductive health, medical research, and community institutions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $14 million, with a median of $500,000; its largest shares went to organizations in Washington, DC, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
595
Total Given
$470.0M
United States Energy Foundation
San Francisco, CA
United States Energy Foundation funds education, outreach, and analysis advancing clean and equitable energy and climate solutions, including renewable energy, efficiency, clean transportation, buildings, and industry, in the United States. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $21 million, with a median of $135,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals; grant-seekers must be invited.
Assets
$215.7M
Grants
597
Total Given
$166.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in Michigan
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Kresge Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-kresge-foundation-morg_cb06dfe604cb4e02adadea994173ec0b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_381359217_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Kresge Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-kresge-foundation-morg_cb06dfe604cb4e02adadea994173ec0b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. 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 The Kresge 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.
The Kresge Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?