The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Incorporated in 1969 and launched in 1970, the foundation was established by Richard DeVos Sr., co-founder of Amway (later restructured as Alticor, Inc.), and his wife Helen. The foundation officially sunset on May 1, 2024, after 54 years of philanthropic activity.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$12.0M
+247.8% YoY
Grant Count
2
-60.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$6.0M
+769.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation primarily supported the work of religious agencies, churches, and schools in ministry, outreach, and education. Secondary focus areas included social outreach, the arts, public policy, and health care.
The foundation's giving was rooted in the DeVoses' Christian belief in tithing—returning at least a tenth of their blessings to God's work and people in need. This principle guided their philanthropic approach from the early days of their marriage, when they set aside 10 percent of their income for causes important to them.
Grantmaking
Over its 54-year history, the foundation distributed approximately $1.1 billion to more than 1,000 nonprofits.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation focused its funding in two primary regions: western Michigan and central Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Summary (Final Year):
- Total Revenues: $12,010,588
- Total Expenses: $12,002,362
- Total Assets: $94,700
- Total Liabilities: $0
2023 Financial Summary:
- Total Revenues: $3,510,000
- Total Expenses: Comparable to revenues
- Total Assets: Maintained
The significant increase in revenues in 2024 reflected the foundation's final distribution activities as it wound down operations.
| 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 2 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
71 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Grand Rapids Symphony Society ($6,000,000), Helen Devos Children's Hospital Foundation ($6,000,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY SOCIETY GRAND RAPIDS, MI | ENDOWMENT | $6,000,000 |
| HELEN DEVOS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION GRAND RAPIDS, MI | CHILD AND FAMILY LIFE ENDOWNMENT | $6,000,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Doug DeVos, one of the couple's four children and co-chair of Amway's board of directors, commented on the foundation's legacy following its sunset.
Dan DeVos, another of their four children and chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures, also reflected on his parents' philanthropic vision.
Jeffrey S. Bowerman served as a trustee of the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAKESTREAM MANAGEMENT LLC | TRUSTEE | 0.1 | — |
| JASON L ZYLSTRA | FOUNDATION MANAGER | 4 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation officially sunset on May 1, 2024, concluding 54 years of philanthropic work. The foundation had been in wind-down mode since the deaths of Richard DeVos in 2017 and Helen DeVos in 2018, with the final years dedicated to fulfilling multiyear pledges and completing remaining commitments.
Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation ends | WGVU NEWSOver its lifetime, the foundation made landmark gifts to numerous Michigan institutions, including partnerships with Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and Spectrum Health. The foundation was also instrumental in funding the creation of the Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida, a graduate program that continues to bear the DeVos name and reflects their commitment to preparing leaders in the sports industry.
Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation ends | WGVU NEWSSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation fund?
The foundation primarily supported the work of religious agencies, churches, and schools in ministry, outreach, and education. Secondary focus areas included social outreach, the arts, public policy, and health care. The foundation's giving was rooted in the DeVoses' Christian belief in tithing—returning at least a tenth of their blessings to God's work and people in need. This principle guided their philanthropic approach from the early days of their marriage, when they set aside 10 percent of…
How do I apply for a grant from The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation?
Over its 54-year history, the foundation distributed approximately $1.1 billion to more than 1,000 nonprofits. Recent grant activity included a $6,000,000 endowment gift to the Grand Rapids Symphony Society in 2024. The foundation supported major projects at churches, schools, hospitals, and arts organizations. Beyond institutional grants, the DeVoses were known for responding to individual needs—such as purchasing furniture for a wounded Vietnam War veteran and his new wife, and funding modern…
Where does The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation make grants?
The foundation focused its funding in two primary regions: western Michigan and central Florida.
What size grants does The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation award?
In 2024, The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation awarded 2 grants totaling $12.0M — an average of about $6.0M per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation's EIN?
The Richard and Helen Devos Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-6659303. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Richard and Helen Devos 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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