The Sebastian Foundation
The Sebastian Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its 2020 filing is marked as a final return, so the foundation appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking; the available 2021 filing data nevertheless reports grants made that year.
The Sebastian Foundation at a glance
In short: The Sebastian Foundation gave $2.1M across 59 grants in 2021 (avg $35K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $2,081,200
- Grants made (2021)
- 59
- Average grant
- $35,275
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2021; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Sebastian Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The 2020 filing says the foundation did not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It lists a request for a project purpose, budget, balance sheet, officers and directors, other contributors to the project, and a copy of the organization’s IRS exemption letter showing its status under section 501(c)(3). The filing identifies David S. Sebastian as the contact for applications. These instructions are from a filing marked as the foundation’s final return and should not be treated as current.
- Review Cycle
- None was listed in the 2020 filing.
- Deadline
- None was listed in the 2020 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: David S Sebastian Sebastian Foundat
Mailing address: 3333 Evergreen Dr Ne Ste 110, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: (616) 361-1996
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Sebastian Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Grand Rapids Public Museum ($100K). Together the top 10 received $820K.
Grant Size Distribution
59 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 46 grants of 59 (78%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2020 filing says awards are primarily for recipients within the Greater Grand Rapids area. All reported 2021 grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2021 grant dollars across all 59 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2021 it made 59 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids Public Museum Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $100,000 |
| John Ball Zoo Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $100,000 |
| Mel Trotter Ministries Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $100,000 |
| Ottawa County Parks Foundation West Olive, MI | General Fund | $100,000 |
| Children's Advocacy Center Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $75,000 |
| Dwelling Place Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $75,000 |
| Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $75,000 |
| Meals on Wheels West Michigan Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $75,000 |
| Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $60,000 |
| Literacy Center of West Michigan Grand Rapids, MI | General Fund | $60,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,092,244 | $2,288,199 | $2,081,200 | 59 | $988,742 | $1,131 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sebastian Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1K for 2021 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No separate mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2021 grants show support for organizations in areas including cultural programming, parks and nature education, human services, literacy, youth activities, and employment support.
The grantees describe their own work in varied terms. Mel Trotter Ministries says it provides rescue and restoration for people experiencing hunger and homelessness. The Grand Rapids Public Museum describes exhibitions, events, and educational programming intended to inspire and enrich the community. Ottawa County Parks Foundation says it raises funds to improve, expand, and promote parks and open spaces. Literacy Center of West Michigan describes providing free literacy and English-language instruction to adults. Blandford Nature Center describes education and community programs focused on the environment and natural spaces. Camp Blodgett says it provides educational and recreational experiences for youth. Next Step of West Michigan describes employment and community support for people coming out of prison or rehabilitation.
Grantmaking
In 2021, the foundation reported 59 grants totaling $2,081,200. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $30,000. The largest listed awards included $100,000 each to Grand Rapids Public Museum, John Ball Zoo, Mel Trotter Ministries, and Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Other notable grants were $75,000 each to Children’s Advocacy Center, Dwelling Place, Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, and Meals on Wheels West Michigan; and $60,000 each to Grand Valley State University and Literacy Center of West Michigan.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2021 filing lists David S. Sebastian as president/director, John O. Sebastian as secretary/treasurer/director, and Linda Jones as director.
The Sebastian Foundation is led by David S. Sebastian, President & Director on the 2021 filing; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2021 is compensated.
Officers on the 2021 filing
David S. Sebastian
President & Director
New on the 2021 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Jones
Director
New on the 2021 filing
40 hrs/week
$100K (2021)
John O. Sebastian
Secretary, Treasurer & Director
New on the 2021 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2021 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2021 filing was $100K, to Linda Jones (Director).
Frequently asked questions about The Sebastian Foundation
How much does The Sebastian Foundation give each year?
The Sebastian Foundation gave $2.1M across 59 grants in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is The Sebastian Foundation's typical grant size?
The Sebastian Foundation's median grant in 2021 was $30,000, and its average grant was $35,275, across 59 grants on its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Sebastian Foundation give grants?
The Sebastian Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Grand Rapids, MI (55 grants).
Does The Sebastian Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Sebastian Foundation's 2021 grants with a stated purpose (59 of 59) were for general or operating support, per its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Sebastian Foundation's largest grantees?
The Sebastian Foundation's largest 2021 grantees include Grand Rapids Public Museum ($100,000), John Ball Zoo ($100,000) and Mel Trotter Ministries ($100,000), according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 14% of its itemized 2021 grant dollars.
What does The Sebastian Foundation fund?
No separate mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2021 grants show support for organizations in areas including cultural programming, parks and nature education, human services, literacy, youth activities, and employment support. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Sebastian Foundation?
The 2020 filing says the foundation did not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is The Sebastian Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2021, The Sebastian Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Sebastian Foundation's EIN?
The Sebastian Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-2340219. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal year 2021
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The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from The Sebastian 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 Sebastian Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?