TRIFORD FOUNDATION is a private foundation based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Its charitable purposes are carried out through indirect charitable expenditures, and its 2025 grants included support for religious, charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.
Key facts about Triford Foundation
In short: Triford Foundation gave $340K across 69 grants in 2025 (avg $5K), mostly in Michigan. 16% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 23-7003478
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $340,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 69
- Average grant
- $4,928
- Median grant
- $2,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (11 of 69, 2025)
- Total assets
- $2,550,599
- Primary geography
- Michigan (66% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.6M
-9.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$340K
+3.0% YoY
Grant Count
69
+4.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
-1.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Triford Foundation reported a distributable amount of $335K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Triford Foundation open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 69 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $5K; repeat grants $5K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 80% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+13%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 103% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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
The foundation does not state a mission in the available information. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations working in areas including charitable giving, addiction treatment and prevention, outdoor experiences for people affected by serious health conditions, education, community grantmaking, and conservation.
These descriptions reflect the grantees’ own missions. For example, the National Christian Foundation says it encourages and facilitates charitable giving; Harbor Hall Foundation says it supports addiction treatment and prevention; and First Descents says it provides outdoor adventures to young adults affected by cancer and other serious health conditions. Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area says it connects donors with community needs and addresses community issues through grantmaking, while Belle Isle Conservancy says it works to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance Belle Isle.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation awarded 69 grants totaling $340,000. Grants ranged from $480 to $68,000, with a median of $2,500.
Ready to take the next step with Triford Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 66% of grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan. Other leading recipient states were Colorado (10%), Connecticut (6%), Hawaii (6%), and Illinois (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 69 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
329 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION Ada, MI | RELIGIOUS | $68,000 |
| MALAMA KULA Kula, HI | CHARITABLE | $20,170 |
| HARBOR HALL FOUNDATION Harbor Springs, MI | CHARITABLE | $19,500 |
| FIRST DESCENTS Denver, CO | CHARITABLE | $15,000 |
| RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL Washington Depot, CT | EDUCATIONAL | $11,580 |
| PETOSKEY-HARBOR SPRINGS AREA Petoskey, MI | CHARITABLE | $11,500 |
| BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY Detroit, MI | CHARITABLE | $10,500 |
| HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY High Point, NC | EDUCATIONAL | $10,000 |
| LITCHFIELD MONTESSORI SCHOOL Northfield, CT | EDUCATIONAL | $10,000 |
| VAIL HEALTH FOUNDATION Vail, CO | SCIENTIFIC | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants awarded | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $340,000 | 69 |
| 2024 | $330,000 | 66 |
| 2023 | $300,000 | 60 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,550,599 | $2,803,809 | $3,009,613 |
| Revenue | $125,984 | $167,575 | $122,401 |
| Expenses | $379,194 | $373,379 | $337,731 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $345,396 | $335,953 | $304,463 |
| Net Investment Income | $130,283 | $133,690 | $143,971 |
| Distributable Amount | $334,517 | $311,095 | $289,480 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 2, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 25, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 5, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 2, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 25, 2024)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Frederick B Ford as president and trustee; Susan S Ford as secretary and trustee; James W Ford as vice president and trustee; and Esther Lee Ford as treasurer and trustee.
Triford Foundation is led by Frederick B. Ford, President since 2023 (on filings since 2019); none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Frederick B. Ford
President
Vice President, Treasurer & Trustee → President, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James W. Ford
Vice President & Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan S. Ford
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Esther Lee Ford
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Horace C. Ford (2019–2022) — President, Secretary & Trustee
- Former: Esther Lee Walsh (2021–2022) — Trustee
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 42609 Jason Court, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: (906) 370-0208
Frequently asked questions about Triford Foundation
How much does Triford Foundation give each year?
Triford Foundation gave $340K across 69 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $330K across 66 grants.
What is Triford Foundation's typical grant size?
Triford Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $2,500, and its average grant was $4,928, across 69 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Triford Foundation that year got $5K on average.
Where does Triford Foundation give grants?
Triford Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 66% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Colorado (10%) and Connecticut (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Harbor Springs, MI (17 grants), Petoskey, MI (14 grants), Traverse City, MI (4 grants) and Detroit, MI (2 grants).
Does Triford Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 69 grants with a stated purpose on Triford Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (40 grants), "Scientific" (9 grants) and "Educational" (9 grants).
Who are Triford Foundation's largest grantees?
Triford Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include National Christian Foundation ($68,000), Malama Kula ($20,170) and Harbor Hall Foundation ($19,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Triford Foundation?
Triford Foundation reported $2.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $345K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $335K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Triford Foundation fund?
The foundation does not state a mission in the available information. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations working in areas including charitable giving, addiction treatment and prevention, outdoor experiences for people affected by serious health conditions, education, community grantmaking, and conservation. These descriptions reflect the grantees’ own missions. For example, the National Christian Foundation says it encourages and facilitates charitable giving; Harbor Hall Foundation…
How do I apply for a grant from Triford Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Triford Foundation's EIN?
Triford Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7003478. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Triford Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Triford Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Triford Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits advancing economic mobility, narrowing the wealth gap, and meeting urgent needs, with priorities including Black and Latine income and assets, homeownership, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely; funding generally benefits Chicago-region residents. It accepts applications for listed open opportunities through GrantCentral; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests outside those opportunities.
Assets
$6.0B
Grants
3,976
Total Given
$1.4B
Arthur J Gallagher Foundation
Rolling Meadows, IL
The Arthur J Gallagher Foundation funds education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and human services, with a primary focus on Illinois, California, and New York. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10 to $100,000, with a median of $250. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
2,692
Total Given
$1.6M
Baird Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The foundation funds nonprofits in health and human services, education, the arts, youth, and other areas, with grants across multiple states and the largest share of 2025 funding going to Wisconsin. Its 2025 grants had a median of $500, though awards ranged widely; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$142.7M
Grants
3,862
Total Given
$7.0M
Here to Help Foundation
Royal Oak, MI
Here to Help Foundation provides direct assistance to people returning from prison, including help with basic needs, housing costs, transportation, work clothing, tools, and furniture. Its 2025 awards ranged from $6 to $3,530, with a median of $150, for eligible individuals in southeastern Michigan, primarily Wayne and Oakland counties. It requires an initial application; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.9M
Grants
3,428
Total Given
$1.0M
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds community-led work focused on children’s health and education, good food, family economic security, racial equity and equitable opportunity. It gives across the United States, with long-term commitments in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans, and also funds in parts of Mexico and Haiti; its 2024 median grant was $100,000. It accepts proposals at any time through its website and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
1,818
Total Given
$303.9M
Community Foundation for Southeast
Detroit, MI
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan funds work in economic opportunity, health equity, youth and education, arts and culture, and public space and the environment across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000, though awards varied widely; organizations can submit a brief proposal request for its Community Grants Program, with full applications by invitation.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
938
Total Given
$105.1M
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Flint, MI
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation funds nonprofits working in civil society, youth engagement, environmental sustainability, and Flint-area community development, in Flint and communities around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,000, though awards ranged widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and supports preselected organizations.
Assets
$3.8B
Grants
834
Total Given
$166.4M
The Kresge Foundation
Troy, MI
The Kresge Foundation funds work in arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services and community development, with a focus on equity and opportunity in U.S. cities. It gives nationally, especially in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno; 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $5 million, with a median of $140,000. It most often invites or solicits applications, though some programs issue open calls.
Assets
$4.0B
Grants
800
Total Given
$170.0M
Feeding America West Michigan
Kentwood, MI
We gather and distribute food to relieve hunger and increase food security in west michigan and the upper peninsula. Contributions and net assets consist primarily of donated food for distribution.
Assets
$35.8M
Grants
527
Total Given
$44.7M
Dte Energy Foundation
Detroit, MI
DTE Energy Foundation funds community transformation, human needs, economic development, education, employment, and environmental initiatives, primarily in Michigan. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $10,000, though amounts ranged from $100 to $1.2 million. Its general application process is invitation-only, but it has offered open calls for specific Michigan programs.
Assets
$129.1M
Grants
442
Total Given
$15.8M
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
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funds active lifestyles, preparation for success, caregiver support, entrepreneurship and economic development, and nonprofit-sector innovation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, though awards vary widely. It accepts applications year-round through an initial Letter of Inquiry; selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.
Assets
—
Grants
413
Total Given
$141.2M
More Funders in Michigan
Triford Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?