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Lou And Michele Gentine Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,105,251 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly available
  • Geographic Focus: Wisconsin (with particular connection to Plymouth area)
  • Total Assets: $17,347,755 (2024)

Contact Details

Mailing Address: PO Box 464, Plymouth, WI 53073-0464

Phone: 920-892-3400

EIN: 20-3649904

Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation

Overview

The Lou And Michele Gentine Foundation Inc was established in 2014 as a private family foundation by Lou and Michele Gentine of Plymouth, Wisconsin. Lou Gentine is the former CEO of Sargento Foods, the family-owned cheese company headquartered in Plymouth, and served in that role from 1981 until his retirement in 2013. The foundation has experienced significant growth, with total assets increasing from approximately $5.3 million in 2018 to $17.3 million in 2024. In 2024, the foundation distributed $1,105,251 in charitable grants, representing 87.2% of total expenses. The foundation is governed by five family members and operates as a private independent foundation under IRS classification 501(c)(3). The Gentine family's philanthropic tradition extends through multiple generations and includes support for higher education, human services, community projects, and Catholic churches and agencies.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have publicly defined grant programs or application cycles. Based on the family's known philanthropic interests and involvement, likely funding areas include:

  • Higher Education: Particularly Catholic universities and colleges (Lou is a Notre Dame graduate and serves on Notre Dame boards)
  • Human Services: Community-based social services and charitable organizations
  • Catholic Churches and Agencies: Religious institutions and faith-based programs
  • Community Projects: Local initiatives in Wisconsin, particularly the Plymouth and Sheboygan County areas

Priority Areas

While specific current priorities are not publicly documented, the Gentine family's documented charitable interests include:

  • Catholic education and faith formation
  • Hunger relief and food security
  • Affordable housing (through Sargento's extensive Habitat for Humanity partnership)
  • Educational access and advancement
  • United Way and community development initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly available. However, as a family foundation, they likely:

  • Do not accept unsolicited applications
  • Focus on organizations aligned with the family's Catholic faith and Wisconsin roots
  • Prioritize organizations with which they have existing relationships

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Lou Gentine - Director, President, Treasurer
  • Michele Gentine - Director, Vice President, Secretary
  • Thomas A Gentine - Director
  • Louis P. Gentine II (Louie) - Director
  • Kelly M Lees - Director

All officers serve without compensation. Lou Gentine earned a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and led Sargento Foods as CEO from 1981 to 2013, when his son Louie assumed the CEO role. Lou currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Notre Dame Institute for Church Life and Center for Social Concerns, and is a member of Legatus, a Catholic executives organization. Lou and Michele co-chaired the Sheboygan County United Way Campaign in 2005 and the Campaign for Holy Hill in 2001, demonstrating their commitment to both Catholic causes and community development.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation operates as a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its board of directors. Based on the similar structure of the related Gentine Foundation Inc (another family foundation), the Lou And Michele Gentine Foundation contributes only to pre-selected organizations with which the family has established relationships.

Organizations seeking support would need to cultivate a relationship with the Gentine family or board members through shared networks, particularly in the Wisconsin philanthropic community, Catholic educational institutions, or organizations supported by Sargento Foods.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a private family foundation, the board likely meets periodically to review and approve grants to organizations within their established network.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the key factors for receiving support are:

  • Existing Relationships: Organizations that have connections to the Gentine family, Sargento Foods, or their known philanthropic networks are most likely to receive consideration.

  • Alignment with Catholic Values: The family's deep involvement with Catholic education and organizations (Notre Dame, Holy Hill, Legatus) suggests strong preference for Catholic-affiliated causes.

  • Wisconsin Connection: Geographic proximity to Plymouth and Sheboygan County, where the family business and personal connections are strongest.

  • Focus Areas: Organizations working in higher education (particularly Catholic colleges), human services, community development, hunger relief, affordable housing, and faith-based programming align with documented family interests.

  • Sargento Partnership History: Organizations that have existing partnerships with Sargento Foods (such as Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs) may have enhanced visibility with the foundation.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Lou And Michele Gentine Foundation is a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited grant applications from organizations outside their established network.

  • With $17.3 million in assets and over $1.1 million in annual giving (2024), this is a substantial family foundation with significant grantmaking capacity.

  • The foundation is governed entirely by family members and reflects the Gentine family's Catholic faith, Wisconsin roots, and commitment to education, human services, and community development.

  • Organizations seeking support should focus on building relationships through shared networks, particularly Catholic educational institutions, Wisconsin community organizations, and Sargento Foods partnerships.

  • The foundation's philanthropic approach mirrors the broader Gentine family tradition of supporting higher education (especially Notre Dame and Wisconsin Catholic colleges), United Way, faith-based organizations, and community projects.

  • Lou Gentine's board service at Notre Dame and involvement with Legatus and other Catholic organizations provides insight into the foundation's likely priorities.

  • Direct outreach is unlikely to be successful without an existing connection to the family or their established philanthropic networks.

References

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