Frey Foundation - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $5.5 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Approximately 3-4 months from inquiry to decision
Grant Range: Varies widely; recent grants from $5,000 to $1,500,000
Geographic Focus: Kent, Emmet, and Charlevoix Counties in Michigan (West and Northern Michigan)
Total Assets: $147.7 million
Average Grant Size: $27,000

Contact Details

Address: 40 Pearl Street, NW, Suite 1100, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Phone: (616) 451-0303

Fax: (616) 451-8481

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://freyfdn.org

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Grant Portal: https://freyfdn.smartsimple.com/

Overview

The Frey Foundation was established in 1974 and permanently endowed in 1988 from the estate of Edward J. and Frances T. Frey. Over the past 50 years, the foundation has awarded more than $187 million in grants. As a place-based funder with $147.7 million in assets, the foundation awarded 205 grants totaling $5.5 million in 2024. The foundation's mission is to invest collaboratively in West and Northern Michigan to create a better place to live by strengthening communities, protecting the environment, enhancing arts, and transforming lives of individuals and families. The foundation takes a trust-based philanthropy approach, focusing on developing meaningful relationships with grantee partners and viewing grants as community investments. In 2018 and 2019, the Council of Michigan Foundations honored the Frey family leadership with prestigious philanthropy awards recognizing their long-term commitment to Michigan communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Frey Foundation invests in four program areas called the "Pillars of Place":

1. Building Community: Supports housing security, vibrant city centers and neighborhoods, and well-planned development with broad community input. Recent focus on affordable housing and addressing needs of the ALICE population (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

Recent example: Grand Action Foundation 2.0 - $1,500,000 for capital campaign for the Acrisure Amphitheater
Recent example: Habitat for Humanity of Kent County - $200,000 for Imagine capital campaign to add 100 units of affordable housing

2. Children & Families: Promotes healthy development of children and families, particularly children under age six from disadvantaged populations, ensuring school readiness through quality childcare, preschool access, and strong parenting support.

Recent example: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids - $390,000 for childcare center at Rapid Central Station transit hub
Recent example: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital - $300,000 for Joan Secchia Children's Rehabilitation Hospital
Recent example: Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan - $200,000 to centralize and expand services in Emmet County

3. Community Arts: Views arts as a key indicator of community health and tool for individual expression; supports vitality and growth of community-based arts and cultural experiences.

Recent example: ArtPrize 2.0 - $135,000 for relaunch of annual public art event in Grand Rapids
Recent example: Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation - $200,000 for riverfront expansion and community archives

4. Environment: Encourages environmental preservation, balance between open land and development, protecting high-quality lakes and streams, expanding recreation trails, protecting critical lands, and beautifying scenic corridors.

Recent example: Conservation Resource Alliance - $125,000 for repairs along Jordan River and Deer Creek in Northern Michigan

Priority Areas

Housing security and affordable housing
Early childhood education and childcare access (ages 0-6)
Arts and culture as community health indicators
Environmental preservation and water quality
Community and economic development
Public-private partnerships

What They Don't Fund

General operating support
Programs requiring adherence to specific religious beliefs

Funding Approach

Typically funds up to 15% of private sector portion of program expenses
Funds up to 5% of capital expenses
Values public-private partnerships and collaborative funding
Sometimes approaches organizations proactively when sensing community needs

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

David G. "Tripp" Frey, Jr. - Chair (third generation)

Oversees strategy and governance for the $160 million endowment and $8 million annual grantmaking budget
Quote: "In this momentous year, we turn our attention to the future and are focused on how we can continue to drive needed impact."
Philosophy: "The four grantmaking pillars at the Frey Foundation are secondary to the fact that they're a place-based funder attempting to drive systemic change."

Mary E. Frey Bennett - Vice-Chair & Secretary

Laura D. Frey - Treasurer

Campbell W. Frey - Trustee

Sarah R. Frey - Trustee

Ellie H. Frey Zagel - Trustee/Grants Committee Chair

Grants Committee Members

Johannes v. H. Frey
Katrine E. Frey
William O. Frey

Staff

Holly A. Johnson - President

Email: [email protected] | Phone: (616) 451-0303
Quote: "The Frey family and trustees deeply believe that certain things must happen when the brain is developing from ages zero to three. If we can get that right and support children and families across all zip codes, the outcomes for that child will better allow them to reach their full potential."
On approach: "We work through trusted and brilliant partners. Our partners are the smartest people in the room when it comes to our funding pillars, and we choose our partners strategically."
On listening: "We need to listen to those who have lived experiences and what would be helpful to them. We have many challenges to solve, maybe what we're missing is truly listening to those who have the hurdles, and then listen to what they need to clear those hurdles."

Tyler J. Crawford - Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Phone: (616) 451-4543

Bryana L. Hopkins - Program Officer

Phone: (616) 451-4552

Chris D. Romero - Program Officer

Phone: (616) 451-4522

Sarah J. Hockin-Mix - Grants & Operations Manager

Phone: (616) 451-4565

Alana J. Placzkowski - Communications & Administrative Assistant

Phone: (616) 451-0303

Foundation Philosophy

"We believe that knowledge and resources grow in value when they are shared, so we invite our grantees and partners to leverage our strengths to help solve problems and magnify their own capabilities."

"We encourage creativity while expecting excellence and accountability in ourselves and others."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit an Inquiry

Submit an inquiry through the online grant portal at https://freyfdn.smartsimple.com/
Inquiries are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis
Expect a response within 30 days
Foundation will work with you to see if collective priorities align

Step 2: Full Application (If Invited)

After reviewing your inquiry, staff may invite you to submit a full grant application
Once received, staff will contact you within 30 days to discuss your project in detail
Foundation contacts every applicant for an in-person or virtual meeting to deepen understanding of the organization, proposed work, and budget

Step 3: Board Review

Applications are due twelve weeks prior to scheduled board funding meetings
Foundation staff presents applications to Board of Trustees
All funding decisions are made by the Frey family Board of Trustees

Resources for Applicants:

Grant Portal User Guide available on website
Video tutorials provided
Staff available to help through the process at (616) 451-0303 or [email protected]
Particularly helpful for those new to grant seeking or the Frey Foundation

Decision Timeline

Board Meetings: Four times per year in February, May, August, and November

Timeline:

Initial inquiry response: Within 30 days
Application deadline: Twelve weeks prior to board meeting
Decision time: Approximately 90 days from application deadline
Total process: Typically 3-4 months from initial inquiry to decision

Example: An application submitted in February will likely receive a decision by the Board of Trustees in May

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation awarded 205 grants in 2024 and acknowledges that "regrettably, the Frey Foundation is not able to fund each request we receive," suggesting a competitive application environment.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not explicitly stated on their website. Applicants are encouraged to contact foundation staff directly at [email protected] to discuss future opportunities after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Priorities

Geographic Focus: Priority given to organizations serving Kent, Emmet, or Charlevoix Counties or projects impacting broader West/Northern Michigan regions.

Strategic Alignment: As President Holly Johnson notes, the foundation invites inquiries specifically to work together to see if "collective priorities align." Before applying, carefully review which of the four Pillars of Place your project addresses.

Demonstrated Inclusion and Diversity

The foundation explicitly values "demonstrated practices of inclusion in board recruitment, hiring and delivery of service to beneficiaries that reflect the diversity of the community." Successful applications should clearly articulate diversity practices.

Emphasis on Mental Health and Wellness

The foundation prioritizes organizations that incorporate mental health and wellness considerations into their programs.

Collaborative Funding Approach

Understanding the foundation's role as a collaborative funder is crucial. They typically fund up to 15% of private sector program expenses and/or 5% of capital—not full project funding. Successful applications demonstrate:

Other funding partners secured or planned
Public-private partnership opportunities
How the Frey Foundation grant serves as catalytic funding

Trust-Based Relationship Building

Tripp Frey describes their approach as "trust-based philanthropy," with emphasis on "developing meaningful relationships with grantee partners to deeply understand their needs." The foundation values:

Long-term partnerships over one-time grants
Openness to communication and collaboration
Transparency about organizational challenges

Evidence of Community Impact

President Holly Johnson emphasizes listening to those with lived experiences: "We need to listen to those who have lived experiences and what would be helpful to them." Strong applications should:

Include community voices and input
Demonstrate community-identified needs
Show how beneficiaries were involved in project design

Quality Over Quantity in Communications

The foundation emphasizes they are "available to help through the process" and encourages applicants to "call at any time to discuss their idea and ask questions." Take advantage of pre-application conversations with staff—this is viewed positively, not as a burden.

Catalytic and Innovative Projects

The foundation sometimes approaches organizations proactively "when they sense a need" and aims to "be more catalytic in nature." They funded innovative solutions like the YMCA childcare center at a transit hub, demonstrating interest in creative approaches to community challenges.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic specificity matters: Your project must clearly serve Kent, Emmet, or Charlevoix Counties or demonstrate impact on West/Northern Michigan regions. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
Early childhood (ages 0-3) is a passion area: If your work touches early childhood development, childcare access, or school readiness, emphasize this strongly. The foundation has deep conviction about brain development in the earliest years.
Think partnership, not sole funding: Structure your budget expecting the Frey Foundation to cover approximately 15% of program costs or 5% of capital. Clearly identify other funders and demonstrate the catalytic nature of Frey's investment.
Diversity and inclusion are not optional: Explicitly address your organization's practices in board recruitment, hiring, and service delivery that reflect community diversity. Vague statements won't suffice.
Use the pre-application inquiry process strategically: The 30-day inquiry response is designed to save time for both parties. Use this to test alignment before investing in a full application.
Leverage staff expertise and availability: The foundation genuinely encourages communication. Call program officers to discuss your idea, particularly if you're uncertain about alignment or new to the foundation.
Demonstrate community voice: Show that those with lived experience informed your project design. The foundation values listening to those who face the challenges your program addresses.

References

Frey Foundation Official Website. "Grant Guidelines." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/guidelines/
Frey Foundation Official Website. "Applicant Resources." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/applicant-resources/
Frey Foundation Official Website. "Founders and Trustees." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/founders-and-trustees/
Frey Foundation Official Website. "Staff." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/staff/
Frey Foundation Official Website. "Grants Awarded." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/grants-awarded/
Frey Foundation Official Website. "Contact." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://freyfdn.org/contact/
Cause IQ. "Frey Foundation | Grand Rapids, MI." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/frey-foundation,237094777/
Crain's Grand Rapids Business. "Third generation preserves Frey Foundation's focus on local giving, housing." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/nonprofits-philanthropy/third-generation-preserves-frey-foundations-focus-on-local-giving-housing/
Crain Currency. "Tripp Frey on his family's place-based funder the Frey Foundation and its impact." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.craincurrency.com/q/tripp-frey-his-familys-place-based-funder-frey-foundation-and-its-impact
Council of Michigan Foundations. "Frey Foundation Feature - 2023 Annual Report." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://annualreport.michiganfoundations.org/community-features/frey-foundation/
Rapid Growth Media. "The $150k Frey Foundation grant addresses the grey area of poverty." Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/innovationnews/freyfoundationgrant.aspx
Frey Foundation. "2024 Audited Financial Statements." December 31, 2024. https://freyfdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2024-Frey-Foundation-Audited-Financial-Statements.pdf
Frey Foundation. "2023 Audited Financial Statements." December 31, 2023. https://freyfdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2023-Frey-Foundation-Audited-Financial-Statements.pdf
Frey Foundation. "Form 990-PF." 2023. https://freyfdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2023-990-PF.pdf