Irving S. Gilmore Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $13,677,147 (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: 11-12 weeks from submission deadline
Grant Range: $1,000 - $100,000
Geographic Focus: Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Awards Made: 204 grants (2024), 208 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address:
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
136 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: 269-342-6411
Fax: 269-342-6465
Website: https://www.isgilmore.org

Key Contacts:

Kristy Brady, Program Associate - kristy@isgilmore.org (General application inquiries)
Carol R. Snapp, Vice President – Program (Required contact for first-time applicants or those not funded in past 5 years)

Office Hours:

Labor Day to Memorial Day: Monday-Friday, 9am–5pm
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Monday-Thursday, 9am–5pm; Friday, 9am–noon
Currently open by appointment only
Lobby drop box available for grant applications (9th floor, Hinman/Fifth Third Bank Building)

Overview

Established in 1972 by Irving S. Gilmore and granted charitable status in 1977, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation is one of Michigan's leading private foundations with assets of $291.5 million (2022). The foundation's mission is to support and enrich the cultural, social, and economic life of greater Kalamazoo. With annual giving exceeding $13 million, the foundation made 204 grants in 2024 across its five priority areas. The foundation is known as an accessible funder that welcomes contact from grantseekers and demonstrates strong commitment to transparency by publishing nearly two decades of 990s and audited financial reports on its website.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Standard Grant Program: $1,000 - $100,000

Fixed deadline submissions for grants over $10,000
Rolling basis for grants of $10,000 or less (may be submitted at any time)
Paper applications only (no online or email submissions accepted)
Six annual submission deadlines: early January, March, May, July, September, and November

2026 Application Deadlines & Review Dates:

January 5 (Trustee review: March 24)
March 2 (Trustee review: May 26)
May 1 (Trustee review: July 28)
July 1 (Trustee review: September 22)
September 1 (Trustee review: November 24)
November 2 (Trustee review: January 26, 2027)

Priority Areas

The Arts, Culture & Humanities

Performing arts (especially music)
Visual arts
Media arts and communications
Humanities and history
Museums and cultural centers
Community arts groups

The foundation has been a major supporter of arts organizations, with The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival receiving grants totaling more than $4.6 million, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo receiving over $2 million, and The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre receiving $1.5 million. Other recipients include Creative Many Michigan, Carnegie Center Council for the Art, Bach Festival Society of Kalamazoo, Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association, Farmers Alley Theatre, Glass Art Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Education

Programs enhancing lifelong learning
Educational institutions serving Kalamazoo County

Major recipients include Kalamazoo Valley Community College (more than $3 million), Western Michigan University (more than $3 million), and the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (more than $3 million).

Human Services

Youth development
Life skills programs
Food and nutrition
Public safety
Parks and recreation
Other social and human services

Community Development

Projects strengthening economic and social infrastructure
Programs benefiting greater Kalamazoo

Recipients include Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Open Doors Kalamazoo.

Health & Well-Being

Healthcare services
Vision restoration and medical services

Recent recipient: Eversight (2024 grant supporting clinical operations for sight-restoring cornea transplants in Kalamazoo County).

What They Don't Fund

Grants to individuals
Academic research projects
Organizations or projects outside Kalamazoo County

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Floyd L. Parks, Chairman
Mason G. Coleman, President
Judith H. Moore, First Vice President
Charles D. Wattles, Treasurer
Robert M. Beam, Secretary
Robert T. Ezelle, Trustee

Staff Members

Richard M. Hughey, Jr., Executive Vice President/CEO
Carol E. Duck, Vice President – Administration
Carol R. Snapp, Vice President – Program
Anita M. Porter, Executive Assistant
Kristy S. Brady, Program Associate

Outside Committee Members

Christina M. Adams, Marilee K. Bartl, Frederick D. Fischer, David D. Gardiner, Bruce R. Grubb, Barbara L. James, David C. O'Donovan, Jeff W. Patton

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Pre-Application Requirement (CRITICAL):
Organizations that are first-time Foundation applicants or have not received Foundation funding in the past five years MUST contact Carol R. Snapp, Vice President – Program, at least four weeks prior to submitting an application. This pre-application contact is mandatory and demonstrates the foundation's commitment to relationship-building with potential grantees.

Submission Format:
The foundation requires ONE single-sided paper copy of applications. Online and email submissions are NOT accepted.

Submission Methods:

Mail to: Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, 136 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Drop off: 9th floor lobby drop box at Hinman/Fifth Third Bank Building, 136 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo (Building hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

Required Application Components:

Cover letter with three signatures (frequently omitted - ensure this is included!)
Complete application following Grant Application Guidelines
General operating budget for the year funds would be spent (frequently omitted)
Most recent audit or IRS Form 990 (frequently omitted)
All other financial documents as requested (frequently omitted)

Note: Incomplete proposals may be declined or scheduled for later review.

Decision Timeline

For grants over $10,000:

Applications reviewed at six annual trustee meetings
Typical timeline: 11-12 weeks from submission deadline to trustee review
Example: March 2 deadline → May 26 trustee review

For grants $10,000 or less:

May be submitted at any time (rolling basis)
Decision timeline not publicly specified

Notification: Method and timing of notification not publicly disclosed. Contact foundation for details.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 204 grants in 2024 and 208 grants in 2023. However, the total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, so success rates cannot be calculated. The foundation is described as "an accessible funder that welcomes contact from grantseekers," suggesting a relatively approachable process.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is publicly disclosed. Contact the foundation directly at 269-342-6411 or reach out to Carol R. Snapp, VP-Program, for guidance on reapplication timelines or restrictions.

Application Success Factors

Pre-Application Contact is Mandatory for First-Time/Returning Applicants:
The foundation explicitly requires first-time applicants or those not funded in the past five years to contact VP-Program Carol Snapp at least four weeks before submitting. This requirement signals the foundation values relationship-building and wants to ensure alignment before formal submission.

Completeness is Critical:
The foundation notes that "incomplete proposals may be declined or scheduled for later review" and specifically identifies the most frequently omitted items:

Three signatures on the cover letter
General operating budget
Most recent audit or IRS Form 990
Required financial documents

Ensuring your application includes all these components is essential for timely review.

Geographic Focus is Absolute:
The foundation exclusively supports "Kalamazoo County projects, programs, and purposes conducted by charitable institutions." If your organization or project extends beyond Kalamazoo County, ensure the proposed work clearly benefits Kalamazoo County specifically.

Relationship Building is Valued:
The foundation is described as "an accessible funder that welcomes contact from grantseekers and requires a meeting with staff to discuss new program ideas." This suggests that reaching out to program staff (particularly Kristy Brady or Carol Snapp) to discuss your proposal concept before submitting can be beneficial.

Demonstrated Community Benefit:
The foundation's mission focuses on supporting and enriching "the cultural, social, and economic life of greater Kalamazoo." Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project will benefit the Kalamazoo community and align with one or more of the foundation's five priority areas.

Financial Transparency:
The foundation publishes nearly two decades of 990s and financial reports, demonstrating commitment to transparency. Similarly, ensure your application provides clear, transparent financial information about your organization and the proposed project.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Mandatory pre-application contact: First-time applicants or those not funded in 5+ years must contact VP-Program Carol Snapp at least 4 weeks before deadline - this is non-negotiable and demonstrates the foundation values relationship-building.
Small grants have no deadline: Requests for $10,000 or less can be submitted anytime on a rolling basis, offering flexibility for smaller projects.
Paper only, no exceptions: The foundation does not accept online or email applications - only single-sided paper copies mailed or dropped off at their office. Plan accordingly.
Three critical omissions: Most applicants forget to include three signatures on the cover letter, general operating budget, and most recent audit/990. Don't let these oversights derail your application.
Geographic restriction is absolute: If your project doesn't directly benefit Kalamazoo County, don't apply - the foundation's focus on greater Kalamazoo is unwavering.
Long funding relationships: Major grantees like the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival ($4.6M+), Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo ($2M+), and several educational institutions ($3M+ each) demonstrate the foundation supports organizations over time, not just one-off projects.
Accessible and welcoming: Described as "an accessible funder that welcomes contact from grantseekers," the foundation encourages discussion with program staff (Kristy Brady for general inquiries, Carol Snapp for first-time applicants) before submitting.

References

Accessed: December 22, 2025