John Vos Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $668,565 (2023)
• Total Assets: $16.87 million (2024)
• Number of Grants: 50 (2023)
• Average Grant Size: ~$13,371
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Maryland and Massachusetts, with some national grants
• Application Process: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 14409 Greenview Drive, Suite 201, Laurel, MD 20708

Website: https://johnvosfamilyfoundation.org

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding and does not provide public contact information for grant inquiries.

Overview

The John Vos Family Foundation Inc was established in 2008 by John L. Vos as a philanthropic endeavor honoring the memory of his father, John M. Vos, who grew up during the Great Depression in rural Iowa. Despite not being a man of great monetary wealth, John M. Vos was known for his strong Christian faith, kindness, and compassion—values that he and his wife Marie instilled in their five children. The foundation, which has grown from $795,000 in assets (2011) to $16.87 million (2024), operates as a private independent foundation focused on empowering individuals and families through access to support services, safe shelter, and nourishment. The foundation made 50 grants totaling $668,565 in 2023, directing support primarily to organizations serving vulnerable populations in Maryland and Massachusetts.

Funding Priorities

Focus Areas

The foundation directs financial support to organizations in four primary areas:

1. Domestic Abuse

Supporting programs that provide assistance to individuals who have been victims of domestic abuse as they become independent and restart their lives. John L. Vos is especially passionate about helping women overcome abusive situations.

2. Homelessness

Providing support to organizations that offer interim shelter for those in need, as well as programs that offer long-term housing assistance and skills training as individuals transition from homelessness.

3. Mental Health Services

Offering services to improve individual well-being and mental health support.

4. Alleviation of Hunger and Food Insecurity

Supporting food banks and organizations working to reduce food insecurity in communities.

Additional Areas of Support

The foundation also supports organizations involved with:

• Education
• Patient services and healthcare
• Human services
• Children and youth programs

Representative Organizations Currently Supported

Maryland-based organizations:

• Maryland Food Bank
• Annapolis Lighthouse
• YWCA of Annapolis
• Manna House (Baltimore)
• CASA
• Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Indian Creek School
• Beltsville Adventist School

Massachusetts-based organizations:

• Greater Boston Food Bank
• Rosie's Place
• Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod
• Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands
• Mass Appeal

National organizations:

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Harry Chapin Food Bank
• Little Sisters of the Poor
• Liberty Youth Ranch
• Mission of Deeds
• Fuller Center for Housing

Grant Range

Based on 2023 data: Average grant size of approximately $13,000-$14,000, with 50 grants totaling $668,565. Specific minimum and maximum grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, but the foundation appears to make grants ranging from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per organization.

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Leadership

• John L. Vos, President and Founder
• Tricia J. Vos, Vice President
• Robin M. Vos, Vice President
• Christine A. Vos, Secretary/Treasurer

All officers report zero compensation, reflecting the family foundation's volunteer-based governance structure.

Founding Inspiration

John L. Vos established the foundation honoring his parents, John M. and Marie Vos, who raised five children with values of compassion and service. According to the foundation's website, John L. Vos "has been blessed with bountiful opportunities and attributes much of his success to his strong upbringing." He is particularly passionate about helping women overcome abusive situations and providing opportunities for children through safe living environments and education.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The John Vos Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding.

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, making grants exclusively to pre-selected charitable organizations. Organizations cannot submit grant applications unless specifically invited by the foundation. This policy is clearly stated on their website: "We do not accept unsolicited requests for funding."

Grant Selection Process

The foundation identifies and selects organizations to support through:

• Trustee discretion and family connections
• Personal knowledge of organizations and their work
• Pre-existing relationships with nonprofits in their focus areas
• Geographic connections to Maryland and Massachusetts

Timeline

Not applicable for unsolicited applications. The foundation makes grants throughout the year to their selected partner organizations. Based on IRS filings, the foundation has been consistent in its grantmaking, with 41 grants in 2021, 44 grants in 2022, and 50 grants in 2023, showing a pattern of steady or increasing grant activity.

Key Characteristics for Understanding This Funder

What Drives Their Giving

1. Family Values and Personal Connection: The foundation's giving is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and compassionate values of the founder's parents. Organizations that align with these values—particularly those serving the most vulnerable—are prioritized.

2. Focus on Basic Needs: The foundation's tagline—"Empowering individuals through access to support services, safe shelter and nourishment"—reflects a practical approach to philanthropy focused on meeting fundamental human needs.

3. Women and Children: John L. Vos has stated he is "especially passionate about helping women overcome abusive situations and providing opportunities for children through safe living environments and education."

4. Geographic Ties: The foundation shows clear preference for organizations in Maryland (where the foundation is based) and Massachusetts (likely reflecting family connections).

5. Long-term Partnerships: Rather than responding to applications, the foundation appears to develop ongoing relationships with select organizations, supporting them consistently over time.

Financial Trajectory

The foundation has shown remarkable growth and stability:

• Assets grew from $795,000 (2011) to $16.87 million (2024)
• Consistently dedicates 90%+ of expenses to charitable disbursements
• Increased grant activity from 41 grants (2021) to 50 grants (2023)
• Total revenue in 2024 was $1.18 million, primarily from contributions, dividends, and asset sales

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Do not submit proposals unless specifically invited.

• Invitation-only approach: The foundation operates through pre-selected partnerships rather than competitive application processes. Organizations are selected by the trustees based on personal knowledge and alignment with the foundation's values.

• Geographic focus: Priority is given to organizations serving Maryland and Massachusetts communities, though some national organizations (like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) are supported.

• Mission alignment is critical: Organizations must directly address one or more of the foundation's four priority areas: domestic abuse, homelessness, mental health services, and hunger alleviation.

• Multi-year relationship pattern: The foundation appears to develop long-term relationships with supported organizations rather than making one-time grants to new organizations annually.

• Values-driven philanthropy: The foundation's Christian values and emphasis on compassion for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, are central to its mission.

• If you believe your organization aligns perfectly with this funder: While they don't accept unsolicited applications, being aware of the foundation's priorities means you can potentially be discovered through excellent work in their focus areas in Maryland or Massachusetts, sector visibility, or connections with organizations they currently support.

References

1. John Vos Family Foundation official website - "About the Foundation" (https://johnvosfamilyfoundation.org/blog/) - Accessed February 2026
2. John Vos Family Foundation - "Organizations We Support" (https://johnvosfamilyfoundation.org/organizations-we-support/) - Accessed February 2026
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - John Vos Family Foundation Inc (EIN: 26-1587229) (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/261587229) - Accessed February 2026
4. Candid Foundation Directory - John Vos Family Foundation Inc Profile (https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=VOSF005) - Accessed February 2026
5. Cause IQ - John Vos Family Foundation organizational profile (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/john-vos-family-foundation-inc,261587229/) - Accessed February 2026
6. Instrumentl - John Vos Family Foundation Inc 990 Report (https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/john-vos-family-foundation-inc) - Accessed February 2026