Jenkins Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $920,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
• Median Grant: $25,000
• Total Assets: $38.7 million (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Southeast Michigan (primarily) with select grants in California
• Application Process: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Jenkins Foundation
4343 Concourse Drive, Suite 230
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-8802

EIN: 27-0467778

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or published contact information for grant inquiries. They operate on an invitation-only basis and make contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.

Overview

The Jenkins Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2010 by Phil Jenkins with the mission to receive and administer funds for the promotion of science, education, medical research, support for those in need, and other charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. Currently led by President Brooke Bonilla (Phil Jenkins' granddaughter), the foundation focuses on supporting nonprofits in Southeast Michigan that primarily serve those who are economically or otherwise disadvantaged. With total assets of approximately $38.7 million and annual revenue of $9 million (2024), the foundation distributed $920,000 through 26 grants in 2023. The foundation made headlines with a transformational $3 million endowment gift to the University of Michigan's Eisenberg Family Depression Center, naming the Jenkins Family Community Outreach and Education Program in recognition of this support. The foundation operates as a low-profile, family-led charitable organization committed to values-driven philanthropy in areas of education, human services, and health.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Jenkins Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines or application cycles. Instead, the foundation:

• Makes grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 with a median grant of $25,000
• Distributes approximately $920,000 annually across approximately 26 grants
• Supports organizations on an invitation-only basis through trustee discretion
• Makes both annual operating support grants and major transformational gifts (such as the $3M endowment to U-M)

Priority Areas

Based on their documented grant-making patterns, the Jenkins Foundation prioritizes:

Education:

• Educational research
• Youth education programs
• School-based initiatives

Human Services:

• Homeless shelters and services
• Youth centers and programs
• Community assistance programs
• Services for economically disadvantaged populations

Health & Mental Health:

• Mental health awareness and education
• Depression and mental health outreach programs
• Medical research
• Community health initiatives

Geographic Priorities:

• Primary focus: Southeast Michigan including Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Fremont, Lansing, Oakland, Petoskey, and Ypsilanti
• Secondary: Select initiatives in California

Population Focus:

• Organizations serving those who are economically disadvantaged
• Youth and young people
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Individuals affected by mental health challenges

Known Grant Recipients

While the foundation does not publicly disclose all grant recipients, documented recipients include:

• University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center - $3 million endowment for outreach and education programs
• Safehouse Center - Support for homeless services and youth programs
• Multiple other nonprofits across Southeast Michigan (specific organizations available in Form 990-PF filings)

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation has not published explicit exclusions, based on their stated focus:

• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas (with rare exceptions)
• Organizations that do not serve economically disadvantaged populations
• Unsolicited applications from any organization

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Brooke Bonilla - President

• Granddaughter of founder Phil Jenkins
• Compensation: $34,000 annually
• Time commitment: 5 hours per week

Elizabeth Weiss - Vice President

• No compensation
• Minimal time commitment

Lee Ann Jenkins - Director

• No compensation
• Minimal time commitment

Steven Tracy - Director

• No compensation
• Minimal time commitment

Foundation History

The Jenkins Foundation was established in 2010 by Phil Jenkins, a philanthropist committed to supporting science, education, medical research, and assistance for those in need. The foundation represents a family-led approach to charitable giving, with leadership now passed to the second generation through President Brooke Bonilla. The foundation maintains a low public profile while making strategic investments in organizations addressing critical community needs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Jenkins Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations" and "does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." This means:

• There is no public application process
• No application forms or guidelines are available
• No application deadlines exist
• The foundation identifies and selects grantees through its own initiative and trustee discretion
• Organizations cannot apply directly for funding

How Grants Are Awarded

Based on available information, the Jenkins Foundation appears to identify potential grantees through:

• Trustee knowledge and involvement in the Southeast Michigan nonprofit sector
• Existing relationships with organizations serving their priority populations
• Research and identification of organizations aligned with their mission
• Direct outreach from foundation leadership to organizations they wish to support

Getting on Their Radar

IMPORTANT: This section contains specific, actionable information about THIS funder based on research findings.

While the Jenkins Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations working in their priority areas in Southeast Michigan may increase their visibility through:

1. Geographic and Mission Alignment:

• The foundation has a clear preference for Southeast Michigan organizations, particularly those in Ann Arbor, Dexter, and surrounding Washtenaw County communities
• Organizations should be directly serving economically disadvantaged populations with measurable impact

2. University of Michigan Connections:

• The foundation's $3 million gift to U-M's Eisenberg Family Depression Center demonstrates strong ties to University of Michigan initiatives
• Organizations with U-M partnerships, research collaborations, or programs aligned with U-M priorities may benefit from this connection

3. Focus on Transformational vs. Transactional:

• The foundation makes both smaller annual grants ($5K-$25K) and larger transformational gifts ($3M endowment)
• They appear interested in creating lasting impact through endowments and named programs, not just one-time support

4. Local Nonprofit Sector Visibility:

• Given the trustees' minimal time commitment and the foundation's relatively small number of grants (26 annually), trustees likely rely on their existing knowledge of the Southeast Michigan nonprofit landscape
• Organizations should focus on building strong reputations and visibility within the Southeast Michigan philanthropic community
• Participation in regional nonprofit collaboratives, community foundations, and sector networks may increase visibility

5. Areas of Demonstrated Interest:

• The foundation has shown specific interest in: mental health/depression outreach, homeless services, youth programs, and educational research
• Organizations working in these specific areas with documented outcomes may be more likely to come to the foundation's attention

What NOT to Do:

• Do not send unsolicited proposals, letters of inquiry, or funding requests
• The foundation has explicitly stated they do not accept such requests

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Given the invitation-only nature of the foundation's grant-making, there are no standard application cycles or decision timelines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications, so there is no application pool to measure success rates against.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply or reapply as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

For Organizations Hoping to Be Considered (Despite No Application Process)

While organizations cannot directly apply to the Jenkins Foundation, those working in their priority areas can position themselves for potential consideration by:

1. Demonstrating Deep Impact with Economically Disadvantaged Populations

The foundation's explicit focus is on "non-profits in southeast Michigan that primarily serve those who are economically or otherwise disadvantaged." This is not a secondary consideration but their primary filter. Organizations should:

• Clearly articulate how their programs specifically serve economically disadvantaged individuals
• Document measurable outcomes and impact with this population
• Ensure this focus is central to the organization's mission, not peripheral

2. Building a Strong Regional Reputation

Given the foundation's small staff (minimal trustee hours), they likely rely on existing knowledge and reputation:

• Establish credibility and visibility in the Southeast Michigan nonprofit sector
• Build relationships with other funders, community leaders, and sector partners
• Demonstrate sustainability and strong organizational health
• Achieve recognition through awards, media coverage, or sector leadership

3. Aligning with the Foundation's Demonstrated Interests

The foundation has shown particular interest in:

• Mental health and depression: The $3M gift to the Eisenberg Depression Center demonstrates this is a priority area
• Homeless services and youth programs: Documented support for Safehouse Center and youth centers
• Education and educational research: Listed as a core priority area
• Community health: Pattern of health-related grant-making

Organizations in these specific areas may be more likely to align with trustee interests.

4. Creating Opportunities for Transformational, Named Support

The foundation's $3 million endowment gift that created the "Jenkins Family Community Outreach and Education Program" suggests they value:

• Endowment opportunities that create perpetual impact
• Named programs or initiatives that recognize their philanthropy
• Transformational gifts beyond annual operating support
• Projects with long-term sustainability built in

5. Excellence in Organizational Management

While not explicitly stated, standard foundation due diligence would favor:

• Strong financial management and transparency
• Effective governance and leadership
• Clear strategic planning and measurable outcomes
• Compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements

6. Geographic Proximity and Connection

The foundation's focus on Southeast Michigan, particularly the Ann Arbor/Dexter area where they are based, suggests:

• Local organizations may have an advantage
• Trustees may personally know or be aware of nearby organizations
• Regional impact and community connection matter

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. No Direct Application Path: The Jenkins Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Traditional grant writing to this funder is not possible. Organizations cannot submit proposals, LOIs, or requests for funding.

2. Focus on Reputation, Not Proposals: Since trustees select grantees through their own initiative, building a strong organizational reputation in Southeast Michigan is more valuable than crafting the perfect proposal. Focus on visibility, credibility, and documented impact.

3. Economic Disadvantage is the Core Filter: This is not one of many priorities—it's THE defining characteristic the foundation seeks. Organizations must clearly and primarily serve economically disadvantaged populations to align with the foundation's mission.

4. Think Transformational AND Transactional: While they make smaller grants ($5K-$25K), the $3M endowment shows they're also interested in major, lasting impact. Organizations should have both immediate needs and transformational opportunities ready if approached.

5. Mental Health, Homelessness, Youth, and Education are Sweet Spots: The documented grants to the Depression Center and homeless/youth services indicate these are areas of genuine trustee interest, not just stated priorities.

6. University of Michigan Connection May Matter: The major gift to U-M suggests positive relationships with university-affiliated programs. Organizations with U-M partnerships or research collaborations may benefit from this affinity.

7. Geographic Focus is Genuine and Narrow: While they make occasional California grants, the overwhelming focus is Southeast Michigan. Organizations outside this region have minimal chance of support regardless of alignment with mission.

References

1. Cause IQ - Jenkins Foundation Profile
   https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/jenkins-foundation,270467778/
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Financial data, mission statement, geographic focus, leadership information

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Jenkins Foundation
   https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/270467778
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: IRS Form 990-PF filings, financial data, filing history, revenue and assets

3. Grantable.co - Jenkins Foundation Profile
   https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/jenkins-foundation-us-foundation-270467778
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Grant amounts, number of grants, median grant size, application policy

4. GrantExec - Jenkins Foundation
   https://grantexec.com/foundations/270467778
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Grant range, annual giving, geographic priorities

5. University of Michigan Depression Center - "$3M Jenkins Foundation Gift Ensures Future of Depression Outreach Programs"
   https://depressioncenter.org/news-events/news/3m-jenkins-foundation-gift-ensures-future-depression-outreach-programs
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Major gift information, program naming, foundation priorities, mission

6. Michigan Medicine - "$3M Jenkins Foundation Gift Ensures Future of Depression Outreach Programs"
   https://www.michiganmedicine.org/philanthropy-news/3m-jenkins-foundation-gift-ensures-future-depression-outreach-programs
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Gift details, foundation background, founder information

7. GuideStar Profile - Jenkins Foundation
   https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-0467778
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: IRS Form 990-PF filings, unsolicited application policy

8. Charity Navigator - Jenkins Foundation Profile
   https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/270467778
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: Financial overview, basic foundation information

9. Instrumentl - Jenkins Foundation 990 Report
   https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/jenkins-foundation-d3089ef4-0d36-4202-9780-c32068377b9e
   Accessed: February 11, 2026
   Source for: 990 data, grant history, financial metrics

10. Grantmakers.io - Jenkins Foundation Profile
    https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/270467778-jenkins-foundation/
    Accessed: February 11, 2026
    Source for: Foundation profile data, grant-making information