Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $155,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (no public application)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: West Michigan

Contact Details

Address: Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Note: No public website or contact information available. Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation was established in 2010 by Beatrice "Bea" Idema, a devoted philanthropist and community leader who passed away in 2022 at age 99. The foundation manages over $20 million in assets and distributed $155,000 in grants in 2023. As a private grantmaking foundation, it operates on an invitation-only basis and is dedicated to supporting education, human services, and philanthropic infrastructure in West Michigan. The foundation is led by Bea's three nephews (Peter, Chad, and Vincent Versluis) along with Tonya Williamson and Dana Hushak, all serving without compensation. Their mission is to further Bea's vision of a healthier, smarter, and brighter Grand Rapids, believing that supporting education is one of the best ways to make an impact on the community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Invitation-Only Grants: $10,000 - $100,000 (preselected organizations only)
• Application method: Foundation identifies and invites organizations

Priority Areas

• Education (particularly K-12 and science education)
• Human Services
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

What They Don't Fund

The foundation only funds preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (all serve without compensation):

• Peter Versluis - President (nephew of Bea Idema)
• Chad Versluis - Vice President/Treasurer (nephew)
• Vincent Versluis - Board Member (nephew)
• Tonya Williamson - Secretary
• Dana Hushak - Board Member

Peter Versluis noted regarding their Van Andel Institute partnership: "We have been able to see and even participate in the field trip activities at VAI," demonstrating the board's hands-on involvement.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. According to their IRS Form 990-PF, they "only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations and don't accept unsolicited applications for funds."

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no applications accepted.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates exclusively through invitation, organizations cannot apply but should understand their focus:

• The foundation actively seeks organizations with substantial community impact
• Known support for Van Andel Institute's K-12 science education programs demonstrates preference for hands-on educational experiences
• Board members personally engage with funded programs to understand impact
• Organizations must align with Bea Idema's vision for West Michigan
• Foundation believes children are "our greatest assets" and prioritizes programs serving them

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only foundation - no unsolicited applications accepted
• Focus on education, particularly K-12 and science education in West Michigan
• Grant range typically $10,000 - $100,000
• Foundation actively identifies organizations rather than accepting proposals
• Strong preference for programs with measurable community impact
• Geographic limitation to West Michigan cities (Grand Rapids, Ada, Kentwood, etc.)
• Board demonstrates hands-on engagement with funded programs

References

• Van Andel Institute. "Nurturing education & science in Grand Rapids." https://www.vai.org/article/nurturing-education-science-in-grand-rapids/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation Form 990-PF. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/272534791
• Cause IQ. "Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/bea-aldrink-idema-foundation,272534791/
• Grand Valley State University. "Campus community mourns death of Bea Idema." https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnext/2022/campus-community-mourns-death-of-bea-idema.htm