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Penske Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.4M
Grant Range
$10K - $1.0M

Penske Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.4 million (2023); significant increase in assets to $215.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only, does not accept unsolicited applications)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Michigan (Detroit metro area), with national reach including Minnesota, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, and New York

Contact Details

  • Address: 2555 S Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-0912
  • Website: No public website for the foundation
  • Phone: Not publicly available
  • Email: Not publicly available
  • Application Contact: Not available - foundation does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

Penske Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established in March 2012 and based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The foundation is led by Roger S. Penske, the legendary business leader and motorsports executive, and his wife Kathryn H. Penske, who serves as President. With total assets that have grown dramatically from $2.2 million in 2013 to approximately $215.2 million in 2024, the foundation has become a significant philanthropic force.

The foundation operates as a vehicle for the Penske family's charitable giving, focusing primarily on healthcare, education, arts and culture, and human services. It maintains a strong commitment to the Detroit metropolitan area and Michigan, reflecting Roger Penske's decades-long dedication to revitalizing the Motor City. The foundation typically makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a concentrated funding model with larger grants to fewer recipients:

  • Major institutional grants: $500,000 - $1,000,000 (healthcare systems, arts institutions)
  • Mid-tier grants: $100,000 - $250,000 (educational associations, motorsports foundations)
  • Community grants: $10,000 - $25,000 (smaller foundations, youth programs)

Application method: Invitation only / Trustee discretion

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant activity, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Healthcare: Major medical institutions (Mayo Clinic, Henry Ford Health), mental health services, integrated care facilities
  • Arts and Culture: Detroit cultural institutions (Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
  • Education: STEM education, youth development, educational organizations (EL Education)
  • Motorsports-related charities: Racing family foundations (Joey Logano Foundation, Ryan Blaney Family Foundation), Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, TechForce Foundation
  • Youth and human services: Horatio Alger Association, Boys and Girls Clubs

What They Don't Fund

  • Unsolicited grant requests from organizations without pre-existing relationships
  • Organizations not aligned with family interests and connections
  • Specific exclusions not publicly documented

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Kathryn H. Penske - President
  • Roger S. Penske - Founder, Chairman of Penske Corporation
  • Lawrence N. Bluth - Secretary
  • Angela Broaddus - Treasurer
  • Roger S. Penske Jr. - Director
  • Gregory W. Penske - Director
  • Mark H. Penske - Director
  • Jay C. Penske - Director
  • Blair Penske Hall - Director

All board members serve without compensation, and the board is comprised entirely of Penske family members and close associates.

Roger Penske on Philanthropy

Roger Penske, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Horatio Alger Award for his achievements and philanthropy, has shared his philosophy on giving:

"I think it's important for each of my enterprises to give something back. I've discovered that what is true in business is also true in philanthropy: Effort Equals Results."

"Mental health care is a critical component of a healthy society. This clinic will provide a lifeline to individuals and families in Oakland County — including first responders — ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need during their most challenging moments."

"The young people of the community represent our future. The investments we make in STEM education will help to ensure that our city, state and important industries will have the human capital resources they need."

Kathryn Penske on their commitment to Detroit:

"Roger and I didn't grow up here, but this is our home now, and we both want to help Detroit succeed."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded through:

  • Trustee discretion and family decisions
  • Pre-existing relationships with beneficiary organizations
  • Alignment with Penske family interests and connections
  • Direct invitation from the foundation

Getting on Their Radar

Specific Funder Intelligence:

  • Motorsports Connection: The foundation regularly supports organizations connected to the motorsports industry where the Penske family has deep involvement. The Joey Logano Foundation and Ryan Blaney Family Foundation (both NASCAR-related) receive annual support.
  • Detroit Community Involvement: Roger Penske has chaired the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Super Bowl XL Host Committee, and Clean Downtown initiatives. Organizations involved in these civic efforts have established relationships with the Penske network.
  • Horatio Alger Association: Roger Penske is a member and the association receives regular funding - organizations connected to this network may have visibility.
  • Detroit Institute of Arts: Kathy Penske (daughter) serves as a trustee, providing a connection point for arts organizations.
  • Oakland County Health Initiatives: The recent $3 million gift to Honor Community Health's integrated care center demonstrates interest in innovative healthcare delivery models in the region.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation appears to make annual giving decisions based on board meetings.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable for unsolicited applications.

Recent Grant Activity (2023)

RecipientLocationAmount
Henry Ford HealthDetroit, MI$1,000,000
Mayo ClinicRochester, MN$500,000
Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit, MI$500,000
Indianapolis Motor Speedway FoundationIndianapolis, IN$250,000
Horatio Alger AssociationAlexandria, VA$100,000
Joey Logano Foundation IncHuntersville, NC$25,000
Ryan Blaney Family FoundationConcord, NC$25,000
Detroit Symphony OrchestraDetroit, MI$10,000
TechForce FoundationScottsdale, AZ$10,000
EL EducationNew York, NY$10,000

Recent Major Pledge (2024): $3 million to Oakland County Integrated Care Center for mental health services expansion over three years.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional success factors do not apply. However, based on giving patterns:

  • Strong Detroit/Michigan Connection: The majority of funding goes to Michigan-based organizations, particularly those serving the Detroit metropolitan area
  • Healthcare Innovation: The $3 million mental health pledge shows interest in innovative, integrated care models that serve underserved populations
  • Measurable Impact: Roger Penske has emphasized "putting dollars into highly specific programs that show measurable return on investment"
  • Motorsports and Automotive Industry: Organizations connected to these industries have recurring funding relationships
  • Youth Development and STEM: Consistent with Penske's stated commitment to investing in young people and future workforce development
  • Arts and Culture: Particularly institutions central to Detroit's cultural identity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Invitation-only funder: The Penske Foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited applications. Do not submit cold applications.

  2. Relationship-based giving: Grants flow through Penske family connections, board relationships, and long-standing organizational ties.

  3. Strong Michigan/Detroit focus: Organizations with deep roots in the Detroit community and contributions to the city's revitalization are prioritized.

  4. Healthcare is a growing priority: The recent $3 million mental health pledge signals increased interest in healthcare access and mental health services.

  5. Motorsports connections matter: Organizations linked to the racing industry where the Penske family is deeply involved receive regular support.

  6. Measurable outcomes emphasized: Roger Penske's business approach extends to philanthropy - he looks for clear return on investment in charitable giving.

  7. Consider alternative Penske connections: Penske Corporation also engages in corporate giving and disaster relief. Organizations may find more accessible entry points through corporate community programs rather than the private foundation.

References

Research compiled December 2025

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