James and Shirley Balk Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $145,089 (2023); $1,770,350 (2022)
• Grant Range: $350 - $1,350,000 (historical); $500 - $60,000 (typical recent range)
• Median Grant: $37,141
• Number of Grants: 37 grants (2023); 19 grants (2022)
• Total Assets: $6,661,567 (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Application Deadlines: None - rolling basis

Contact Details

Address: 1230 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4620

Phone: (616) 458-1414

Contact Person: Shirley Balk

Note: The foundation shares its address with Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co., the family business.

Overview

The James and Shirley Balk Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 1984 in Michigan. The foundation is a family-run philanthropic organization with assets of approximately $6.7 million as of 2023. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to the Grand Rapids community, with giving focused primarily in the local area. The foundation's annual giving has shown considerable variation, ranging from $145,089 in 2023 to $1,770,350 in 2022, suggesting they may make occasional larger grants while maintaining a baseline of smaller awards. The Balk family has demonstrated significant philanthropic leadership in Kent County, most notably through their generous donation that enabled the acquisition of 125 acres of the former Silver Lake Country Club in Cannon Township, which was transformed into Balk Family Park in 2021-2023. The foundation is managed by family trustees who also operate Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co., a local business that has been part of the Grand Rapids community since 1973.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed application deadlines. Applications are accepted through written letters of inquiry on organizational letterhead.

Grant Range:

• Historical range: $350 - $1,350,000
• Typical recent range: $500 - $60,000
• Median grant: $37,141

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily for Christian education, with additional support for:

• Christian Education: Primary focus area, including private Christian schools and faith-based educational programs
• Churches: Support for religious institutions and church-related programs
• Arts: Cultural organizations and arts programming
• Human Services: Social service organizations serving the community
• Botanical Gardens: Environmental and horticultural education
• Youth Development: Student clubs and youth-focused programs
• Food Pantries: Hunger relief and food security
• Animal Shelters: Animal welfare organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals: The foundation does not provide grants to individuals
• Geographic Limitation: While not explicitly stated, giving appears focused primarily in Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is governed by five family trustees:

• James Balk II - President of Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co.
• Shirley Balk - Primary contact for the foundation
• James H. Balk
• Martin A. Balk - President of Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co.
• Steven J. Balk - Co-Owner of Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co.

Family Business Connection

The Balk family operates Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co., located at the same address as the foundation. Jim Balk (James Balk II) joined Jens Hansen shortly after the company was launched, and together they built the business, changing its name to Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co. in 1973. Today, Jim's sons Martin and Steven continue to operate the company alongside their philanthropic work with the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through a simple letter of inquiry process:

1. Initial Approach: Submit a letter on your organization's letterhead
2. No Formal Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year
3. Contact: Address letters to Shirley Balk at the foundation's address

Application Method: Letter of inquiry (no online portal or formal application form)

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the family-managed nature of the foundation and rolling application process, decisions are likely made on an ongoing basis as trustees review letters of inquiry.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation awarded:

• 37 grants in 2023 with total giving of $145,089
• 19 grants in 2022 with total giving of $1,770,350

The significant variation in both the number and total value of grants suggests that the foundation may make occasional large grants alongside more regular smaller awards.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are publicly documented. Organizations may submit inquiries on a rolling basis.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Christian Values

Given the foundation's primary focus on Christian education and support for churches, organizations with a faith-based mission or clear connection to Christian values are likely to align well with the foundation's priorities. Even non-religious organizations should be prepared to articulate how their work might resonate with the foundation's values.

Grand Rapids Connection

The foundation gives primarily in Grand Rapids, MI, and the Balk family has deep roots in the community through their business and philanthropic activities. Organizations with a strong presence in Grand Rapids and Kent County are well-positioned to apply. The family's donation of Balk Family Park demonstrates their commitment to lasting community impact.

Keep It Simple

The foundation uses a simple letter-based application process rather than complex formal applications. This suggests they value straightforward, clear communication. Letters should be concise, professional, and clearly articulate:

• Your organization's mission and connection to their funding priorities
• The specific need or project requiring funding
• The requested amount and how it will be used
• Your impact in the Grand Rapids community

Diverse Organization Types

The foundation supports a broad range of organization types including churches, student clubs, food pantries, animal shelters, private schools, and youth development programs. This diversity suggests an openness to various approaches to community service, so long as they align with the foundation's general priorities.

Relationship-Based Giving

As a family foundation without formal deadlines or online systems, grants are likely influenced by the trustees' personal knowledge of and relationship with organizations in the community. Organizations that have existing connections to the Grand Rapids business community or faith community may have an advantage.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Christian focus is paramount: The foundation's primary interest is Christian education, with churches and faith-based organizations also strongly favored. Frame your request in alignment with these values.

• Local ties matter: This is a Grand Rapids foundation with deep community roots. Emphasize your local presence, impact on Kent County residents, and connection to the community the Balk family has served for decades.

• Simple and direct approach: Don't overthink the application. A well-written letter on organizational letterhead is all that's required. Be clear, concise, and specific about your request.

• Wide grant range reflects flexibility: With grants ranging from $350 to over $1 million, the foundation can support both small and transformational projects. Don't self-select out based on project size - make your case.

• Family foundation dynamics: Remember this is a family-managed foundation. Grants reflect the trustees' personal philanthropic priorities and community knowledge. Building awareness of your organization within the Grand Rapids philanthropic community can help.

• No deadline pressure: The rolling basis allows you to apply when it makes sense for your organization's timeline, but also means there's no urgency driving decisions. Be patient with the process.

• Demonstrate community impact: The Balk family's creation of a 125-acre public park shows they value lasting community benefit. Articulate the long-term impact of your work on Grand Rapids residents.

References

• Cause IQ - James and Shirley Balk Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/james-and-shirley-balk-foundation,382556356/
• Grantmakers.io - James and Shirley Balk Foundation: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v1/382556356-james-and-shirley-balk-foundation/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Full Filing: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382556356/201811349349103736/full
• Candid Foundation Directory - Foundation Profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=BALK003
• Instrumentl - 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/james-and-shirley-balk-foundation
• Kent County Parks Foundation - Balk Family Park: http://www.kcpf.org/balk
• Fox 17 News - Kent County Park Plans: https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/kent/kent-co-looks-to-make-former-silver-lake-country-club-golf-course-into-125-acre-park
• Hansen-Balk Steel Treating Co. - About: https://hansenbalk.com/about/
• Multiple foundation database sources accessed March 10, 2026