Peter C And Emajean Cook Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,967,335 (2023)
• Total Assets: $43 million
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $500 - $200,000
• Median Grant: $8,000
• Number of Grants: 178 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.cookfoundationgr.org
• Email: cookholdings@gmail.com or cboer@chholdings.net
• Phone: 616-975-2213
• Address: 644 Grandville Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Contact for Annual Return Review: tgarland@chholdings.net or call 616-975-2213 to schedule appointment

Overview

The Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation was established by Peter C. Cook and his wife Emajean (Pat) Cook, originally as the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Charitable Trust on December 30, 1959. The trust was replaced with The Cook Charitable Foundation in 1987, and renamed to its current name in 2010. Peter Cook built his wealth as one of the Midwest's leading distributors of Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi automobiles through Import Motors, which he led from 1954 until selling the company in 1980. With $43 million in assets, the foundation awarded $3.97 million through 178 grants in 2023. The foundation operates with a Christian focus and supports programs that improve quality of life, community, and economy with an emphasis on West Michigan. Important note: The foundation has a limited life and is in spend-down mode, having ceased accepting new general operating grant proposals beginning in 2022.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation accepts applications on an annual funding cycle, with organizations eligible to reapply every twelve months. Grant amounts range from $500 to $200,000, with a median grant of $8,000.

• For grants of $25,000 or more: A formal Grant Request Form is required
• For grants under $25,000: Send a written request detailing the project, expected outcomes, and impact to date

Priority Areas

With a Christian focus, the foundation gives primarily for:

• Education: Support for colleges, universities, and educational programs (buildings bearing the Cook name at eight regional schools)
• Religious Organizations: Preference given to Christian organizations and faith-based ministries
• Human Services: Support for organizations serving community needs
• Health Associations: Contributing to health sciences and cutting-edge industry growth in Grand Rapids
• Arts and Culture: Support for museums, theaters, symphonies, and performing arts organizations

Geographic Focus: Primarily organizations located within the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area

Organizational Requirements: The foundation looks to fund only organizations with:

• A track record of successful operations
• Strong sustainability outlook
• Likelihood of measurable impact on the community

What They Don't Fund

• New general operating grants: Beginning in 2022, the foundation no longer accepts new general operating grant proposals due to its limited life. Operating grants are only available to organizations previously funded for operations.
• Organizations outside Greater Grand Rapids: While not explicitly excluded, strong preference is given to the Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status: The foundation only funds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, governmental units, or non-private foundation public charities

Governance and Leadership

The foundation's assets are managed by Cook Holdings under guidance provided by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Specific board member names are available in the foundation's Annual Return (990-PF), which can be reviewed by scheduling an appointment.

Key Staff Contacts:

• Christina A. Garland - tgarland@chholdings.net
• Carrie L. Boer - cboer@chholdings.net

Founder Legacy: Peter C. Cook (1914-2011) was born and raised in Grand Rapids during the Great Depression. Unable to afford his dream of becoming a lawyer, he worked at the Kelvinator Refrigerator factory for seventeen cents an hour while attending night classes at Davenport Business College. He later became president of Import Motors in 1954 and built one of the Midwest's most successful automobile distribution businesses. Peter and Pat Cook became significant contributors to nearly every college, university, hospital, and major cultural institution in Grand Rapids.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important: While the foundation accepts unsolicited proposals, the vast majority of grants are made to organizations with which the Cooks or the Foundation have an established funding history or organizations the Directors have identified. Grants are rarely awarded to new organizations with no previous involvement.

For First-Time Applicants: If you have not received funding previously, you are strongly encouraged to call before completing the grant form (616-975-2213). Discussion can help guide the process and improve results.

Application Methods:

1. Grants of $25,000 or more: Complete the Grant Request Form (available on website)
2. Grants under $25,000: Send a written request detailing:
   • The project description
   • Expected outcomes
   • Impact to date

Submit to: cookholdings@gmail.com or cboer@chholdings.net

Decision Timeline

The foundation funds on an annual cycle, with organizations eligible to reapply every twelve months. Specific decision timelines from application to award are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply on an annual basis—eligible every twelve months from their previous grant.

Recent Grant Examples (2023)

The foundation's 2023 grant portfolio demonstrates its commitment to capital campaigns and established organizations:

• Family Promise - Mobile Home Park Acquisition, Grand Rapids: $200,000
• Hope College - Capital Campaign, Holland: $200,000
• Mel Trotter Ministries - Capital Campaign, Grand Rapids: $175,000
• Kent County Youth Agricultural Association - Capital Campaign, Lowell: $167,000
• Critter Barn - Capital Campaign, Zeeland: $100,000
• Family Promise - Advancement Campaign, Grand Rapids: $100,000

These awards illustrate the foundation's focus on capital projects and preference for established organizations with proven track records.

Application Success Factors

Critical Factors for Success

1. Pre-existing relationship is key: The foundation clearly states that "the vast majority of grants are made to organizations with which the Cooks or the Foundation have an established funding history." First-time applicants face significant barriers.

2. Christian alignment: Preference is explicitly given to Christian organizations. Organizations with a faith-based mission or Christian values alignment are more likely to succeed.

3. Call before applying: The foundation strongly encourages first-time applicants to call before completing the grant form. This is not optional advice—it's a critical step that can "help guide the process and improve results."

4. Demonstrate organizational strength: The foundation seeks organizations with:

   • A track record of successful operations
   • Strong sustainability outlook
   • Likelihood of measurable impact on the community

5. Capital campaigns favored: Recent grant examples show significant support for capital campaigns, suggesting these may be more competitive than program grants.

6. Geographic focus matters: Located in greater Grand Rapids or demonstrating clear impact in West Michigan strengthens applications.

7. Limited life considerations: Because the foundation is in spend-down mode with a limited life, they've become more selective. New operating grants are no longer accepted, suggesting the foundation is prioritizing capital investments and special projects.

What Won't Work

• Submitting an unsolicited application without first calling if you're a new applicant
• Requesting general operating support if you've never received it from the foundation before
• Organizations outside the Greater Grand Rapids area with no regional connection
• Organizations without demonstrated track record or sustainability plans

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Relationship is everything: This foundation overwhelmingly funds organizations it already knows. If you don't have a relationship, start by making the phone call they explicitly encourage.

• Christian mission alignment is strongly preferred: Organizations without Christian values or faith-based programming will face significant barriers.

• The foundation is winding down: With a limited life and no new operating grants accepted since 2022, the foundation is in spend-down mode. This makes it even more selective about new relationships.

• Capital campaigns are a sweet spot: Recent large grants ($100K-$200K) heavily favor capital campaigns, suggesting this may be the foundation's strategic priority in its final years.

• Call first, especially as a new applicant: The foundation explicitly states that calling before applying can "help guide the process and improve results." This is your best chance to understand whether your organization fits their current priorities.

• Geographic focus is strict: Organizations must be in or significantly serve the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The foundation's legacy is deeply rooted in this community.

• Annual cycle means planning ahead: With organizations eligible only every twelve months, timing your application and understanding the annual cycle is crucial for success.

References

• Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation official website: https://www.cookfoundationgr.org (accessed January 2026)
• Cook Foundation grants and application information: https://www.cookfoundationgr.org/grants (accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report for Peter C And Emajean Cook Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/peter-c-and-emajean-cook-foundation (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Peter C And Emajean Cook Foundation (EIN 382752251): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382752251 (accessed January 2026)
• Cook Foundation history page: https://www.cookfoundationgr.org/history (accessed January 2026)
• Peter C. Cook biography, Grand Valley State University Hauenstein Center: https://www.gvsu.edu/hc/peter-c-cook-419.htm (accessed January 2026)
• Learning to Give - Peter C. Cook profile: https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/peter-c-cook (accessed January 2026)
• Foundation Directory by Candid - Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=COOK040 (accessed January 2026)