Consumers Energy Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $7.5 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: $100 - $1,000+ (based on program types identified)
- Geographic Focus: Michigan
Contact Details
- Location: Jackson, MI
- EIN: 38-2935534
Overview
Consumers Energy Foundation is a corporate foundation established in 1991 that supports Michigan communities through strategic philanthropic investments. With total assets of $67.1 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes approximately $7.5 million annually in charitable disbursements. The foundation focuses on promoting social welfare, Michigan growth and environmental enhancement, education, and community and civic development throughout the state.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates several grant programs:
- Employee Matching Gifts Program: Matches employee and retiree contributions from $25 to $1,000
- Volunteer Investment Program (VIP): Awards grants of $100 to $500 to nonprofits where employees volunteer
- Group Volunteer Grants: Provides $250 grants for group volunteer efforts
- Caring for Community Grants: Community-focused grants (amounts vary)
Priority Areas
- Social Welfare
- Michigan Growth and Environmental Enhancement
- Education
- Community and Civic Development
Governance and Leadership
Information about specific leadership and board members was not available in public sources.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Based on available information, the foundation does not appear to have a public open application process for general grants. The foundation primarily operates through:
- Employee-driven programs (matching gifts and volunteer grants)
- Strategic partnerships and invited proposals
- Corporate community investment initiatives
Organizations seeking support should inquire directly with the foundation about potential partnership opportunities.
Application Success Factors
Without a public application process, success factors focus on:
- Alignment with Consumers Energy's service territory in Michigan
- Connection through employee volunteer engagement
- Clear demonstration of community impact
- Focus on the foundation's priority areas
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation primarily operates through employee-related giving programs rather than open grant applications
- Strong focus on Michigan-based organizations and initiatives
- Environmental enhancement and community development are key priority areas
- Employee volunteer engagement can be a pathway to foundation support through VIP grants
- Organizations should explore partnership opportunities directly with the foundation
References
- GuideStar Profile for Consumers Energy Foundation (EIN: 38-2935534), accessed December 2024
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Consumers Energy Foundation, accessed December 2024
- IRS Form 990 data via ProPublica, showing 2024 financial information