The Morey Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $636,590 (2023)
• Assets: $29.6 million (approximate)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-4 months (via MPACF grant cycles)
• Grant Range: Varies widely - from small grants ($2,500) to major capital projects
• Geographic Focus: Isabella County, Michigan
• Founded: 1990

Contact Details

Address: 7350 E River Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858-9447

Phone: 989-317-0198

Website: themoreyfoundation.org

Grant Applications: Applications are submitted through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation at mpacf.org/apply-for-a-grant

Overview

The Morey Foundation was established in 1990 to honor the legacy of Norval K. "Nub" Morey, a successful entrepreneur who built Morbark, Inc. into a major manufacturing company. The foundation carries forward his commitment to Isabella County by supporting and enhancing the education, cultural, social, and economic life of the community. Since its founding, the foundation has made substantial investments in education, healthcare, youth development, and community infrastructure. The foundation operates as a private foundation and works in partnership with the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to administer several grant programs and community funds. With approximately $29.6 million in assets, the foundation made 29 grants totaling $636,590 in 2023. The foundation has funded major community projects including the Morey Charter School, Morey FlexTech High School, the Norval K. Morey Cancer Center, and the Morey Gymnastics Center.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Morey Foundation channels funding through multiple mechanisms:

• Direct Foundation Grants: Major grants for significant community projects, particularly in education and healthcare infrastructure
• Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund: Community grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for various local needs (administered through MPACF)
• Michael C. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund: Supports basic community needs programs (administered through MPACF)
• Norval Morey Leadership Scholarship Fund: Supports educational scholarships (administered through MPACF)
• Morey Foundation Leadership Fund: Supports leadership development initiatives (administered through MPACF)

Grant applications are processed through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation's grant portal with two competitive cycles annually.

Priority Areas

Education and Youth Activities

• K-12 education initiatives
• Charter school development and support
• Project-based learning programs
• Youth leadership development
• Educational infrastructure and facilities
• Childcare programs for infants and toddlers

Community Health and Development

• Healthcare facilities and equipment
• Cancer care services
• Health and fitness programs
• Community health initiatives
• Medical equipment and technology

Life Enrichment for the Elderly

• Programs serving senior citizens
• Accessibility improvements
• Elder care services

Additional Focus Areas

• Recreation and sports facilities
• Environmental and conservation projects
• Community infrastructure
• Programs serving economically disadvantaged populations
• Support for nonprofit capacity building

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but the foundation's clear focus on Isabella County means projects outside this geographic area are not eligible. The foundation works through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation for smaller grants, which limits funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of government.

Governance and Leadership

The Morey Foundation maintains close ties to the Morey family, with ongoing involvement from Norval Morey's descendants. The related Morey Family Foundation is led by:

• Jerry Morey - Director, President, and Treasurer
• Marilyn Morey - Director
• Jennifer Brickner - Director and Secretary
• Justin Brickner - Director

Lon Morey, son of Norval K. Morey, has continued his father's philanthropic legacy, founding the Norval K. Morey Cancer Center in 2005 and maintaining active involvement in community development.

About Norval K. "Nub" Morey: People who knew Norval Morey describe him as "a true visionary, an entrepreneurial genius, a philanthropic benefactor and an overall amazing person." Born to a rural mid-Michigan family during the Great Depression, Norval's formal education ended at sixth grade, yet he later received an honorary degree from Harvard. In 1957, he invented a portable wood debarker and built Morbark, Inc. into a 1.5 million square foot manufacturing complex with nearly 500 employees. He died in October 1997, but his philanthropic legacy continues through the foundation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications for grants from Morey Foundation funds must be submitted through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Grant Portal at mpacf.org/apply-for-a-grant.

Application Requirements:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Required before full application (except for Youth Mini-Grants)
   • Must be submitted through the Grant Portal
   • Must be approved by a Program Officer before proceeding to full application
2. Full Application: Only accessible after LOI approval
   • Online submission only
   • Supporting documents must be in PDF format, 8.5" x 11"
   • Organizations limited to two applications per grant cycle
3. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and units of government serving Isabella County

Grant Cycles:

• Two competitive grant cycles annually
• Applications typically open August 1
• Youth Mini-Grant Applications accepted January 1 - October 31 (no LOI required)

Contact for Questions:

• Phone: 989-317-0198
• Website recommends contacting Program Officer with questions before deadline

Decision Timeline

Approximate Timeline:

• Application submission: Twice yearly (specific dates vary)
• Review period: Community committees review and make recommendations
• Board approval: Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board has final authority
• Notification: Typically announced by end of April for spring cycle
• Total process: Approximately 2-4 months from application to notification

Success Rates

Specific success rates for Morey Foundation grants are not publicly disclosed. The foundation made 29 grants in 2023 totaling $636,590. Recent grant announcements show that Morey family funds often contribute to larger awards alongside other MPACF funds, suggesting a collaborative funding model.

Recent Grant Examples (2024):

• Chippewa Watershed Conservancy: $10,000 (from Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, among others)
• Isabella Community Soup Kitchen: $10,000 (vehicle purchase)
• First United Methodist Church: $10,000 (Hope Childcare Center)
• Isabella County Child Advocacy Center: $2,500 (simulator equipment)
• The Care Store: $2,500 (personal care products program)

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for the Morey Foundation are not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation directly for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful grant request.

Application Success Factors

Understanding the Foundation's Approach

The Morey Foundation's history demonstrates a strong preference for transformative community projects that create lasting infrastructure and sustained impact. Major investments in charter schools, healthcare facilities, and recreation centers show they value projects that become permanent community assets.

Key Success Factors

1. Deep Isabella County Focus The foundation was created specifically to "support and enhance the education, cultural, social and economic life of Isabella County." Applications must demonstrate clear benefit to Isabella County residents.

2. Emphasis on Education Given Norval Morey's personal story (formal education ended at sixth grade but achieved great success) and the foundation's major investments in schools, educational projects appear to receive particular attention. The foundation has supported traditional charter schools, project-based learning models (FlexTech), and educational facilities.

3. Capacity for Scale Recent examples show the foundation supports both small grants ($2,500-$10,000) for specific program needs and major capital projects (cancer center, gymnastics center, schools). Applications should be scaled appropriately to project scope.

4. Entrepreneurial Spirit Norval Morey was described as "an entrepreneurial genius." Projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability planning, and long-term community impact align with this legacy.

5. Collaboration and Leveraging Many recent Morey fund grants are made in combination with other MPACF funds, suggesting the foundation values collaborative funding and projects that attract multiple supporters.

6. Serving Vulnerable Populations Recent grants support programs for elderly residents, economically disadvantaged individuals, children and youth, and those facing health challenges - all priority populations for the foundation.

Practical Application Tips

• Contact the Program Officer early in your planning process - MPACF specifically recommends this
• Don't wait until the deadline to submit - allow time for questions and clarification
• Submit complete supporting documentation in PDF format, properly formatted to 8.5" x 11"
• Remember the two-application limit per cycle - be strategic about which projects to submit
• Match your project to fund purposes - MPACF staff match requests to appropriate endowed funds
• Demonstrate community impact - committees of community members make recommendations
• Show sustainability - the foundation's history suggests preference for projects with lasting impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geography is critical - The foundation exists specifically to benefit Isabella County, Michigan. Projects must clearly serve this community.

2. Education opens doors - The foundation's largest investments have been in educational infrastructure. Strong educational components or direct educational projects align with core mission.

3. Think legacy and infrastructure - While smaller program grants are available, the foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund transformative projects that create permanent community assets.

4. Work through MPACF - Most grant seekers will apply through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation's competitive grant cycles. Understanding MPACF's process is essential.

5. Start with the Letter of Intent - The LOI must be approved before you can access the full application. This is a critical first step.

6. Collaborative funding is common - Don't be discouraged if you receive partial funding. The foundation often contributes alongside other MPACF funds to support worthy projects.

7. Honor the legacy - Understanding Norval Morey's story (entrepreneurship, innovation, community commitment) can help frame applications that resonate with the foundation's values.

References

• Cause IQ: The Morey Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/morey-foundation,382965346/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Morey Foundation (EIN 38-2965346) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382965346 (Accessed March 2026)
• Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation: The Morey Foundation Fund - https://www.mpacf.org/moreyfoundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation: Apply for a Competitive Grant - https://www.mpacf.org/apply-for-a-grant (Accessed March 2026)
• Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation: News and Grant Announcements - https://www.mpacf.org/news (Accessed March 2026)
• The Morning Sun: "Community Foundation awards more than $100,000 in grants" (July 2024) - https://www.themorningsun.com/2024/07/07/community-foundation-awards-more-than-100000-in-grants/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Epicenter Mt. Pleasant: "Investing in today and tomorrow: The Morey Foundation's enduring commitment to Isabella County" - https://epicentermtpleasant.com/epicenter/features/the_morey_foundation.aspx (Accessed March 2026)
• Mackinac Center: "Norval K. 'Nub' Morey: In Memoriam" - https://www.mackinac.org/9070 (Accessed March 2026)
• Central Michigan University: The Morey Foundation Partner Award - https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/alumni-relations/awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/award-recipients/moreyfoundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl: Morey Foundation 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/morey-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Grantmakers.io: Morey Foundation Profile - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/382965346-morey-foundation/ (Accessed March 2026)