Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9,847,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $4,000,000
• Most Common Grant: $10,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Grand Rapids, Michigan and West Michigan
• Application Method: Rolling applications via online portal
• Total Assets: $8,826,827 (2024)

Contact Details

Website: https://dpdevosfoundation.org/

Address: 200 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: (616) 643-4700

Email: info@dvfoundations.org

Grant Support Email: grantsupport@dvfoundations.org

Overview

Founded in 1992 by Dan and Pamella DeVos, the Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation is a private family foundation based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With total assets of $8.8 million and annual giving of approximately $9.8 million in 2023 (making 79 awards), the foundation focuses on building strong, healthy communities by investing in organizations that positively impact culture. The foundation concentrates its support on three primary pillars: arts and culture, community development and health, and education. Dan DeVos serves as Chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures LLC, a diversified management company with interests in transportation, real estate, fashion, sports, and entertainment. Pamella DeVos is a renowned fashion designer, having launched her clothing line "pamella roland" in 2002 and was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. In 2024, Dan DeVos was inducted into the JA West Michigan Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his business leadership and philanthropic contributions to the region. The foundation primarily serves the greater Grand Rapids community, with occasional support for institutions in other areas where the family has personal connections.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers three types of support through a rolling application process:

• General Operating Support: $1,000 - $4,000,000 (ongoing organizational operations)
• Capital Campaign Support: $1,000 - $4,000,000 (building projects, major equipment, facility improvements)
• Program/Project Support: $1,000 - $4,000,000 (specific initiatives or programs)

Applications accepted year-round via online portal; concurrent general operating and capital campaign requests may be considered from the same organization.

Priority Areas

Arts and Culture

• Performing arts (ballet, symphony, theater)
• Visual arts and museums
• Art education programs
• Capital projects for cultural institutions
• Recent major recipients: Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony Society, Joffrey Ballet, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Whitney Museum of American Art

Community Development and Health

• Health care institutions, particularly children's health
• Family and youth support programs
• Neighborhood enrichment initiatives
• Strategic community projects
• Human service programs
• Recent recipients: Corewell Health, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Hope Network, Family Outreach Center, Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation, West Michigan Horticultural Society, Next Step of West Michigan

Education

• Higher education institutions (primary focus)
• Educational institutions with which the family is personally involved
• Educational programs and scholarships through institutions
• Recent major recipients: Northwood University (over $10 million total, including a $20 million pledge in 2025), Grand Valley State University (over $5 million total), Hope College, Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University, Aquinas College, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Christian Schools

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does not support:

• Endowment campaigns
• Loans or investment opportunities
• Operating debt retirement
• Start-up organizations
• Organizations working outside the United States
• Direct grants to individuals
• Individual scholarships (except through educational institutions)
• Requests exceeding 10% of an organization's or project's budget
• Pass-through grants (unless a formal IRS-approved relationship exists between organizations)
• More than one application from the same organization within a 12-month period

Governance and Leadership

Founders

Dan DeVos - Chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures LLC (founded 1993), a diversified management company with interests in transportation, real estate, fashion, sports, and entertainment, employing over 2,175 people. Dan serves as chairman of the Orlando Magic, is a member of the NBA Board of Governors, and is co-owner and CEO of the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). He sits on Amway's Board of Directors and holds the title of Vice-Chairman at RDV Corporation. He is the son of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos.

Pamella DeVos - Co-founder of DP Fox Ventures LLC and president, owner, designer, and creative director of her clothing line "pamella roland" (launched 2002). A Michigan State University graduate with a degree in business, Pamella was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2010. In 2013, she partnered with Kendall College of Art and Design to open the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion.

Board Service and Community Leadership

Dan DeVos serves on:

• Hope Network Foundation (Board of Trustees)
• Northwood University (Board of Trustees)
• Grand Valley University Foundation (Vice Chair)
• Former president of Grand Rapids Symphony board

Pamella DeVos serves on:

• Joffrey Ballet (Board)
• Whitney Museum of American Art (Board)
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Board)
• Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation (Board of Trustees)
• Grand Rapids Art Museum (Honorary Life Trustee)
• Grand Valley University Foundation (Vice Chair)

Family

Dan and Pamella have three children: daughters Cassandra and Sydney, and son Cole (married to Lexi).

Leadership Philosophy

According to Dan and Pamella: "For the past three decades, we have tried to make an impact by providing support to organizations that focus on arts and culture, health care, community enrichment, and education."

The foundation's stated purpose: "To build strong, healthy communities by investing in organizations that positively impact our culture."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications year-round through their online Grant Application Portal at https://dpdevosfoundation.org/apply/

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) charitable organizations
• Churches
• Government entities
• Organizations must primarily serve the greater Grand Rapids community (exceptions made for institutions with which the family has personal involvement)

Application Requirements:

• Online application form via the foundation's portal
• Personal cover letter addressed to the trustees
• Supporting documents including annual reports
• Clear, quantifiable outcomes for proposed projects
• Budget information for the organization and/or specific project

Key Application Guidance from the Foundation:

• Applicants are "strongly encouraged" to consider their organizational budget and/or project budget, support from other donors, relationship with the foundation and trustees, and grant history when determining a request amount
• Organizations may submit only one application per calendar year (general operating, capital campaign, or program/project support)
• Concurrent general operating and capital campaign requests may be considered in special circumstances
• First step recommended: Review the foundation website thoroughly before submitting an application

Decision Timeline

• Application Submission: Rolling basis, accepted year-round
• Review Process: 3-4 months from submission to decision
• Notification: Applicants notified in writing within 2-3 weeks of trustees' decision
• Total Timeline: Approximately 3-4.5 months from application to notification

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose application success rates or the total number of applications received. In 2023, the foundation made 79 awards totaling $9,847,000, suggesting an average grant of approximately $124,000, though this includes both small grants of $1,000 and large multi-million dollar awards to major institutions.

Reapplication Policy

• If Declined: Organizations may reapply in the next calendar year
• If Approved: Most organizations are eligible to reapply after 12 months
• Restriction: No more than one application per calendar year from any organization
• Exception: Concurrent general operating and capital campaign requests may be considered under special circumstances

Application Success Factors

Demonstrated Community Impact

The foundation emphasizes investing in organizations that "positively impact our culture" and build "strong, healthy communities." Applications should clearly demonstrate measurable community benefit, particularly in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Quantifiable Outcomes

The foundation specifically requests "clear, quantifiable outcomes" in applications. Successful applicants should include specific metrics, data, and measurable goals rather than general descriptions of activities.

Personal Connection and Relationship

The foundation's giving pattern shows significant support for institutions where Dan and Pamella DeVos serve on boards or have personal involvement. The application guidance encourages applicants to consider their "relationship with the foundation and trustees" when determining request amounts. Organizations with existing connections or that can demonstrate alignment with the DeVos family's interests in arts, education, and community development may have stronger applications.

Alignment with the Three Pillars

Successful applications clearly align with one of the foundation's three focus areas: Arts and Culture, Community Development and Health, or Education. The foundation particularly supports:

• Performing arts organizations (reflecting Pamella's service on Joffrey Ballet board)
• Art museums and visual arts (reflecting support for Grand Rapids Art Museum)
• Higher education institutions (particularly those where family members serve as trustees)
• Children's health and family services
• Organizations serving the Grand Rapids community

Thoughtful Budget Requests

The foundation advises applicants to consider multiple factors when determining request amounts: organizational/project budget, support from other donors, relationship with the foundation, and grant history. Requests should not exceed 10% of the organization's or project's total budget. The foundation shows a wide range of giving ($1,000 to $4 million), with $10,000 being the most common grant amount.

Quality Over Frequency

With only one application allowed per calendar year, the foundation values carefully prepared, thoughtful applications over multiple attempts. The 3-4 month review process suggests thorough consideration of each request.

Personal Cover Letter

The application process specifically requests a "personal cover letter to trustees," suggesting that direct, personalized communication that demonstrates understanding of the foundation's mission and the DeVos family's values is important.

Supporting Documentation

Including comprehensive supporting materials such as annual reports helps demonstrate organizational stability and track record of impact.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus is critical: While the foundation occasionally supports institutions outside Grand Rapids (particularly universities where the family has connections), the vast majority of grants serve the greater Grand Rapids community. Local organizations have a significant advantage.

• Personal relationships matter: The foundation's giving pattern clearly shows substantial support for organizations where Dan and Pamella DeVos serve on boards or have personal involvement. Building authentic relationships with the foundation over time, or demonstrating connections to organizations they already support, can strengthen applications.

• $10,000 is the sweet spot for most organizations: While the foundation makes occasional multi-million dollar grants to major institutions like universities and hospitals, the most common grant amount is $10,000. First-time applicants should consider requesting amounts in this range unless they have an established relationship.

• Quality and specificity win: With a 3-4 month review timeline and emphasis on "clear, quantifiable outcomes," the foundation values detailed, well-documented applications with specific metrics over general requests. Take the time to develop a strong application with concrete data.

• Strategic timing for the one annual shot: Since organizations can only apply once per calendar year, timing matters. Ensure you have a fully developed project or clear operating needs before submitting, and allow the full 3-4 months for decision-making when planning project timelines.

• Arts, education, and children's causes align best: The foundation's priorities clearly reflect the DeVos family's personal passions—Pamella's fashion and arts background, Dan's higher education board service, and both founders' commitment to children's health and family services. Projects in these areas that serve Grand Rapids are most likely to receive support.

• Think beyond money: The foundation's exclusion of more than 10% of an organization's budget suggests they prefer to be one part of a diverse funding strategy rather than a primary funder. Applications should demonstrate other sources of support and position the foundation's grant as leveraging broader impact.

References

1. Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation Official Website - https://dpdevosfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

2. Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation - Apply Page - https://dpdevosfoundation.org/apply/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

3. Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation - Who We Are - https://dpdevosfoundation.org/who-we-are/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

4. Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation - Featured Grantees - https://dpdevosfoundation.org/featured-grantees/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Daniel & Pamella Devos Foundation (EIN: 38-3035976) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/383035976 (Accessed January 24, 2026)

6. Cause IQ - Daniel and Pamella Devos Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/daniel-and-pamella-devos-foundation,383035976/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

7. Inside Philanthropy - Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation - https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/michigan-grants/daniel-and-pamella-devos-foundation (Accessed January 24, 2026)

8. GuideStar Profile - Daniel & Pamella Devos Foundation - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-3035976 (Accessed January 24, 2026)

9. Candid Foundation Directory - Daniel & Pamella Devos Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=DEVO016 (Accessed January 24, 2026)

10. Dan DeVos Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_DeVos (Accessed January 24, 2026)

11. Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes - "Dan DeVos - 2024 JA West Michigan Business Hall of Fame Laureate" - https://michigangreatlakes.ja.org/news/press-releases/dan-devos-2024-ja-west-michigan-business-hall-of-fame-laureate (Accessed January 24, 2026)

12. Northwood University - "Daniel & Pamella DeVos Pledge Largest Gift in Northwood History" (June 12, 2025) - https://www.northwood.edu/news/daniel-pamella-devos-pledge-largest-gift-in-northwood-history/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

13. DP Fox Ventures - About Dan DeVos - https://www.dpfox.com/our-team/about-dan-devos/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

14. DP Fox Ventures - About Pamella DeVos - https://www.dpfox.com/our-team/about-pamella-devos/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)