Mojo Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,200,000 - $2,500,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000+
• Geographic Focus: Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding area

Contact Details

• Phone: (616) 455-0200
• Address: 5940 Tahoe Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-7121
• Website: No public website
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Mojo Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1996 in Michigan, with IRS ruling status granted in 1998. With total assets of approximately $37.8 million, the foundation distributes $2.2-2.5 million annually through grants to nonprofit organizations. Operating under the leadership of the McGraw family, the foundation focuses on supporting Christian organizations, children's services, family services, and human services organizations primarily in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The foundation made 47 grants in its most recent reporting year, with an average grant size of $51,100 and a median grant of $15,000. As a private family foundation, it operates without a public website or formal application process, making grant decisions at the discretion of its trustees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $5,000 - $100,000+ (grants made at trustee discretion)
• No formal grant programs with specific application windows

Priority Areas

• Christian agencies and churches
• Children's services
• Family services
• Human services organizations
• Community development in Grand Rapids area

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Organizations outside their focus areas

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by the McGraw family:

• Michael A. McGraw - President
• Michael R. McGraw - Vice President and Secretary
• Joshua D. McGraw - Vice President
• Kenneth R. Besteman - Treasurer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees. Organizations must contact the foundation directly at (616) 455-0200 to inquire about potential grant opportunities. The foundation appears to primarily support organizations already known to the trustees or those with established relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on analysis of their grant-making patterns, the Mojo Foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through:

• Existing relationships with the McGraw family trustees
• Connections through the Grand Rapids faith-based community network
• Organizations can make initial contact via phone at (616) 455-0200
• Written inquiries to their Grand Rapids office address may also be considered

Decision Timeline

No public information available about typical decision timeframes.

Success Rates

No public data available on application numbers or success rates.

Reapplication Policy

No public information available about reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grant recipients and the foundation's giving patterns:

• Strong alignment with Christian mission and values appears to be a significant factor
• Organizations serving children and families in the Grand Rapids area receive consistent support
• Historical recipients include Grand Rapids International Fellowship, Home Repair Services of Kent County, Inner City Christian Federation, Saint Johns Home, and Pregnancy Resource Center
• The foundation has shown consistent support for human services organizations addressing basic needs in the community
• Long-term relationships with grantees appear common, with multiple organizations receiving repeat funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation without a formal application process - relationship building is essential
• Focus areas are clearly defined: Christian organizations, children's services, family services, and human services
• Geographic focus is strongly centered on Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding communities
• With $2.2-2.5 million in annual giving and 47 grants made recently, they are actively grant-making
• Average grant size of $51,100 suggests capacity for significant support, though median of $15,000 indicates many smaller grants
• Direct phone contact at (616) 455-0200 is the primary way to explore opportunities
• Review their Form 990-PF filings to understand recent grantees and alignment patterns

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/mojo-foundation,383325750/ (Accessed February 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/383325750 (Accessed February 2024)
• Grantmakers.io Profile - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/383325750-mojo-foundation/ (Accessed February 2024)
• Charity Navigator - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/383325750 (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/mojo-foundation-co-michael-a-mcgraw (Accessed February 2024)
• GuideStar Profile - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-3325750 (Accessed February 2024)
• TheShareWay Funder Profile - https://www.theshareway.com/funder/mojo-foundation-47629 (Accessed February 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MOJO001 (Accessed February 2024)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023) via ProPublica