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Stewart And Lenore Kniff Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.0M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.1M

Stewart And Lenore Kniff Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,000,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $2,500 - $130,000
  • Geographic Focus: Michigan, Florida, and Washington
  • Number of Grants: 36 grants (2024)
  • Total Assets: $20,535,239 (2024)

Contact Details

Address: Sparta, MI

Note: No public website, email, or phone number available. This is a private family foundation operating with limited public-facing contact information.

Overview

The Stewart And Lenore Kniff Family Foundation Inc was established by Stewart "Nip" Kniff (1930-2015) and his wife Lenore (1929-2023), a Michigan family who built their wealth through successful construction businesses. Stewart owned Sub-Surface Construction Co. in Grand Rapids and Utility Contracting Co. in Sparta, employing over 900 people at the company's peak and building gas distribution systems in over 40 Michigan communities. He was named "Man of the Year in Michigan" in 1980 and was featured in Men of Achievement in the Pipeline Industry. The foundation, tax-exempt since May 1997, has grown significantly in recent years, with total assets increasing from approximately $495,000 in 2022 to over $20.5 million in 2024. The foundation made 36 grants totaling $1 million in 2024, reflecting the family's commitment to education, human services, and religious organizations, particularly those the Kniff family supported during their lifetimes.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three main areas:

  • Education: Supporting educational institutions and programs
  • Human Services: Funding organizations that provide direct services to communities
  • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking: Supporting other charitable organizations and religious institutions

Known Recipients

Based on the founders' personal involvement and support during their lifetimes, organizations with historical connections to the Kniff family include:

  • Holland Home (Grand Rapids, MI) - Senior living and care services
  • Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference (Muskegon, MI) - Stewart served as President; both founders were board members and founding members of related organizations
  • Mission India - International missionary organization supported by the founders
  • 7th Reformed Church - The Kniff family were long-time members (50+ years)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but as a small family foundation, they likely do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their geographic focus areas (Michigan, Florida, Washington)
  • Organizations unrelated to their core priority areas
  • Large capital campaigns requiring grants beyond their typical range

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by a small board of trustees:

  • C. Andrew Edwards, President (Compensation: $90,000)
  • Lynn Olree, Secretary (Compensation: $15,000)
  • Thomas Littin, Treasurer (Compensation: $15,000)

Note: Lynn Kniff Littin is identified as the daughter of Stewart and Lenore Kniff, suggesting continued family involvement in the foundation's leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Stewart And Lenore Kniff Family Foundation operates as a private family foundation that awards grants through trustee discretion. There is no website, published guidelines, or formal application portal. Grants appear to be awarded to organizations identified by the trustees, often based on the family's historical relationships and the founders' personal philanthropic interests.

Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications through a standard process. Grants are typically made to:

  • Organizations with which the Kniff family had long-standing relationships
  • Institutions in communities where the family lived and worked (Sparta, Grand Rapids, Bonita Springs/Naples FL)
  • Causes aligned with the founders' values (Christian faith, education, senior care, missions)

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation making grants through trustee discretion, decision timelines vary based on board meetings and trustee availability.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. Without a public application process, traditional success rate metrics do not apply.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the following factors may influence whether an organization receives consideration:

Historical Connections: The foundation appears to prioritize organizations that Stewart and Lenore Kniff personally supported during their lifetimes, including their church, Maranatha Bible Conference (where Stewart served as President), Holland Home, and Mission India.

Geographic Alignment: The foundation focuses on Michigan (particularly the Grand Rapids/Sparta area where the Kniffs built their businesses and lived), Florida (where they spent winters in Bonita Springs), and Washington state.

Mission Alignment: Organizations should align with the founders' values, which centered on Christian faith, education, service to the elderly, and global missions. Both founders were deeply involved in their church and missionary work.

Community Impact: Stewart Kniff built his career serving Michigan communities through infrastructure development (gas distribution systems in 40+ communities). Organizations demonstrating tangible community benefit may align with this legacy.

Operational Excellence: As a successful businessman who employed 900+ people, Stewart valued effective operations. Organizations should demonstrate sound financial management and clear program outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Applications: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications and operates through trustee discretion
  • Relationship-Based Giving: Grants flow primarily to organizations with established connections to the Kniff family or aligned with their historical philanthropic interests
  • Faith-Centered Values: The Kniff family's deep Christian faith and 50+ years of church membership suggest preference for faith-based organizations or those serving populations consistent with Christian values
  • Michigan Focus: While the foundation has expanded to Florida and Washington, Michigan organizations—particularly in the Grand Rapids/Sparta region—remain central to their giving
  • Mid-Range Grants: With typical awards between $2,500-$130,000 and 36 grants annually, the foundation makes moderate-sized awards to a select group of organizations
  • Small, Personal Foundation: Despite assets exceeding $20 million, this remains a private family foundation with family members in leadership, suggesting highly personalized grantmaking decisions
  • Consider Indirect Connections: Organizations without direct Kniff family ties are unlikely to receive funding unless connected through board members, shared networks, or the Christian Reformed/evangelical community in West Michigan

References

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