UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $30,000 (Community Grants Program)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Annual cycle
• Grant Range: $7,500 - $10,000 (based on recent awards)
• Geographic Focus: Michigan communities where Brio Living Services operates

Contact Details

East Office:

• Address: 805 W. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118
• Phone: 734.433.1000 ext. 7502
• Email: advancement@umrcph.org
• Website: foundation.mybrio.org

West Office:

• Phone: 616.577.2297

Overview

The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation (EIN: 383443089) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established as the charitable arm of Brio Living Services (formerly United Methodist Retirement Communities and Porter Hills). With $71.3 million in assets and $13.1 million in annual revenue (2024), the foundation primarily supports its parent organization's mission of serving older adults across Michigan. While the bulk of funding supports internal programs, the foundation operates a modest but consistent Community Grants program distributing $30,000 annually to external nonprofits serving seniors. The organization has been tax-exempt since September 2020 and operates from its headquarters in Chelsea, Michigan.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Grants Program: $30,000 annually

  • Individual grants range from approximately $7,500-$10,000
  • Annual application cycle with awards typically announced in summer/fall
  • Focus on organizations serving older adults in Brio Living Services communities

• Internal Support Programs (not available to external applicants):

  • Benevolent Care Fund: $18.5+ million since 1998
  • Team Member Support Services
  • Life Enrichment Programs
  • Capital Initiatives

Priority Areas

• Meals on Wheels programs serving older adults
• Intergenerational community initiatives
• Alzheimer's and dementia care support
• Programs enhancing quality of life for seniors
• Services supporting older adults in Michigan communities

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's narrow focus suggests they likely do not fund:

• Programs outside Michigan
• Services not directly benefiting older adults
• Organizations in communities without a Brio Living Services presence

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

• Kelli Smith, CFRE - President & CEO
• Lisa French - Senior Director of Communications
• Karen Owen - Director of Donor Operations
• Rachel Webster - Director of Philanthropy
• Dustie Wiggins - Director of Legacy Giving

Board Leadership:

• Reezie Devet - Board Chair
• Mary Lee Penney - Vice Chair
• Will Epps - Secretary
• Jeff Williams - Treasurer

According to Kelli Smith, CFRE: "Each year, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board confidently selects local nonprofit organizations to champion through our Community Grant program."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not publicize a formal application process on their website. Organizations seeking grants should contact the foundation directly at advancement@umrcph.org or 734.433.1000 ext. 7502 to inquire about:

• Current grant cycle availability
• Application requirements
• Submission deadlines
• Eligibility criteria

Decision Timeline

• Awards announced annually (typically summer/fall)
• 2025 grants were awarded to Meals on Wheels programs
• 2024 grants were distributed to four organizations

Success Rates

Not publicly available. With $30,000 distributed annually and recent awards to 3-4 organizations, the program appears highly selective.

Reapplication Policy

Not documented publicly. Contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant recipients and foundation priorities:

• Geographic alignment: Must serve communities where Brio Living Services has facilities
• Target population: Clear focus on serving older adults
• Program impact: Demonstrated benefit to senior community members
• Collaborative approach: Programs that build intergenerational connections are valued
• Established credibility: Recent recipients include well-known organizations like Alzheimer's Association

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation's external grant program is modest ($30,000 annually) but consistent, making it highly competitive • Geographic restrictions are strict - only organizations serving Brio Living Services communities are eligible • Focus exclusively on programs benefiting older adults to align with foundation mission • With no public application process, relationship building through direct contact is essential • Consider timing outreach for early in the year before summer/fall award announcements • The foundation's substantial assets ($71.3M) suggest potential for program growth, though current external giving remains limited

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - UMRC Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/383443089 (Accessed February 2024)
• UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation website: https://foundation.mybrio.org/ (Accessed February 2024)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/383443089 (Accessed February 2024)
• Council of Michigan Foundations: https://www.michiganfoundations.org/news/united-methodist-retirement-communities-umrc-foundation (Accessed February 2024)
• "UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Awards Community Grants" - Chelsea Update (2024)
• "Main Street Park Alliance Receives Grant from UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation" - Chelsea Update (2024)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-3443089 (Accessed February 2024)