Anna Paulina Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,010,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: $100,000 - $300,000 (larger grants possible)
• Geographic Focus: Michigan, emphasis on Greater Flint area

Contact Details

Website: https://annapaulina.org
Email: grants@AnnaPaulina.org
Address: 3400 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507-3112
EIN: 38-6061335

Overview

The Anna Paulina Foundation was established in 1961 by the Koegel family to "give back to the community where the family business first grew and prospered." The foundation is connected to Koegel Meats, a family-owned meat processing company founded in Flint in 1916. Tax-exempt since August 1963, the foundation has grown to hold over $33 million in assets and distributed $2,010,000 in grants in 2024 across 46 awards. After operating for over 60 years primarily through preselected charitable organizations, the foundation recently introduced a formal application process for the first time, marking a significant shift toward more accessible grantmaking. The foundation maintains a strong commitment to supporting public charities throughout Michigan, with particular emphasis on the Greater Flint area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Strategic Grants Program

• Grant Range: $100,000 - $300,000 (larger grants may be considered)
• Application Method: Online application or email submission
• Deadlines: May 2 (spring) and August 1 (fall)
• Note: Does not support general operations

General Grants

• Historically made smaller grants with median of $5,000
• In 2024, made 46 grants ranging from small contributions to $1,000,000

Priority Areas

1. The Arts - Special interest in music programs
2. Youth Leadership & Enrichment - Programs developing young people's skills
3. Urban Beautification - Projects enhancing community environments
4. Human Services for Vulnerable Populations - Support for those most in need

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) public charity status
• General operations (for Strategic Grants program)

Governance and Leadership

Officers:

• John Koegel - President
• Katlyn Koegel - Vice President
• Jeffry D. Rocco - Treasurer
• Mark Neithercut - Secretary

Board of Trustees includes: Kathryn Koegel, Lisa Koegel, Jane Koegel, Cameron Koegel, Anne Rocco, Andrea Rocco

The foundation operates as a family foundation with no compensation paid to officers, representing multiple generations of the Koegel family's commitment to philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation recently introduced a formal application process:

1. Online Application: Complete 4-step form at https://annapaulina.org/apply/
2. Email Submission: Send materials to grants@AnnaPaulina.org
3. Format Option: May use Council of Michigan Common Grant Application format

Required Materials:

• Organizational information and project description
• Project budget and workplan with timeline
• Evaluation plan with expected outcomes
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
• Most recent financial audit or Form 990
• Cover letter

Decision Timeline

Spring Cycle: May 2 deadline → August announcements (3 months)
Fall Cycle: August 1 deadline → December announcements (4 months)

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Recent giving history:

• 2024: 46 grants totaling $2,010,000
• 2023: 25 grants awarded
• Trend suggests consolidation toward fewer, larger grants

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy documented. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

• Strong Flint Connection: Largest 2024 awards went to Flint organizations ($1M to First Presbyterian Church, $515K to Crossover Downtown Outreach Ministry)
• Clear Priority Area Alignment: Applications should explicitly address one of four priority areas using foundation's language
• Impact and Evaluation Focus: Detailed evaluation plans with specific metrics are required
• Project-Specific Requests: Structure requests around defined projects or capital needs, not general operations
• Public Charity Status Essential: Only 501(c)(3) public charities eligible
• New Opportunity Window: Recent shift from invitation-only to open applications presents unique opportunity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local Connection Matters: Greater Flint area organizations receive largest grants; emphasize any Flint connections
• Think Big But Be Realistic: Strategic Grants program focuses on $100K-$300K awards, substantially larger than historical median
• Project-Specific Requests Perform Better: Define specific initiatives with measurable outcomes rather than general support
• First-Time Application Window: Foundation's new open process after 60+ years presents unique opportunity for new applicants
• Two Chances Per Year: Strategic timing with spring and fall deadlines allows for thoughtful preparation
• Family Foundation Values: Demonstrate understanding of community roots and long-term sustainability
• Prepare for Thorough Review: 3-4 month timeline suggests careful review; submit complete, well-documented applications

References

1. Anna Paulina Foundation Official Website - https://annapaulina.org/ (Accessed January 2025)
2. Anna Paulina Foundation Application Page - https://annapaulina.org/apply/ (Accessed January 2025)
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 Filings - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/386061335 (Accessed January 2025)
4. Grantmakers.io Profile - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/386061335-anna-paulina-foundation/ (Accessed January 2025)
5. Cause IQ - Anna Paulina Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/anna-paulina-foundation,386061335/ (Accessed January 2025)
6. Instrumentl 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/anna-paulina-foundation (Accessed January 2025)
7. Koegel Meat Company History - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koegel_Meat_Company (Accessed January 2025)
8. "How Koegel Meats became a Flint staple" - AND Magazine - https://and.flintandgenesee.org/how-koegel-meats-became-a-flint-staple/ (Accessed January 2025)