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The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.4M
Grant Range
$4K - $0.3M
Decision Time
2mo

The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,400,000 (2021)
  • Total Assets: $60,341,092 (2021)
  • Grant Range: $4,000 - $350,000
  • Application Deadlines: April 1 and October 1
  • Geographic Focus: Michigan, with priority on Midland and mid-Michigan region
  • Founded: 1957

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 471
Midland, MI 48640-0471

Phone: (989) 832-0066

Website: https://www.strosacker.org

Application Portal: Blackbaud Grantmaking portal (transitioned July 2025)

Overview

The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation was established January 31, 1957, by chemist and Dow Chemical Company Vice President Charles J. Strosacker (1882-1963) with an initial contribution of $1,000 and substantial Dow Chemical stock. The foundation was inspired by Strosacker's admiration for his sister Bertha's charitable work with the Presbyterian Church. Described by its founder as "small in design and primarily local in nature," the foundation has granted more than $28 million since inception. With assets exceeding $60 million and annual giving over $4.4 million, the foundation maintains its commitment to supporting political subdivisions of Michigan and religious, charitable, benevolent, scientific, and educational organizations primarily in the Midland area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a consolidated grant program with biannual deadlines. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope:

  • Small Projects: $4,000 - $5,000 (emergency food pantries, research funds)
  • Typical Projects: $25,000 - $50,000 (program support, equipment)
  • Major Projects: $100,000 - $150,000 (facility improvements, workforce initiatives)
  • Capital Campaigns: Up to $350,000+ (collaborative infrastructure projects)

Applications are accepted through the Blackbaud Grantmaking portal on a rolling basis with deadlines of April 1 and October 1.

Priority Areas

The foundation's fields of interest include:

  • Education: Elementary, secondary, and higher education; educational management; workforce development
  • Youth Development: Athletics, recreation programs, youth services
  • Health and Human Services: Mental health access, grief support, senior services, medical care
  • Community Development: Housing, infrastructure, economic development
  • Arts and Culture: Cultural programs, arts organizations
  • Environmental Education: Nature centers, conservation education
  • Religious Organizations: Christian and other faith-based programs
  • Public Affairs: Political subdivisions of Michigan

Special Interest Populations: Children and youth, economically disadvantaged people, low-income populations, students, seniors, people with disabilities

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals (grants only to eligible organizations)
  • Organizations outside Michigan (primary focus on mid-Michigan)

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team:

Kimberlee Baczewski - President and CEO
20-year trustee with a Bachelor's in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University. Previously worked as a Recreational Therapist and Admissions Manager. Named President and CEO in December 2022.

"I'm honored and humbled to take this next step at the foundation. I am grateful for this community and look forward to collaborating with the amazing agencies we have."

Bobbie Nelson Arnold - Chairman of the Board
Served as President/CEO for 18 years; trustee and officer since 2001. Led the foundation through significant growth before transitioning to Board Chair.

Board of Trustees (as of 2024):
John Bartos, Jim Borin (Treasurer), Andrea Dominowski (Assistant Treasurer), Dave Dunn, Chuck Kendall, Richard Reynolds (Executive Vice President), Amy Wilson, Dr. Lydia Watson, Rod Coleman (joined December 2023, brings financial expertise)

Board members maintain active involvement in community organizations including MidMichigan Health, Michigan Humanities Council, and Council of Michigan Foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Blackbaud Grantmaking portal. The foundation transitioned to this new system effective July 7, 2025. Applicants must create a Blackbaud ID or use an existing one. Note that previous application history does not transfer to the new system.

Required Application Materials:

  • Statement of the grant's purpose
  • Description of major expenditures and income sources
  • Detailed project budget
  • Project timeline
  • Requested funding amount
  • IRS tax-exempt status letter
  • Organization's latest financial statements

Application Deadlines: April 1 and October 1

Important Policy: Foundation trustees do not conduct personal interviews with applicants except at the Foundation's discretion.

Decision Timeline

Decisions are made following the April and October deadlines, though specific decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should expect notification within several weeks to a few months of the deadline.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent funding cycles. The foundation has demonstrated willingness to support organizations multiple times, as evidenced by multi-year grants (e.g., $30,000 per year from 2020-2023 to Chippewa Nature Center).

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's recent grant awards and leadership statements, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Clear Community Impact in Michigan
The foundation prioritizes projects serving mid-Michigan, particularly Midland County. Recent grants demonstrate strong preference for local impact with measurable outcomes.

2. Focus on Foundation Priority Areas
President Kimberlee Baczewski has highlighted specific priorities through grant announcements:

  • Mental health access: "This will increase access to mental health services and remove barriers for clients and for staff."
  • Youth development: "With the number of middle school students participating in athletics increasing, the Foundation is happy to partner..."
  • Affordable housing: "Affordable, sustainable housing is critical for our community."

3. Detailed Budget and Financial Documentation
Applications require comprehensive budget information and financial statements. The foundation values fiscal transparency and clear expenditure planning.

4. Collaborative Partnerships
The foundation frequently participates in collaborative funding efforts with other Michigan foundations (e.g., partnering with Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation for the $210,000 Davenport University gift).

5. Examples of Recently Funded Projects:

  • Family & Children's Services: $75,000 for technology upgrades to increase mental health access
  • Senior Services of Midland County: $145,625 for accessible bike shelter and outdoor pavilion
  • Juvenile Care Center: $100,000 for Monarch Academy Project
  • Greater Midland Community Center: $30,000 for middle school athletics uniforms and equipment
  • Children's Grief Center: $25,000 for print materials supporting grieving families
  • Davenport University: $110,000 for health care workforce initiatives
  • Dow Diamond improvements: $350,000 (collaborative project)

6. Support for Underserved Populations
Projects serving economically disadvantaged people, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities receive special consideration.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic alignment is critical: The foundation maintains Charles J. Strosacker's vision of being "primarily local in nature." Mid-Michigan and particularly Midland County organizations have the strongest chance of success.

  • Timing matters: With only two annual deadlines (April 1 and October 1), plan well in advance and ensure all required materials are complete before submission.

  • No interviews means application quality is paramount: Since the foundation does not conduct interviews except at their discretion, your written application must tell the complete story clearly and compellingly.

  • Think collaborative: The foundation values partnerships and frequently co-funds projects with other Michigan foundations. Mention collaborative aspects of your project.

  • Align with current leadership priorities: Under President Kimberlee Baczewski's leadership, mental health access, youth development, and affordable housing have received particular attention.

  • Show fiscal responsibility: Detailed budgets and strong financial documentation are required. Demonstrate sound financial management and clear expenditure plans.

  • Demonstrate sustainability: Multi-year grants and repeat funding suggest the foundation values projects with long-term community impact and organizational stability.

References

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