Funder directory → Michigan → BESSER FOUNDATION
Private foundation · ALPENA, MI · EIN 386071938BESSER FOUNDATION
✓ Latest filing reports an application path
What an applicant should know first
Application path
Reported in the filing
Use the filing instructions below, then confirm the current process.
Reported deadline
REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE END OF THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH CALENDAR QUARTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY
Historical filing information; verify directly with the foundation.
Typical reported grant
$13,418–$60,000
Median $25,000 in the latest filing.
Typical grant
$13,418–$60,000
median $25,000
Giving (latest FY)
$768,227
17 grants · FY2025
Assets
$18,702,391
gives in MI
Looking beyond BESSER FOUNDATION?
Use this filing as a starting point, then compare application-ready foundations aligned with your cause, location, and typical request size.
How to apply — from the foundation's own filing
Application form & materials: REQUESTS SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND INCLUDE PROOF OF 501(C)(3) STATUS.
Deadlines: REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE END OF THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH CALENDAR QUARTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY
Restrictions: PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS RELATED TO THE WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF ALPENA AREA ARE OF PRIMARY CONCERN AND WILL RECEIVE PRIORITY. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED BY A TRUSTEE, THE FOUNDATION WILL NOT CONSIDER GRANT REQUESTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE OF ALPENA; NOR FOR ENDOWMENT FUNDS, TO DEFRAY MEETING OR CONFERENCE EXPENSES, OR TO PAY FOR TRAVEL OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS. WE WILL NOT RELIEVE ORGANIZATIONS OR THE PUBLIC OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, NOR MAKE GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Contact: GARY DAWLEY · 350 N SECOND AVE 701, ALPENA, MI, 49707 · 9893566613
This is historical public-record information, not a current invitation or guarantee. Confirm the process, deadline, and eligibility directly with the foundation before applying.
| Grantee | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BESSER MUSEUM · ALPENA, MI | OPERATING EXPENSES | $260,000 |
| ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC CHURCH · ALPENA, MI | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS | $75,000 |
| CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES · ALPENA, MI | OPERATING | $50,000 |
| HOPE SHORES ALLIANCE · ALPENA, MI | DV VICTIM SHELTER RENOVATION | $50,000 |
| CITY OF ALPENA · ALPENA, MI | NORTHEAST MI MATERIALS MGMT | $50,000 |
| PACE NORTHEAST MICHIGAN · ALPENA, MI | GENERAL | $50,000 |
| ALPENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS · ALPENA, MI | EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION | $41,697 |
| FRIENDS OF HARRISVILLE DEPOT · HARRISVILLE, MI | CONSTRUCTION | $5,000 |
| FRIENDS OF HUBBARD LAKE COMM CENTER · HUBBARD LAKE, MI | COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENTS | $25,000 |
Frequently asked about BESSER FOUNDATION
Does BESSER FOUNDATION accept grant applications?
Its FY2025 IRS filing does not mark giving as limited to preselected recipients and reports an application path. Filing information is historical, so confirm current eligibility directly with the foundation.
How do I apply to BESSER FOUNDATION?
The FY2025 filing reports: REQUESTS SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND INCLUDE PROOF OF 501(C)(3) STATUS.
What is the BESSER FOUNDATION grant application deadline?
The FY2025 filing reports: REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE END OF THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH CALENDAR QUARTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY
How much does BESSER FOUNDATION typically award?
Its FY2025 filing shows a typical grant range of $13,418–$60,000 and a median grant of $25,000. These are historical reported grants, not a promised future award.
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI · median $100,000
THE KRESGE FOUNDATION
TROY, MI · median $140,000
THE RONDA E STRYKER AND WILLIAM D
KALAMAZOO, MI · median $150,000
THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION
DETROIT, MI · median $10,000
THE FRED & BARBARA ERB FAMILY
ROYAL OAK, MI · median $25,000
DTE ENERGY FOUNDATION
DETROIT, MI · median $10,025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF e-file disclosure, fiscal year 2025 (public record under 26 U.S.C. §6104). Filings lag by their nature — verify current priorities and procedures with the foundation before applying. Represent this foundation and see an error? Tell us with the correction and source filing.