Founders and History

Civic leaders in Grand Rapids for decades, Edward and Frances Frey had the original vision for the Frey Foundation. That vision was born of love for their community and commitment to philanthropy. The Foundation was established in 1974 and endowed in 1988 from their estate. However, it was up to the next generation - David G. Frey, Edward J. Frey, Jr., John M. Frey and Mary Caroline (Twink) Frey - to make their parents' bold vision a reality. Inspired by the same values, this generation embraced the challenge as the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Working together, they created a grantmaking system and established an investment committee to manage the foundation's endowment. Today, the Frey Foundation is one of Michigan's largest family foundations.