We make grants only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public institutions. You will be asked to provide proof of your tax-exempt status.

The Frey Foundation funds new expenses associated with new ventures. This is consistent with our mission to promote innovation and change.

We give primarily on the western side of Michigan's lower peninsula, with special emphasis on the greater Grand Rapids area and Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

For community-based or regional projects, the Foundation accepts proposals from charitable 501(c)(3) organizations or government agencies based in or primarily serving Kent, Emmet or Charlevoix counties.

For state-level projects, the Foundation accepts proposals from charitable organizations or state (Michigan) government agencies that have the potential to impact the entire state and also serve one or more of our regional targets.

Requests are not accepted from individuals for any purpose, or from organizations proposing activities that are taxable. Funding is not typically provided for routine operating expenses, endowment or debt retirement purposes, sectarian charitable activity, scholarships, research, conferences, speakers, or travel.

Deadlines for submission of most proposals fall on the 15th of February, May, August and November, or the first business day following, if the 15th is a weekend or holiday. Most proposals received on the 15th of those months are presented to the Board of Trustees at their next quarterly meeting (i.e., a February 15th submission would likely be reviewed in May.) Applications submitted must be complete and on time to receive consideration.

You can generally expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks; however, you're always welcome to contact us.

In 2008, the Foundation made 181 grants totaling $9,711,818.

Yes, and it can be accessed here. A printable format (75 KB, DOC) is also available, although we encourage you to try the online application.

NOTE: In order to make the best use of your time, we encourage you to first review the Preliminary Eligibility Questions and then contact us for a brief discussion of your project or proposal.

Yes. You may start the online application, save it, and return later to continue working on it. At the bottom of each page of the application you will need to click "Save and Finish Later". PLEASE NOTE, this is the only way to save your application. After being prompted to create an account, an email will be automatically sent to that email address confirming your password and containing a new link to access your saved application.

No. However, if your application was submitted in error, or you do not want it to be considered in our next grant cycle, please promptly contact us via email or telephone.

Yes, a copy of the application is available for viewing or printing here (75 KB, DOC).

Yes. Before you click the submit button at the end of the application, you will have an opportunity to upload documents. We accept documents in any of the following formats: Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc), Excel (.xls), PowerPoint (.ppt), Rich Text files (.rtf) or graphic files (.tif, .gif or .jpg).

Yes, we will be happy to receive your application in print format. We offer an online application, and encourage its use, in an effort to save time and resources for both our applicants and staff.

No. In most cases this is the result of clicking on a program link and starting a new application. Instead, close your browser (if it's still open) and return to the Frey Foundation's Apply Online page. Click the link for returning applicants. Log in with your email address and password and click the link to the application you were working on.

If you forgot to include attachments with your submittal, simply e-mail them directly to contact@freyfdn.org and they will be included with your request.

NO! Selecting the back browser on your internet browser will disconnect you from the online application and you may lose unsaved information. Instead, use the page numbers at the top of the application to move between pages.

Please scroll to the top of page 2 and click on "3", which will bring you to to the third section to upload attachments. The missing "next" button is an anomaly of the system that the manufacturers haven't yet been able to correct.

You may mail non-electronic formatted items to us at:

40 Pearl Street NW - Suite 1100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3028

When mailing supporting documentation, please clearly indicate your organization's name, address and the project title and that you have submitted an online application.

No. You must click "submit" once more after you go through the "review and submit" process or your application will not be officially submitted. You will receive an email confirming that it has been submitted. If you do not receive this within 48 hours, please contact us.

Applicants can expect to hear from us by mail generally within 1-2 weeks. After that, a program officer may contact you to set up a meeting to review your proposal or ask some clarifying questions.

Yes. The Foundation operates all of its business with the utmost care and attention paid to privacy. We never share our data with anyone other than complying with the IRS disclosure rules with regards to grant awards as reported in our annual 990-PF.

Yes. Please contact the Frey Foundation at 40 Pearl Street, NW, Suite 1100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or reach us by phone at 616-451-0303, by fax at 616-451-8481, or by e-mail to contact@freyfdn.org