How to Apply

2026 Grant Application Window Open May 1 through July 31

The Van Elslander Family Foundation focuses its grantmaking in two areas:

• Helping families in crisis achieve stability.

• Empowering vulnerable youth for future success.

Grants will only be awarded in Michigan, with a special interest in metro Detroit. The Foundation prioritizes smaller organization seeking to make a big impact and programs that give people the tools to be successful.

Grants must be for charitable purposes and serve a public benefit through a charity recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service, and may not be through a private foundation. Support will not be awarded to K-12 schools or political activities. A qualifying organization must, in policy and in practice, not discriminate based on age, creed, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Applications should include:

• Cover letter signed by Executive Director
• Project Description
• Goals and Outcomes
• Project Budget
• Organization Budget
• Timeline
• Amount requested
• List of Board Members
• The IRS letter granting tax exempt status to the organization
• The organization’s latest financial statements (audited)