The Charis Foundation Incorporated
This organization is a private foundation focused on providing financial support primarily to religious and community-based organizations. Its mission appears to center on enhancing community welfare through contributions to churches and human services initiatives. The foundation serves a variety of causes, including educational institutions and community centers, reflecting a commitment to fostering community development and support. While it is based in Michigan, its funding has also extended to organizations in other states, indicating a broader outreach in its charitable activities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-midsize faith-based or community service organizations with local ties or a referral relationship to the foundation.
Good Fit
- • Mission is religious, church-based, or local community/human services work.
- • Organizational presence or programming in Michigan (or a documented connection to prior grantees).
- • Request fits general operating or program support at gift sizes similar to past grants ($2K–$110K historically).
- • A direct introduction or referral from a board member, past recipient, or local intermediary.
Geography
Giving is regionally concentrated: most years' grants went to Michigan recipients with occasional out-of-state gifts (Illinois, Florida), and the latest year shows a single out-of-state grant.
Recipient Variety
Across four years the foundation made small numbers of awards each year (typically one to three grants), so the recipient set is modest but includes multiple independent organizations rather than a single captive beneficiary.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover is limited and the foundation's materials state it only funds preselected applicants; with no public application route or contact details visible, unfamiliar organizations are unlikely to enter the portfolio without a referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
